Cruising

**NewGuise** · 13th January 10, 05:40 PM

While the few pictures taken of me wandering around the Costa Fortuna in the oh-so-cool Caribbean last week did not turn out, this formal night shot of me with my handsome partner and lovely mother came out not too badly.

I feel thoroughly underdressed beside those two, but they both wanted me to wear my Keltoi box-pleated Highland Granite kilt, and I do not yet own a kilt jacket other than my Wallace, so I went with that. (You see, Josh, what I'm up against?) So ... be kind. Many on board wore far less formal outfits even on formal nights - the guy at the next table at dinner was wearing an old t-shirt. Still, next time, I'll hope to have a jacket more in keeping with my partner's tuxedo. (And I'll pull my cuffs back - I'd just been showng someone my nifty new cufflinks...)

The kilt did elicit many favorable comments, especially from the crew, even days later, in several languages. Servers in the bars and maids in the hallways told me they loved it. Officers remembered me, and were very friendly. One passenger in military unifom gave a jocular salute as I walked past kilted, and women on the dance floor danced up to me. One woman recited a slightly off-colour poem on a stairway, and a man stopped to ask whether that was my clan tartan, but no one asked what was underneath. No one fondled my bovine sporran, either, but so it goes.

**DryFly** · 13th January 10, 06:25 PM

Good on ya' for goin with the kilt. Last year my wife and I did our first cruise. Then when the formal evening came around she harangued me into my tux. Said that there were usually 2 formal nights. She was mistaken. Next time (whenever that might be) the tux stays at home.

Kilt on

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 13th January 10, 06:41 PM

I think you fine, a white shirt might have been a tad more formal, but overall there's nothing to be ashamed of. Keeping up with your partner's dinner jacket however is going to take some doing!

**Rex_Tremende** · 13th January 10, 07:00 PM

Very nice - all three of you!

**NewGuise** · 13th January 10, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

...a white shirt might have been a tad more formal, but overall there's nothing to be ashamed of. Keeping up with your partner's dinner jacket however is going to take some doing!

The white shirt was worn on the other formal night. Yes, Dryfly, there were two on this cruise, as well as a 'semi-formal' evening; we knew that in advance, this being our third time on Costa, an Italian cruiseline. The final evening is "Roman night" for which they leave enough sheets and paper laurel crowns for everyone in each cabin; everyone is expected to show up for dinner and the evening talent show in togas. Those pictures I'll keep to myself...