Quote Originally Posted by BuckeyeMark View Post
Next year I'll be on a British Isle cruise with two stops in Scotland (we hope!). There will be formal nights on the cruise and I've decided I'd like to try the formal kilt look this time. Absolutely new to this. Need much guidance.

1. What are the big NO-NOs - I don't want to unintentionally do something stupid and offensive.

2. Tuxes are getting rarer on formal nights as cruising has gotten more informal, but you still see some (and yes, I rock a double breasted tux that is very cool, and also the white tux jacket from Casablanca - everyone comes to Rick's, you know, but I digress). So do I go full Prince Charles short jacket or would an argyll jacket be better if there are a lot of suits?

Most cruises have a couple of formal nights, If you have Prince Charlie jacket wear it, dress or semi dress sporran for evening.wear is fine

3. What is all that extra bling on the PC jackets?!

Dont worry about bling

4. How much worry do I need to have about matching in the total outfit? I see sporans with thistles and sgian dubh with thistles too and kilt pins with thistles. Should that all match? If I go with thistles on the sporan then I have to have them everywhere else? I kinda like lions but I wonder if that is a "no" because of the British lion ... and I don't think the Scots are real fond of them?

Pins Sgisn dubh and sporran cantle adornments do not need to match in my experience

5. Rules on dress sporans? I've read some here already but just need the short answer: fur or black leather?

Fur if you have but the other would equally be fine

6. I am hopeful to trace my roots across the pond and find a clan, but if disaster happens (argh, I'm French! LOL) then there are a couple of "universal" tartans like BlackWatch that are okay? This isn't viewed as lame and I really should junk the whole project rather than wear a generic tartan?

I have clan tartans but also wear generic tartans so wear what you like. Black watch is quite subtle , Hunting Stewart is also very good

7. What about fly plaids? That seems super dressy. Don't see that a lot in people's pics from cruises. Are there rules about when to wear one?

I never wear these it takes too much effort and ultimately not that comfy. Pipers do look great in this

Sorry for so many questions. Do not want to do this wrong. Do not want to disrespect kilts and all who love them! Thanks for your help.
Your questions are respectful and pertinent , I think if you take a fairly simplistic kilt outfit with you you will enjoy wearing it and be complimented by your fellow passengers.

I wore a kilt on cruise ships for ten years. It was always well received

Enjoy your holiday