Captain's Dinner
 

Hello:
I will be going on a cruise to the South Pacific that stops in Hawaii, Tahiti etc.
I have a vintage Hawaiian Wedding shirt that is very beautiful.

Would it be "unacceptable" to wear this shirt to the Captain's dinner?

Also, what color pants would be appropriate? Black or white?

Thanks, in advance,

Richard

Assuming you are not a troll and this is a serious question, isn't captain's dinner on a formal night, and you will need a tuxedo, or at least a suit?

No, you do not need a tux. We travel Oceania (high end) and even there a dark suit was fine. The "Captain's Dinner" is one of those antique customs that is slowly going out of style.

Basically if a shirt etc is a formal dress in one's country it is perfectly acceptable. I have seen military uniforms, Scottish kilts and Filipino dress shirts at formal nights. If your shirt is worn for formal occasions in Hawaii I don't see why it wouldn't be acceptable. What line are you cruising on?

Hello:
Thank you for your replies.

I will be traveling on Holland America.

I should have added that the shirt is all white with a lace section on the sleeve about 3" wide 3" up from the end of the shirt sleeve. It is worn outside of the pants not tucked in.

Any suggestions on pants? I would love to wear white because my wife has an Escada dress that is quite colorful and it would go nicely with my outfit, I think.

traveller69, your comment about alternative dress is a good one because I too have seen Scottish kilts on Captain's Dinner night.

Also, I believe I have seen photos of Filipino dignitaries wearing white at official ceremonies.

I have a dark suit for the Captain's dinner but since we will be in Hawaii for a couple of day I thought this shirt would be a somewhat unique touch for the evening.

Thank you all.

Richard

I think that's a terific idea Richard. Even though I'm a firm believe in dressing appropriately (I'm often in the minority on that subject) I think your shirt and white pants would be perfectly acceptable. I remember an African American couple from California wearing African dress to a formal dinner on a cruise we were on and they looked fantastic.

My husband has a beautiful white dress Guyabara that he often wears to dinner on cruises and he looks great.

Have fun and wear your suit for the farewell dinner!

Richard - I would take the shirt with you and and if you are concerned check with the matre d or any of the staff. You can certainly wear it on the semi formal nights or whatever the new term is for that - dressy casual I think. But, I am sure it is appropriate and it is usually worn with white pants so - go for it!! And enjoy the cruise.