theheartbreakkid Posted September 3, 2013 #1 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Morning all, I have cruised before, however, I have not been for some years and have since gained a commission in the British Armed Forces. I have been told that many members of the US forces wear mess dress (or equivalent) which, in the UK, is effectively the military equivalent of black tie, on formal nights. I am going on a cruise from the US soon and wondered if it would be the done thing for a British Officer to wear mess dress on formal nights, or is it just seen as ostentatious? I am very proud to have earned the right to wear it, however, would it be seen as inappropriate, in particular by the US citizens who will no doubt be in the majority on board!? Views much appreciated, HBK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D&L Thomas Posted September 3, 2013 #2 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Wear it proudly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare John Bull Posted September 3, 2013 #3 Share Posted September 3, 2013 No worries :cool: JB :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted September 3, 2013 #4 Share Posted September 3, 2013 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1888950&highlight=mess A few replies here are relevant to your situation. Wear your mess dress proudly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theheartbreakkid Posted September 3, 2013 Author #5 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Many thanks folks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spookwife Posted September 3, 2013 #6 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Morning all, I have cruised before, however, I have not been for some years and have since gained a commission in the British Armed Forces. I have been told that many members of the US forces wear mess dress (or equivalent) which, in the UK, is effectively the military equivalent of black tie, on formal nights. I am going on a cruise from the US soon and wondered if it would be the done thing for a British Officer to wear mess dress on formal nights, or is it just seen as ostentatious? I am very proud to have earned the right to wear it, however, would it be seen as inappropriate, in particular by the US citizens who will no doubt be in the majority on board!? Views much appreciated, HBK. oh hell yes wear it! if we were on the same cruise not only would we NOT care, I'd lay odds my husband would want to compare baubles. and then compare sea stories..... do not ever be ashamed of serving your country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunner22aa Posted September 3, 2013 #7 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Wear mine all the time with no second thoughts. You earned the privlige. My wife however would sooner see me in a tux. Not because she doesn't like the mess kit but rather because she calls it my "chick magnet". Don't be surprized if you get asked for photos with people and don't be surprized if some see you as one of the ships officers. I have been asked everything from where is the nearest powder room to "all the other officers wear white, you must be someone very important wearing red and blue". Wear it with pride! A Gunner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runner15km Posted September 3, 2013 #8 Share Posted September 3, 2013 You wear your combat fatigues side by side with US troops so wearing your mess dress in the MDR is fine by me. Wear it proudly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theheartbreakkid Posted September 3, 2013 Author #9 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Clearly it won't be an issue then folks! Gunner - As an infantry officer mine is bright red and gold so I shouldn't be mistaken for a ships' officer I don't think! My parents are taking me on the holiday as a commissioning present, so they will be keen to see me in my mess dress as previously it has only been worn at private mess functions. HBK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klfrodo Posted September 3, 2013 #10 Share Posted September 3, 2013 From a US Veteran,,, wear your Mess Dress proudly. Any service member wearing their uniform usually receives a beverage of their choice on me as a small token of appreciation for their service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langoustine Posted September 3, 2013 #11 Share Posted September 3, 2013 I'm also a US Veteran ('71-73) and I agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish1c Posted September 3, 2013 #12 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Another yes vote, FWIW. I have seen Aussies & Canadians in uniform aboard ship. I can't see any reason why you shouldn't wear your uniform with pride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mom says Posted September 3, 2013 #13 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Another yes vote, FWIW. I have seen Aussies & Canadians in uniform aboard ship. I can't see any reason why you shouldn't wear your uniform with pride. I absolutely agree. DH wore his mess kit on our last sailing on the QM2. The presence of an American medal on a Canadian officer resulted in several conversations (and a couple of free cocktails, if memory serves :D) that evening. There were several officers from different countries in their mess dress- Americans, Brits, and Canadians. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wifflebat Posted September 7, 2013 #14 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Morning all, I have cruised before, however, I have not been for some years and have since gained a commission in the British Armed Forces. I have been told that many members of the US forces wear mess dress (or equivalent) which, in the UK, is effectively the military equivalent of black tie, on formal nights. I am going on a cruise from the US soon and wondered if it would be the done thing for a British Officer to wear mess dress on formal nights, or is it just seen as ostentatious? I am very proud to have earned the right to wear it, however, would it be seen as inappropriate, in particular by the US citizens who will no doubt be in the majority on board!? Views much appreciated, HBK. Should you be aboard either of our two cruises (see below) I'd be pleased to meet you and compare mess dress! Have a great time while visiting us. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeresaMac1971 Posted September 7, 2013 #15 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Morning all, I have cruised before, however, I have not been for some years and have since gained a commission in the British Armed Forces. I have been told that many members of the US forces wear mess dress (or equivalent) which, in the UK, is effectively the military equivalent of black tie, on formal nights. I am going on a cruise from the US soon and wondered if it would be the done thing for a British Officer to wear mess dress on formal nights, or is it just seen as ostentatious? I am very proud to have earned the right to wear it, however, would it be seen as inappropriate, in particular by the US citizens who will no doubt be in the majority on board!? Views much appreciated, HBK. You've earned it. Wear it and be proud :-) I personally love seeing a man in uniform. I'm American and would not be offended in any way by seeing your mess dress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiam0403 Posted September 7, 2013 #16 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Morning all, I have cruised before, however, I have not been for some years and have since gained a commission in the British Armed Forces. I have been told that many members of the US forces wear mess dress (or equivalent) which, in the UK, is effectively the military equivalent of black tie, on formal nights. I am going on a cruise from the US soon and wondered if it would be the done thing for a British Officer to wear mess dress on formal nights, or is it just seen as ostentatious? I am very proud to have earned the right to wear it, however, would it be seen as inappropriate, in particular by the US citizens who will no doubt be in the majority on board!? Views much appreciated, HBK. You absolutely should wear it! I've worn my mess dress a few times on cruises and would love to see more military folks wear them. Granted, it gets a little tiring being asked where the dining room is, but what can you do? :D I can't imagine how anyone would be bothered by it. So from a 20 years of service and still counting active duty airman, go for it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steviewonder1 Posted September 7, 2013 #17 Share Posted September 7, 2013 I grew up as a US Army Brat and never served, but have High Respect for those who served. I will be in my Tux and Tails, however if I run into anyone in their Mess Dress I will buy you and your's a round of whatever you drink. Thank you ALL for your service and Welcome Aboard! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calkacky Posted September 7, 2013 #18 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Another vote here for you to wear it and wear it proudly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie S. Posted September 7, 2013 #19 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Yes, absolutely wear it! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmst220 Posted September 7, 2013 #20 Share Posted September 7, 2013 another yes from me , ex .R.A.F and am always proud to see all serving military personnel in their dress uniforms . the us and uk have the well respected forces in the world, wear your uniform with pride you wont be alone . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Hlitner Posted September 7, 2013 #21 Share Posted September 7, 2013 IMHO there is nothing more appropriate then Mess Dress. You are serving your country (an ally of ours the last time I looked) and should always be proud to wear the uniform. DW thinks that mess dress looks sexy so watch out! Hank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquahound Posted September 7, 2013 #22 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Morning all, I have cruised before, however, I have not been for some years and have since gained a commission in the British Armed Forces. I have been told that many members of the US forces wear mess dress (or equivalent) which, in the UK, is effectively the military equivalent of black tie, on formal nights. I am going on a cruise from the US soon and wondered if it would be the done thing for a British Officer to wear mess dress on formal nights, or is it just seen as ostentatious? I am very proud to have earned the right to wear it, however, would it be seen as inappropriate, in particular by the US citizens who will no doubt be in the majority on board!? Coming from someone who has served in the U.S. forces, I say wear that UK dress proud, my friend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notentirelynormal Posted September 7, 2013 #23 Share Posted September 7, 2013 It made me cry just reading this thread. I have 2 brothers and a husband that served. However, I am proud of each and every person who has because without them I wouldn't have the life I live and the freedom those same people earned for me. I wish more would wear there dress mess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donaldsc Posted September 7, 2013 #24 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Not only can you wear it but I suspect that should you choose, you will get as many free drinks from other passengers as you wish. Wear it proudly - even though. DON Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clackey Posted September 8, 2013 #25 Share Posted September 8, 2013 You earned it. Wear it with pride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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