Cruise lines often feature themed parties and nights to enhance the onboard experience. These range from decades-themed events like the 70s and 80s to color-themed parties like White Night and Neon Night. Other popular themes include Latin nights, pirate nights, superhero parties, and formal nights. The specific themes can vary by cruise line and itinerary. You’ll find these parties are for everyone. Some are later at night but most are family friendly!

What the popular cruise lines typically have:

• Carnival Cruise Line: Known for its vibrant theme nights. These include “White Hot Night” “80’s Rock and Glow.”
• Disney Cruise Line:Features Pirate Night, Marvel Day at Sea, and other themed events. 
• MSC Cruises:Offers White Night, flower-themed parties, and space parties, often featuring silent discos. 
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Known for its vibrant “NCL Neon Glow Party.” It also hosts other themed events like Latin night and Caribbean night. 
• Royal Caribbean Cruises:Features Black and White Night, 50s/60s/70s/80s nights, Country Western, masquerade balls, and toga parties. 

Common Theme Night Ideas throughout the cruise lines: 

• Decades: 70s/80s/90s nights, often with music, dancing, and costume contests. 
• Color-Themed: White Night, Black and White Night, Neon Night. 
• Pirate: Costume parties with a pirate theme. 
• Superhero: Superhero parties on Carnival and Disney Cruise Line. 
• Latin: Latin dance parties and events. 
• Formal: Formal nights or “Dress to Impress” events.
• Holidays: Halloween and Christmas

From the Carnival.com website:

Theme Nights & Events are part of the fun onboard and feature on all Carnival cruises:

• 3 & 4 night cruises 
  Dress-up theme nights: one 80s Rock’n’Glow Deck Party and one Elegant Evening.
  Events (dress-up optional): one 90s Night
• 5 night cruises 
  Dress-up theme nights: one 80s Rock’n’Glow and one Elegant Evening
  Events (dress-up optional): one 90s Night and one Superhero Night
• 6 & 7 night cruises 
  Dress-up theme nights: one 80s Rock’n’Glow, two Elegant Evenings and a Silent White-Hot Night.
  Events (dress-up optional): one 90s Night and one Superhero Night
• 8+ night cruises 
  Dress-up theme nights: one 80s Rock’n’Glow, two Elegant Evenings and one Silent White-Hot Night
  Events (dress-up optional): 90s Night, Island Night, Outback Country Night, Superhero Night

*Note: No face-covering costumes allowed for any theme night.

“Be ready to dance, sing and party the night away. We do not sell any costume merchandise onboard our ships, so it is best to come prepared and pack something before you leave.”

Check out a lot of great costumes/outfits on Amazon. The prices are actually very reasonable!

We have cruised during different holidays and love seeing the unique and original costumes our fellow passengers wear.

Halloween is especially fun! Christmas time certainly brings out the ugly sweater contests too!

This was the winner from our last Christmas cruise!

All of the cruise line websites have more information on the theme nights they offer. Check them out before you pack that suitcase!

First-Time Cruisers: Why a cruise travel agent is important to you!

Here’s a group just for new cruisers and others! No judgment with correct answers to your questions. Lots of in-depth information, tips and personal advice! 

Carnival Cruising for First Timers & Seasoned Sailors