What Theme Parties Are on My Carnival Cruise? 2026 Guide

Carnival Cruise Line is known for turning up the fun, and their themed parties are no exception. From glow stick dance-offs to retro throwback nights, these short, high-energy events are a highlight for many cruisers.

This information is based on details shared by Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald (as of January 2026), but keep in mind that party schedules are not guaranteed and can vary depending on the cruise director, itinerary, and length of your sailing.

The best way to find out what theme nights you’ll experience is by checking two sources once you’re onboard:

1. Carnival Fun Times – a printed newsletter delivered to your cabin daily, outlining all the day’s events.
2. Carnival Hub App – the digital version of the Fun Times, with real-time updates and reminders.

Using either option, you’ll be able to plan ahead and pack the perfect outfits for special events like Cruise Elegant evenings, Motown nights, or White Hot parties.

While we’ve shared a list of planned theme nights below, it’s still a good idea to double-check, as the specific nights for each party aren’t typically announced in advance. Cruises over holiday periods may also include extra seasonal events like Halloween or Christmas-themed parties.

What are Theme Parties on Carnival Cruises?

Carnival theme parties are lively, fast-paced events that usually run for about 30 to 50 minutes. Led by the cruise director and entertainment team, they’re designed to get passengers dancing, laughing, and making unforgettable memories, whether on the pool deck, in the atrium, or at one of the ship’s indoor venues.

Each party has a specific theme, from decades like the ’70s and ’80s to color-coordinated events like the White Hot Night Party. You’ll often find music, dancing, glow sticks, and a crowd of fellow cruisers ready to let loose. While dressing up isn’t required, it definitely adds to the fun—and many passengers come prepared with themed outfits just for the occasion.

Best of all, these events are open to everyone onboard. Kids, teens, and adults are all welcome, making it a fun, family-friendly part of the Carnival experience.

Which Theme Parties Will Be on My Carnival Cruise?

While Carnival offers a wide range of theme nights, not every cruise will feature every party. The exact schedule depends on factors like the length of your cruise, the ship you’re sailing on, and decisions made by your cruise director. That said, Carnival confirmed in November 2025 that the 80s Rock-N-Glow Party will be featured on every ship across all sailings in 2026 and are indicated below using a ‘check mark’ (✔).

Beyond that, Carnival has shared a general guide based on cruise length to help you get a rough idea of what to expect:

3- & 4-Night Cruises

• Dress-up themes:
  • ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
  • One Elegant Evening
• Optional events:
  • 90s Party
  • Motown Party

5-Night Cruises

• Dress-up themes:
  • ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
  • One Elegant Evening
• Optional events:
  • 90s Party
  • Superhero Night
  • Motown Party

6- & 7-Night Cruises

• Dress-up themes:
  • ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
  • Two Elegant Evenings
  • White Hot Night Party
  • Silent Party
• Optional events:
  • 90s Party
  • Superhero Night
  • Motown Party
  • Mega Deck Party

8+ Night Cruises

• Dress-up themes:
  • ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
  • Two Elegant Evenings
  • White Hot Night Party
  • Silent Party
• Optional events:
  • 90s Party
  • Superhero Night
  • Motown Party
  • Mega Deck Party
  • Island Party
  • Outback Country Night

Carnival Theme Parties by Ship

Wondering which themed events will be on your specific ship? Below is the list of Carnival theme parties scheduled for 2026 by ship. Remember, these are subject to change at the cruise director’s discretion, so always double-check your daily schedule once onboard.

Related reading: Your Carnival Cruise Director Guide for 2026/2027

Carnival Adventure

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Silent Party
• 90s Party
• Decades Party
• ABBA Party
• Island Party

Carnival Breeze

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• Motown Party
• Silent Party
• Lonestar Party (5-night cruises only)

Carnival Celebration

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Motown Party
• Evolution Party (exclusive to Celebration!)

Carnival Conquest

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• Motown Party
• Farewell Party

Carnival Dream

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Silent Party
• Lonestar Party

Carnival Elation

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• Silent Party
• Motown Party
• 90s Party

Carnival Encounter

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Silent Party
• Motown Party
• Decades Party
• Island Party

Carnival Firenze

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• Silent Party
• Motown Party

Carnival Freedom

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• Silent Party
• Motown Party
• Farewell Party
• Decade Music Party

Carnival Glory

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• Farewell Party

Carnival Horizon

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Silent Party (8-night cruises only)
• Motown Party

Carnival Jubilee

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Lone Star Tailgate Party

Carnival Legend

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Motown Party

Carnival Liberty

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• Motown Party
• Mega Deck Party

Carnival Luminosa

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Silent Party
• Motown Party
• Farewell Party
• ABBA Party
• Island Party
• Superhero Party
• Backyard Bash

Carnival Magic

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Silent Party
• Motown Party
• Farewell Party

Carnival Mardi Gras

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Silent Party
• Motown Party
• 90s Party

Carnival Miracle

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• Mega Deck Party
• Motown Party

Carnival Panorama

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Motown Party

Carnival Paradise

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Silent Party
• Motown Party

Carnival Pride

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Silent Party
• Motown Party
• Farewell Party

Carnival Radiance

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Motown Party

Carnival Spirit

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Silent Party
• Country Music Trivia Party

Carnival Splendor

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• Silent Party
• Island Party
• ABBA Music Party
• Superhero Party

Carnival Sunrise

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Motown Party
• 90s Party
• Farewell Party

Carnival Sunshine

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Silent Party (usually 8+ nights)
• Motown Party
• Farewell Party

Carnival Valor

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Motown Party (may be offered)
• Farewell Party (may be offered)

Carnival Venezia

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Motown Party
• Mega Deck Party (Journeys cruises only)
• Festa Italiana (exclusive to Venezia!)

Carnival Vista

• ✔ 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
• White Hot Night Party
• Silent Party
• Motown Party
• Mega Deck Party

What Should I Wear to My Carnival Cruise Theme Party?

While costumes and outfits are always optional, packing a few themed pieces can help you feel more involved and ready to hit the dance floor.

Here are some easy ideas for what to wear, based on popular party themes:

80s Rock-N-Glow Party

Think neon, bold patterns, and retro accessories. Leg warmers, off-the-shoulder tops, chunky jewelery, and anything that glows under black light will fit right in.

White Hot Night Party

This one’s simple—just wear all white. White jeans, T-shirts, dresses, shoes, and even hats work well. The goal is to light up the dance floor under the glow of UV lights.

Decade Parties (70s, 80s, 90s)

• 70s Party: Bell-bottoms, psychedelic prints, flowy dresses, and platform shoes.
• 80s Party: Bright colors, teased hair, denim jackets, and fingerless gloves.
• 90s Party: Think grunge (plaid shirts and ripped jeans) or hip-hop (tracksuits and backwards caps).

Motown Party

Channel vintage glam with sharp suits, fedoras, A-line dresses, sparkly tops, or polished shoes. Think timeless, classy, and soulful.

Superhero Night

Go all out with a full costume, or keep it casual with a superhero T-shirt or accessory. Capes, masks, or a pop of comic-book style all work.

Island Night / Tropical Night

Bright floral shirts, maxi dresses, straw hats, and sandals are perfect for laid-back beach vibes.

Country Music or Backyard Bash

Denim, plaid shirts, cowboy boots, and hats bring the country feel, perfect for line dancing and country tunes.

There’s no need to go overboard—many cruisers mix in things they already have at home. It’s all about having fun and getting into the spirit of the night.

Wrapping It Up

Carnival’s theme nights add an extra layer of fun to cruising, giving guests of all ages the chance to dance, dress up, and enjoy the party atmosphere. While the exact events can vary by ship and sailing, there’s usually something for everyone – whether you’re into retro tunes, glowing lights, or just a great excuse to wear a superhero cape.

Outside of 80s Rock‑N‑Glow and Elegant Evenings, every other theme party on this list should be treated as ‘possible but not guaranteed’ for your specific sailing.

Since schedules can change and aren’t typically released before your cruise, the best way to stay in the loop is to check your daily Carnival Fun Times newsletter or use the Carnival Hub App. If you’re sailing during a holiday period, keep an eye out for special seasonal events too.

Whether you go all-in with costumes or just turn up in your favorite outfit, these themed events are a brilliant way to meet fellow cruisers and make lasting memories at sea.

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