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 14, 2025), but keep in mind that schedules 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:
- Carnival Fun Times – a printed newsletter delivered to your cabin daily, outlining all the day’s events.
- 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 colour-coordinated events like the White Hot Night. 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 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 Deck Party
- One Elegant Evening
- Optional events:
- 90s Night
5-Night Cruises
- Dress-up themes:
- 80s Rock’n’Glow
- One Elegant Evening
- Optional events:
- 90s Night
- Superhero Night
6 & 7-Night Cruises
- Dress-up themes:
- 80s Rock’n’Glow
- Two Elegant Evenings
- Silent White-Hot Night
- Optional events:
- 90s Night
- Superhero Night
8+ Night Cruises
- Dress-up themes:
- 80s Rock’n’Glow
- Two Elegant Evenings
- Silent White-Hot Night
- Optional events:
- 90s Night
- Island Night
- Outback Country Night
- Superhero 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 2025 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 2025/2026
Carnival Breeze Theme Parties 2025
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Motown Party
- Lone Star Tailgate Party (5-night cruises only)
Carnival Celebration Theme Parties 2025
- White Night Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Motown Party
- Evolution Party
Carnival Conquest Theme Parties 2025
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Motown Party
Carnival Dream Theme Parties 2025
- Farewell Hot White Night Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Mega Deck Party
- Silent Disco
Carnival Elation Theme Parties 2025
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Silent Disco
- Motown Party
- Farewell Hot White Night Party
Carnival Firenze Theme Parties 2025
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Silent Disco
- DFH After Party
- Motown Party
- Fiesta Italiana Party (White Night)
Carnival Freedom Theme Parties 2025
- Motown Party
- Farewell Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Silent White Night
- Decade Music Party
Carnival Glory Theme Parties 2025
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Motown Party
- Farewell Party
Carnival Horizon Theme Parties 2025
- Hot White Night Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Mega Deck Party (8-night cruises only)
- Silent Party
- Motown Party
Carnival Jubilee Theme Parties 2025
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Hot White Night Party
- Lone Star Tailgate Party
- DFH After Party
Carnival Legend Theme Parties 2025
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Silent White Hot Party
- Mega Deck Party
- DFH After Party (when offered)
Carnival Liberty Theme Parties 2025
- Mega Deck Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- White Hot Night Party
- Motown Party
- Country Music Trivia Party
- Farewell Party
Carnival Luminosa Theme Parties 2025
- Silent Night Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Island Night
- Superhero Party
- ABBA Party
Carnival Magic Theme Parties 2025
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Mega Deck Party
- Silent White Party
- Motown Party
- Farewell Party
Carnival Mardi Gras Theme Parties 2025
- White Hot Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Silent Disco
Carnival Miracle Theme Parties 2025
- Mega Deck Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Silent Disco (White Night)
- Motown Party
- Country Music Trivia Party
Carnival Panorama Theme Parties 2025
- Mega Deck Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Silent Disco
- White Night
- Motown Party
Carnival Paradise Theme Parties 2025
- Silent Disco
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Motown Party
- Farewell Party
Carnival Pride Theme Parties 2025
- Mega Deck Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Silent Disco
- Motown Party
Carnival Radiance Theme Parties 2025
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- White Hot Night Party
- Mega Deck Party (6+ nights only)
- Motown Party
- Farewell Party (Journeys Cruises only)
Carnival Splendor Theme Parties 2025
- Island Themed Deck Party
- Silent White Disco
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Backyard Bash
- ABBA Music Party
- Superhero Party
- 90s Farewell Party
Carnival Spirit Theme Parties 2025
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Silent Party
- White Party
- Country Music Trivia Party
Carnival Sunrise Theme Parties 2025
- Silent Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Motown Party
- 90’s Party
Carnival Sunshine Theme Parties 2025
- Silent Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Superhero Party
- Backyard Bash
- 90’s Music Party
- Tropical Nights
Carnival Valor Theme Parties 2025
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Motown Party
Carnival Venezia Theme Parties 2025
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Mega Deck Party (Journeys cruises only)
- Italian Festival Party
- Motown Party
- Silent Disco
Carnival Vista Theme Parties 2025
- Mega Deck Party
- 80’s Rock and Glow Party
- Silent Night Party
- Hot White Party
- 80’s Theme Night
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:
80’s Rock and Glow Party
Think neon, bold patterns, and retro accessories. Leg warmers, off-the-shoulder tops, chunky jewellery, 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 Night: Bell-bottoms, psychedelic prints, flowy dresses, and platform shoes.
- 80s Night: Bright colours, teased hair, denim jackets, and fingerless gloves.
- 90s Night: 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.
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 favourite outfit, these themed events are a brilliant way to meet fellow cruisers and make lasting memories at sea.
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