Carnival offers some of the most fun and entertaining themed nights and parties at sea.
Since most theme nights come with a dress code, many guests like to know the schedule ahead of time (so they can pack the right outfits).
That’s why I put together this article with descriptions of each themed night and the full schedule for every ship.
’70s ’80s or ’90s Night
On almost every Carnival Cruise there’s a decade-themed night that celebrates the music, culture, and fashion of the ’70s, ’80s, or ’90s.
You can expect to hear hit songs from each era and have fun while dancing to them.
What to wear? It depends on the decade, but generally:
For the ’70s: bell-bottom jeans, psychedelic or floral shirts and dresses, platform shoes. Think disco glam with lots of sparkles.
For the ’80s: bright neon shirts or skirts, off-the-shoulder tops, parachute pants, bandanas, leg warmers, and headbands.
On many ships, the ’80s night is called ’80s Rock n Glow Night. Remember to bring with you some neon clothing.
For the ’90s: grunge or hip-hop-inspired looks with baggy jeans, plaid mini skirts, band T-shirts, flannel shirts, and snapback caps.
White Night
White Night is one of the most famous Carnival ships. It can be found on almost every ship and is super easy to dress for.
My advice is to open your closet and pick every white piece of clothing that you have. It’s as simple as that.
For a total white look, a man can wear white dress shirts, pants, and white shoes. For a more chic version, a white blazer over a light-colored shirt can also work well.
Women can opt for white dresses, ranging from elegant gowns to casual summer dresses. Pearl jewelry and white clutches could be perfect accessories.
Elegant Night
Elegant Night is one of the standout moments on every cruise. The idea is quite simple, passengers are encouraged to wear their most formal attire.
That said, formal nights have been losing a bit of their charm over the years, with fewer people going all out.
I personally still like to dress up for an evening on a cruise. There is no need to overdo it!
Men can wear tuxedos or dark suits, with ties or bow ties if they like. In summer or if you want to be a little less formal, a nice shirt is also a good option.
Women can wear evening gowns or cocktail dresses paired with shiny jewels and evening clutches.
Island Night
On some cruises, there can be an Island Night. The idea is to capture the spirit of tropical heavens with Caribbean music, island-inspired cocktails, and activities that celebrate beach life.
The dress code includes bright floral shirts or dresses featuring palm leaf, floral, or other bright prints.
It’s basically the Carnival version of the Caribbean Night that you can find among the Royal Caribbean Theme Nights.
Motown Party
The Motown Party is a night dedicated to the sounds of Motown, with soulful music, classic hits, and an atmosphere that will bring you back to the golden age of rhythm and blues.
As far as I know, there’s no actual dress code for this party. To stay on topic, you can opt for a ’50s or ’60s outfit.
Vintage suits, fedoras, and polished dress shoes for men. A-line dresses, sequined tops, and flared skirts for women.
Theme Nights and Events Based on the Length of the Cruise
Keep in mind that ships can change their itinerary and cruise length several times during the year.
So you may have a better idea of the theme nights you will find on board based on the length of the cruise.
Follow the chart below that was provided directly by Carnival. Further down, you’ll find the specific breakdown for each ship.
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
Schedule for Every Ship
Theme nights on Carnival Elation
- Motown Party
- Silent Party
- 90s Party
Theme nights on Carnival Paradise
- Silent Party
- White Hot Party
- Motown Party
Theme nights on Carnival Sunshine
- Silent Party
- White Hot Party
- Motown Showdown
- Farewell Party
Theme nights on Carnival Sunrise
- White Hot Party
- Motown Showdown
- Farewell Party
- 90s party
Theme nights on Carnival Radiance
- 90s Party
- Motown Showdown
Theme nights on Carnival Spirit
- White Hot Party
- Silent Party
Theme nights on Carnival Pride
- White Hot Party
- Silent Party
- Motown Party
- Farewell Party
Theme nights on Carnival Legend
- Motown Party
- White Hot Party
Theme nights on Carnival Conquest
- 80s and 90s Party
- Farewell Party
Theme nights on Carnival Glory
Theme nights on Carnival Miracle
- White Hot Party
- Silent Party
- Motown Party
Theme nights on Carnival Valor
- Farewell Party
- Motown Party
Theme nights on Carnival Liberty
- White Hot Party
- Motown Party
- Farewell Party
Theme nights on Carnival Freedom
- Motown Party
- Silent Party
- Farewell Party
Theme nights on Carnival Splendor
- Silent Party
- Superhero Party
- Island Night Party
- Abba Night
Theme nights on Carnival Dream
- White Hot Party
- Silent Party
- Lone Star Tailgate Party
Theme nights on Carnival Magic
- Farewell Party
- Motown Party
- Silent Party
- 80s Rock and Glow
Theme nights on Carnival Breeze
- Lone Star Tailgate Party
- Country Party
- Silent Party
- Motown Party
Theme nights on Carnival Vista
- White Hot Party
- Motown Party
- Silent Party
Theme nights on Carnival Horizon
- White Hot Party
- Motown Party
- Silent Party
Theme nights on Carnival Panorama
Theme nights on Mardi Gras
- 90s Party
- White Hot Party
- Motown Party
- Silent Party
Theme nights on Carnival Celebration
- White Hot Party
- Motown Party
- Evolution Party (exclusively on this ship)
Theme nights on Carnival Venezia
- White Hot Party
- Motown Party
- Silent Party
- Festa Italiana (exclusively on this ship)
Theme nights on Carnival Luminosa
- White Hot Party
- Silent Party
- Abba Night
- Superhero Party
- Backyard Bash
- Island Party
Theme nights on Carnival Jubilee
- White Hot Party
- Motown Party
Theme nights on Carnival Firenze
- White Hot Party
- Silent Party
- Motown Party
Theme nights on Carnival Adventure
- White Hot Party
- Silent Party
- 90s Party
- Decades Party
- Island Party
- Abba Night
Theme nights on Carnival Encounter
- White Hot Party
- Silent Party
- 90s Party
- Island Party
- Decades Party
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Just remember these are general tips, parties and theme nights can change depending on the cruise director. So only pack outfits you’d be happy to wear anyway, even if a specific party doesn’t happen.