Guide to Carnival Cruise Theme Nights in 2025

If you're setting sail with Carnival Cruise Line in 2025, prepare yourself for more than just ocean views and tropical ports. Carnival theme nights bring high-energy entertainment, vibrant fashion, and unforgettable experiences to life on board. Whether it’s dancing under the stars during a White Party, dressing up for Elegant Night, or letting loose at a ‘90s throwback bash, Carnival’s theme nights turn your vacation into a floating celebration. From the brand-new Carnival Jubilee to fan-favorites like Carnival Celebration, each cruise promises unique themed experiences that amplify the fun at sea.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about Carnival cruise theme nights in 2025, including what to wear, what to expect, and how to make the most of your evenings on board.

Carnival Theme Nights: What Are They?

Carnival Cruise Line’s theme nights are specially planned evenings with dress codes, decor, and entertainment that match a chosen theme. These events are designed to create a festive atmosphere, encourage guests to mingle, and elevate the cruise experience. Unlike other cruise lines that focus strictly on formal events, Carnival adds its signature “Fun Ship” twist by blending creativity, costumes, and music for maximum enjoyment.

You don’t have to participate, but dressing up and getting involved definitely enhances the experience.

Carnival Cruise Theme Nights 2025: What to Expect

Each Carnival cruise in 2025 will feature different theme nights depending on the ship and itinerary, but some popular events are consistent across the fleet. Here’s a breakdown of what you can look forward to: 

1. Elegant Night (Dress-Up Night)

Also known as: Carnival cruise dress up night

This is the night to bring out your finest. Elegant Night is Carnival’s take on formal night, and it's your chance to don cocktail dresses, suits, tuxedos, or evening gowns. Most cruises of six days or longer will have two Elegant Nights, while shorter itineraries usually include one.

While you won’t be turned away from dinner if you don’t dress up, many guests embrace the opportunity to glam up, making it perfect for family photos, date nights, or simply enjoying a luxurious evening.

Pro Tip: Book the main dining room for this night. The menu often features premium options like lobster tail and filet mignon.

2. White Party on Carnival Cruise

The White Party is a Carnival deck party classic. Guests are encouraged to wear all-white outfits and hit the open deck for an electrifying night of music, dancing, and glow-in-the-dark accessories. Expect a DJ spinning high-energy tunes, glowing lights, and crew members leading dance lines under the stars.

This party is often held mid-cruise and is one of the most Instagrammable moments of your trip. Think of it as Carnival’s version of a Miami rooftop party—but at sea.

Dress Code Tip: White pants, flowy white dresses, and glowing accessories like LED necklaces or glow sticks are a hit here.

3. Carnival Jubilee Deck Parties 2025

On the newest ship in the fleet, Carnival Jubilee, deck parties go to a whole new level. The Jubilee is designed with immersive lighting, sound systems, and expansive outdoor spaces, making it ideal for nighttime entertainment.

Deck parties on the Jubilee often include:

• Sailaway Bash – Welcome party to kick off your cruise with drinks, music, and dancing.

• Mega Deck Party – High-energy dance party hosted by the cruise director and DJ.

• 80s Rock-N-Glow Party – Think neon outfits, retro glasses, and music from the decade of big hair and synthesizers.

Carnival Jubilee’s 2025 theme night schedule will vary by itinerary, but it’s safe to expect these deck parties on most sailings.

4. 80s Night / 90s Throwback Party

Carnival taps into nostalgia with their themed throwback nights. Guests are encouraged to dress in vintage attire—neon windbreakers, leg warmers, fanny packs, bandanas—and jam out to hits from artists like Madonna, Prince, NSYNC, and Britney Spears.

Dance competitions, trivia games, and themed cocktails add to the retro fun. These nights are especially popular on longer itineraries and are hosted in the ship’s main theater or nightclub area.

Costume Ideas: Think denim jackets, oversized earrings, or anything you’d wear to a retro roller rink.

5. Mardi Gras Night / Caribbean Night

Some sailings offer Mardi Gras or Caribbean-themed evenings. Guests wear bright colors, tropical prints, and festive accessories while enjoying steel drum bands or carnival-style parades on board.

Mardi Gras Night might include beads, masks, and Creole cuisine, while Caribbean Night features reggae music and limbo contests. These are perfect for cruisers looking to immerse themselves in the international vibes of the ship’s destinations.

6. Carnival Celebration Theme Nights

Carnival Celebration, one of the most popular ships in the fleet, also offers a range of themed evenings throughout 2025. While many mirror the themes on other ships, the venues and décor on Celebration elevate the experience. Carnival Celebration Theme Nights

Special events on Carnival Celebration may include:

• Fiesta Latina – Featuring Latin music, salsa dancing, and themed drinks.

• Heroes Tribute Night – Guests are invited to wear red, white, and blue in support of veterans and active military service members.

• Silent Disco – Dance to your own beat with wireless headphones and multiple DJ channels.

7. Family-Friendly Theme Nights

Carnival ensures the fun includes kids and families, too. Many family-themed events happen in the early evening and allow little cruisers to get involved. Examples include:

• Pirate Night – Kids wear pirate costumes, attend treasure hunts, and enjoy themed games.

• Superhero Night – Perfect for Marvel/DC fans; guests can dress as their favorite comic book characters.

• Dr. Seuss Parade – On select cruises, kids can march through the ship in a whimsical Dr. Seuss-inspired costume parade.

How to Prepare for Theme Nights

Here’s how you can be ready for all the fun:

1. Pack Smart – Check your itinerary and pack a mix of dressy, white, retro, and tropical outfits.

2. Accessorize – Glow sticks, costume jewelry, hats, and boas can turn a simple outfit into a theme night winner.

3. Plan Ahead – Ask your cruise director or check the Carnival Hub App once on board for the exact schedule.

4. Don’t Stress It – Participation is optional, and you can always join the party in your regular cruise attire if you prefer.

Carnival Theme Nights 2025 Schedule: What We Know

While Carnival doesn't release a universal schedule far in advance, guests typically receive their theme night lineup after boarding. However, based on previous years and current cruise patterns, the following is generally expected for 2025:

• 3–5 night cruises: 1 Elegant Night, 1 White Party or Mega Deck Party

• 6+ night cruises: 2 Elegant Nights, White Party, 80s Night, and additional rotating themes like Mardi Gras, Fiesta Latina, or Rock-N-Glow

• Carnival Jubilee & Carnival Celebration: Enhanced party experiences with special effects, themed drinks, and larger-scale productions

Tips for Making the Most of Carnival Theme Nights

• Arrive Early: Whether it’s a deck party or silent disco, arriving early guarantees a good spot and more time to enjoy.

• Bring a Costume for Each Night: You’ll appreciate the chance to get into character each evening.

• Take Photos: Carnival often has photographers capturing memories—especially on Elegant Night. Dress up and strike a pose!

• Use the Carnival Hub App: Get real-time updates, maps to party locations, and alerts for costume contests or activities.

• Let Loose and Have Fun: Even if you’re not big on dancing, these events are perfect for enjoying the ship’s energy and mingling with fellow guests.

Final Thoughts: Theme Nights Are the Soul of the Carnival Cruise Party Experience

Carnival Cruise Line is famous for bringing the fun, and theme nights are a major part of that reputation. In 2025, with new ships like Carnival Jubilee joining the fleet and mainstays like Carnival Celebration continuing to wow guests, theme nights are bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever.

So whether you’re packing your best white outfit for the White Party, a gown for Elegant Night, or a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt for the 80s bash, Carnival ensures there’s a party at sea with your name on it.

Get ready to dance, dress up, and dive into the high-seas celebration that only Carnival can deliver.