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 2025 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
2025 Schedule for Every Ship
Theme nights on Carnival Elation
- Rock the Promenade
- Motown Party
- 80s Party
Theme nights on Carnival Paradise
- 80s Rock and Glow
- Rock the Prom
- Motown Party
Theme nights on Carnival Sunshine
- Rock the Promenade
- Motown Showdown
- 90’s Party
Theme nights on Carnival Sunrise
- Rock the Promenade
- 90s Party
- White Party
- 80s Rock and Glow
Theme nights on Carnival Radiance
- Rock the Promenade
- 80s Rock and Glow
- Motown Showdown
- White Party
Theme nights on Carnival Spirit
- 80s Rock and Glow
- White Night
- 70s and Motown Party
Theme nights on Carnival Pride
- Electric White Night
- 80s Rock and Glow
- 70s and Motown Party
Theme nights on Carnival Legend
- Motown Party
- 90s Party
- 80s Rock and Glow
Theme nights on Carnival Conquest
- 80s and 90s Party
- Motown Party
Theme nights on Carnival Glory
- 70s and Motown Party
- 90s Party
Theme nights on Carnival Miracle
- Hawaiian Event
- Luau Deck Party
- White Night
- 80s Rock and Glow
Theme nights on Carnival Valor
- 80s Rock and Glow
- Motown Party
- 90s Party
Theme nights on Carnival Liberty
- 80s Party
- 70s Party
Theme nights on Carnival Freedom
- Motown Party
- 80s Rock and Glow
- Decades Party
Theme nights on Carnival Splendor
- Superhero Party
- 80s Rock and Glow
- White Party
- 90s Party
- Island Night
Theme nights on Carnival Dream
- Motown Party
- 90s Party
- 80s Rock and Glow
- White Night Party
Theme nights on Carnival Magic
- Rock the Promenade
- Motown Party
- 80s Rock and Glow
Theme nights on Carnival Breeze
- Motown Showdown
- Decades Atrium Party
- White Night
- 80s Rock and Glow
Theme nights on Carnival Vista
- Rock and Glow
- Motown Party
- White Hot Party
Theme nights on Carnival Horizon
- Motown Party
- White Night
- 80s Rock and Glow
Theme nights on Carnival Panorama
- Motown Party
- White Party
- 80s Rock and Glow
Theme nights on Mardi Gras
- 90s Party
- White Hot Party
- Tiki Party
- Rock and Glow
Theme nights on Carnival Celebration
- 80s Rock and Glow
- White Hot Party
- Motown Part
- Evolution Party
Theme nights on Carnival Venezia
- Motown Party
- 80s Rock and Glow
- 90s Party
- White Party
- Festa Italiana
Theme nights on Carnival Luminosa
- White Party
- 80s Rock and Glow
- Island Nights
- Motown and 70s Party
- Decades Music Party
- Superhero Party
Theme nights on Carnival Jubilee
- 80s Party
- White party
- Motown Party
Theme nights on Carnival Firenze
- 80s Party
- 70s and Motown
- Farewell Party
Also Read:
- All Carnival Ships From Best to Worst! (2025 Ranking)
- 10 Things Carnival Does Better Than Any Other Cruise Line
- 7 Big Changes Coming to Carnival in 2025
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.
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
Will all the party’s listed happen on every cruise? Do I need to bring outfits for all then find out when I board which ones they will have or is there a way to find out beforehand so I don’t overpack?
Hello Selena, unfortunately the parties can change very often during the year so there is never 100% certainty about which ones there will be.
My advice is to bring clothes that can adapt well to the different parties, but that you can also wear normally during your cruise.
Leo.
What is serenity night on the magic?
Hey Jack,
as far as I know it should be a deck party at serenity, which is an adults-only area for guests ages 21 and over.
Our cruise is at the beginning of October and I heard there will be a Halloween party. Is that true? And does it take the place of another one of the parties?