The short answer
The easiest way to find your cruise’s theme nights is to check your cruise line’s app, where the daily planner often lists events and dress suggestions. If your sailing’s schedule is not posted yet, look at past daily programs for the same ship, ask in fan groups or forums, and pack flexible outfits. Schedules can change, so treat anything you find as a guide.
Use the cruise line app
Most major lines offer an app with a daily schedule. Where you tap differs between lines and app versions, but generally look for sections such as the daily planner, activities or “my plans.” Schedules for your specific sailing may not appear until a week or two before departure. If your sailing is not loaded yet, you may be able to view another current sailing on the same ship to get an idea.
Check past daily programs
Cruise lines print or publish a daily program, often called a Cruise Compass or a similar name. Passengers and cruise blogs often post scans or photos of these. Search for your ship and itinerary length, and compare a few recent examples. Theme nights often fall on similar days for the same itinerary, but they are not guaranteed to match.
Ask in groups and forums
Facebook groups, Reddit communities and cruise forums are good places to ask. Search for your ship and sail date, since many sailings have their own group. Past passengers and people currently sailing often share what happened.
Common theme nights
- Formal or elegant night, often tied to dress guidelines in the main dining room. See the Carnival dress code for elegant nights for one line’s approach.
- White party or glow party, where guests wear white or neon.
- Decades nights, such as 70s, 80s or 90s.
- Tropical or island night, with bright colors and prints.
- Line-specific events, for example pirate nights on some family-focused lines.
Specific themes vary by line, ship and itinerary.
How to pack for themes
If you cannot find the details, pack versatile pieces:
- One or two white or light-colored items.
- A few bright, tropical-style pieces.
- Fun accessories such as sunglasses or a hat.
- One dressier outfit for formal night.
You can also read what’s included on a cruise for a better picture of what you need to pack and plan for. For a bigger theme, such as a whole cruise built around an interest, see themed cruises.
Are theme nights mandatory?
No. Theme nights are optional, and you can join in as much or as little as you like. Dress codes in specific restaurants, like formal night, vary by line, so check the cruise line’s dress policy.