THIS IS THE OFFICIAL LIST RELEASED BY JOHN HEALD FOR ALL SAILING FOR 2026. SELECT SAILINGS MAY BE DIFFERENT IF THERE ARE SPECIAL EVENTS OR THE CRUISE DIRECTOR CHOOSES TO ALTER THEM.
The actual dates of the Theme Nights probably won’t be known until you actually get on the ship. You can check with Cruisers on Previous Cruises to get an idea of which nights, but they are not guaranteed to be the same. You can also follow/contact your Cruise Director prior to your Cruise, and they may be able to give you an idea of the Theme Nights and when they may be happening. Please note – *The Cruise Director has the discretion to change or alter the Theme Nights.
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE THEME NIGHTS
- Sail Away Party Join your Cruise Director to kick off your vacation in true island style .. it’s time to say “Adios”… “Hello Fun!” Following the Safety Briefing and as the ship sets sail, gather at Lido Deck midship for some fun with our cruise staff – our resident DJ gets the party started with music, dancing and drink specials!
- 80’s Rock-N-Glow Deck Party A totally bodacious deck party with awesome giveaways, a rad 80s themed dance contest, a tubular 80’s pop concert with our onboard Rock band and of course, the Thriller dance! The 80’s Rock-N-Glow Party is a high energy, fun and unique experience that showcases our exciting musical offerings. Whether you rock up to the party in leg warmers, neon pink shirts, big gold chains and even bigger hair, you will be welcomed to dance the night away on the open deck!
- Motown Party Party Celebrating Motown Music. Dress in your favorite Motown Attire.
- SILENT PARTY – A silent disco on a Carnival cruise is a party where passengers wear headphones to listen to music and dance. Silent discos are a popular nightlife activity on cruise ships because they reduce noise for nearby cabins and allow for a variety of music.
Besides Theme Parties, there are also Formal Dinner Nights on Every Cruise. These are not the same as the Theme Parties. There are no Theme Nights for Dinner other than Formal Nights.
Carnival Cruise Elegant Nights or Formal Nights are formal events where passengers can dress up and get their photos taken with the Captain, and then enjoy a wonderful dinner in the Main Dining Room. There are also many other photo opportunities all along the corridors leading to the Dining Rooms. It is not mandatory to attend.
CARNIVAL NO LONGER HAS THE CAPTAIN’S BALL OR CAPTAIN’S DINNER. Instead, they offer a Captain’s Reception, which is a Meet and Greet opportunity to meet the Captain and other Officers, often held on one of the Formal Nights.
The length of the Cruise determines the Number of Cruise Elegant nights in the Dining Room.
1 Day Cruise – no Cruise Elegant Night.
2-5 Day Cruises – one Cruise Elegant Night.
6-10 Day Cruises – two Cruise Elegant Nights.
11 Day Cruises or Longer – three Elegant Nights.
Which Nights are the Elegant Nights?
3/4/5 Day Cruises – Usually on Night 2
6 and 7 Night Cruises – Usually on Night 2 and 6
8-10 Night Cruises – 2 Formal Nights, Days vary by ship and sailings.
11-14 Night Cruises – 3 Formal Nights, Days vary by ship and sailings.