Cruise Dress Codes & Theme Nights: What to Pack, What to Expect

Cruising isn’t just about ports, pools, and buffets—it’s also about the nights when the ship transforms into a dance floor, masquerade ball, or pirate cove. Dress codes and theme nights are part of the fun, and while you don’t have to join in, it’s a whole lot more memorable if you do.

Here’s your guide to the most popular cruise line dress codes and theme nights, with packing tips, insider details, and pro tricks to make sure you’re ready to shine (or glow, or swashbuckle).

Cruise Dress Codes: From Casual to Chic

Every cruise line sets its own tone when it comes to evening wear. Here’s the quick rundown:

• Carnival – Casual most nights, with one or two Cruise Elegant evenings (cocktail dresses, jackets, ties).

• Celebrity – “Evening Chic” instead of formalwear. Think cocktail dresses or blazer + shirt without needing a tux.

• Cunard – Expect gala nights and ballroom flair—this is as formal as it gets at sea.

• Disney – Family-friendly with optional dress-up nights (plus Pirate Night—see below).

• MSC & Costa – Mostly casual with a couple of formal “Gala Nights,” plus popular theme nights like White Night.

• Norwegian (NCL) – Famous for “freestyle cruising.” No strict dress codes, but the Glow Party makes dressing up a must (in neon).

• Virgin Voyages – No formal nights, just wear what you like—except Scarlet Night, when red is required.

✨ Pro Tip: Pack for flexibility. One formal(ish) outfit, one white outfit, one red accessory, and something fun (pirate hat, neon tee, feather headband). That’ll cover you for just about any ship.

Disney’s Pirate Night: Yo Ho on the High Seas 🏴‍☠️

Disney turns up the magic with Pirate Night. Servers dress like buccaneers, menus look like treasure maps, and Jack Sparrow himself sometimes swings by. The night ends with fireworks at sea—yes, real fireworks.

✨ Packing tip: A bandana and eyeliner = instant pirate chic.
👉 Pro Tip: Pirate Night happens on almost every Disney cruise—watch for it in your Navigator app.

Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Night: A Sea of Red ❤️

Scarlet Night is Virgin’s jaw-dropping signature event. The ship’s wake glows red, giant inflatable octopuses take over the atrium and pool, and performances pop up everywhere. The finale? A massive pool-deck dance party where everyone is dressed in red.

✨ Packing tip: Anything red will do, but bold is better—sequins, feathers, or statement makeup.
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t just stick to one venue—wander and let Scarlet Night surprise you.

MSC Cruises’ White & Flower Glory Parties 🤍🌺

MSC is famous for its White Party—everyone dresses in white and dances under UV lights and lasers. They also host a Flower Glory Party (full 70s disco vibes) and even a Space Party (futuristic silent disco).

✨ Packing tip: One white outfit is a must. For Flower Glory, think floral prints or tie-dye.
👉 Pro Tip: Ask the entertainment team early—theme nights are usually mid-cruise.

Carnival’s 80s Rock’n’Glow 🎸

Carnival loves a throwback, and their 80s Rock’n’Glow Party is packed with neon leggings, Madonna classics, and plenty of air guitar. Expect crew in wild costumes and the pool deck bouncing until midnight.

✨ Packing tip: Glow sticks + scrunchie = instant 80s upgrade.
👉 Pro Tip: Carnival often does multiple parties on longer sailings—check the schedule so you can pace yourself.

Royal Caribbean’s 80s Night: YMCA Guaranteed 🕺

Royal also throws an 80s Night, and it’s not complete without crew dressed as the Village People. Passengers join in with neon, retro tees, and wigs—one of the most popular nights on board.

✨ Packing tip: Bright colors and comfort are key—you’ll be dancing.
👉 Pro Tip: This one fills the dance floor fast, so arrive early if you want a prime spot.

P&O’s Gatsby Night: Old Sport Glamour 🥂

Step into the 1920s with Gatsby Night—flapper dresses, suspenders, feather headbands, and all that jazz. With live music and elegant cocktails, it’s perfect for a touch of vintage glamour.

✨ Packing tip: Accessories are everything—a feathered headband or pearl necklace adds instant Gatsby sparkle.
👉 Pro Tip: The atrium makes the ultimate backdrop for a Gatsby-themed photo shoot.

How to Know What’s on Your Cruise 📲

Theme nights aren’t always listed until you’re onboard, but don’t panic—Facebook roll calls and cruise fan groups usually share recent schedules. A quick search of your ship’s name + “theme nights” will give you an idea of what to pack.

👉 Pro Tip: Check these groups before you sail—you’ll thank yourself when you know whether to pack neon, florals, or a pirate hat.

Holiday Sailings: Extra Fun 🎃🎄

Cruising during a holiday? Expect bonus theme nights. Halloween sailings bring costume contests and spooky décor, while Christmas and New Year’s are all about gala dinners, themed shows, and festive outfits.

✨ Packing tip: A small Santa hat, witch headband, or sparkly NYE accessory barely takes up space in your bag but makes you part of the celebration.

Final Thoughts

Theme nights and dress codes aren’t about rules—they’re about fun. Whether you’re glowing at NCL’s Glow Party, dancing under Virgin’s giant red octopus, or channeling your inner flapper on P&O, the best nights at sea are the ones where you lean in and play along.

👉 Planning your next sailing? Don’t miss our Cruise Packing List Freebie to make sure you’ve got everything you need—from gala outfits to glow sticks.