Theme Nights on a Cruise (and what to pack)

As a veteran of five cruises, it has to be said: one of the highlights of this holiday experience, is the various theme nights.

Participation is certainly optional, but why not have some fun with it – after all you ARE on a holiday!

Formal Nights on Cruise Ships

No matter which cruise line you are sailing with, I can pretty much guarantee that you will find they will host a formal, gala, or cocktail night.

When I have gone cruising with the hubster, he didn’t really want to get dressed up (like many men!) so we were pretty low key. I think the most formal attire we wore involved a dinner jacket and long pants for him, and a cocktail dress for me.

If you (or your partner) aren’t really into dressing up, I recommend you dine in the buffet rather than the restaurant, which is where those dressed in formal wear tend to congregate.

I have also been on a cruise with the girls, and it was a treat to actually be able to wear an evening dress and not look out of place!

Depending on the cruise line, you can expect one or even two formal nights on a seven day cruise, so if you plan to get involved, make sure you pack accordingly.

Theme Nights on P&O Cruises

One of the most popular cruise lines based here in Australia, is P&O. If you are sailing with P&O, you can expect one or more of the following theme nights:

• Bianco – It’s a white out! Guests are encouraged to wear all white attire.
• Gatsby – It’s party night, with a 1920’s vintage theme.
• Nero – The all black party.
• Back to School – Dress up like your favourite teacher, a student, or in what was fashionable when you were at school (1980s style?!).

Other Cruise Theme Nights

Some of the other cruise theme nights I’ve come across, have included:

• a black and white party;
• an island or tropical night;
• pirate party;
• 70’s night or flower power theme;
• Italian night (wear red, white and green);
• Mexican fiesta;
• rock and roll (50’s night); and
• Halloween style fright nights.

The island or tropical theme is a pretty easy one to embrace – most cruise clothes would fill the bill! Just pack a lei from a $2 shop in your luggage and you are good to go.

Country and western nights can be a bit more of a challenge – who has room in their luggage for a stetson or boots – especially if you are flying to your port of departure!

For this reason, you will find the shops on most cruise ships (a notable exception: Carnival Cruises) will stock items in the lead up to their particular theme nights (eg cowboy hats, pirate patches and hooks). Some hold craft workshops, where you can make something suitable, such as a headband for Gatsby night.

Personally, I like plan my outfit beforehand. Once you have booked you should be able to access the passenger area of your cruiseline’s website, and find out exactly what you can expect as far as theme nights are concerned.

What to Expect on Theme Nights

It’s not just dressing up that makes theme nights occasions to remember (and great photo fodder!).

You can expect to enjoy cuisine, drinks, and live shows, to help you immerse yourself in the theme of the night.

Just another reason to discover cruising holidays for yourself – if you haven’t already!

What would be your favourite theme night and why – or do you have any suggestions for the cruise lines (because I’m sure they’ll read this blog 😉 )?!

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