I have a reputation for being cheap and nerdy and Carnival has a reputation for offering cruises with a wild, party atmosphere. So is either actually true?
Yes and partly. You’ll likely find me doing one of two things on a cruise. First, gorging on complimentary food and calculating how much the same meal would cost me on land in my home city of Seattle (sometimes I actually cheer when I determine I’ve reached the break even point on my cruise fare). And second, reading, walking while listening to an audiobook, or looking for wildlife on an outside deck. Cheap. Nerdy.
As for Carnival, it has somewhat embraced its reputation as the party cruise line by referring to vessels as “fun ships,” calling the daily onboard schedule of events the “Fun Times,” with its “Funderstruck” marketing campaign, and by offering onboard theme parties.
Know though that your experience on Carnival will vary depending on the specific ship, itinerary, and time of year. I once sailed with my toddler on a spring break Carnival cruise so wild I had to have the sex talk with him a decade earlier than planned. But I’ve also sailed on many Carnival cruises that have felt more peaceful and subdued (look for longer sailings and dates when school is in session). Regardless of which ship, itinerary, or time of year you sail though, you’ll find your fellow Carnival cruisers among the friendliest at sea and your ship will offer several onboard theme parties for those who like to dress up, let loose, dance, and have a good time.
While I nearly always sleep through them (see, nerd), you should definitely check out these parties if interested! So…
Usually (but not always, so check your Fun Times schedule of events for the location) held in the evening near the main Lido pool, theme parties are short (typically lasting around 30-45 minutes) and energetic gatherings led by the cruise director and Fun Squad with music and dancing consistent with a particular theme. Guests are encouraged to dress in accordance with the theme, but it’s not required. (Everything I own is from the 90’s, so I just show up to that party in my regular gear only to feel low-key offended when I hear: “Nailed it!”)
Themes include decades parties from the 60’s through the 90’s, Mega Deck where you can wear blue or red, White Night where you can dress in white and dance amidst black lights, 80’s Rock and Glow where the Fun Squad will pass around glow sticks, Motown, Mardi Gras (sometimes including a parade), a Hawaiian themed Tiki Party, and Backyard Bash featuring country music and line dancing. Relatively new to Carnival are “silent” parties where music is played through provided headphones.
Here’s the schedule of planned theme parties by Carnival ship for 2022 (source: John Heald, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador). Keep in mind that these parties are at the discretion of the cruise director, so always double check your schedule once onboard.
You don’t have to dress at all (I mean dress up at all – even Carnival has some standards), can keep it simple, or go all out. Here are a few reasonably-priced ideas available to purchase on Amazon*:
And with that…
Class Dismissed.
Homework (10 points): What’s a party without a few adult beverages? Find all the Carnival bar menus and drink prices HERE:
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