Carnival Cruise Line is renowned for its lively and exciting onboard atmosphere, and few events showcase this better than their deck parties. Whether you’re cruising with family, friends, or a significant other, Carnival cruise deck parties offer an incredible opportunity to let loose and have some fun under the stars.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best Carnival cruise deck parties and what you may want to pack, so you can get ready to dance, sing, and party the night away on your next Carnival cruise vacation.
These parties are an unforgettable highlight of any Carnival cruise. Afterall, there is a reason that Carnival is known as the Fun Ships.

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The deck parties offered on each Carnival ship can vary, especially on different length itineraries. These were the deck parties on Carnival Vista during our last cruise.
Carnival cruise ships have deck parties both in the day and in the evening that are hosted by the cruise director and the fun squad. Be sure to check the Fun Times that is delivered to your cabin each night or on the Carnival hub app for dates and times. Let’s start with the evening parties.
Carnival Cruise Deck Parties – Evening
80’s Rock-N-Glow Deck Party
The 80’s theme parties are such a blast and are really popular on Carnival. This 80s night party is on the lido deck (pool deck) and doesn’t start until around 10pm.
Sing, dance, and cheer on the 80s dance contest participants. You don’t want to miss this night.

The Carnival ship fun squad hands out some glow sticks to the first several participants, but I’d suggest bringing your own. They don’t take up much space in your luggage at all but are a fun touch. Older kids especially will enjoy this.
On our last Carnival cruise vacation, there were several people who went all out with a complete 80s costume. The ship photographers even had different 80s themed backdrops where you could get your photos taken.
Amazon has some cool 80s costumes, you can then reuse them for Halloween or your next Carnival cruise.
80s Carnival deck party tip – pack glow sticks, or if you really want to go all out, pack an 80s costume.
Mega Deck Party
The Mega Deck Party is another high energy party that is sure to be a good time. This evening party is poolside on the lido deck. The staff clear out the lounge chairs to make one big dance floor.
Cruise directors lead the fun by teaching several fun line dances. The poolside bars remain open, so grab a drink and join in on the fun.

White hot night party
The white night party on our recent Carnival Vista sailing was held in the atrium, but it is possible that on different sailings or specific ships that it is held as a deck party.
At this evening Carnival cruise party, they encourage you to wear white, but it is of course not a necessity.
On our sailing it was held on the second elegant evening. This was a fun atmosphere with music from the 90s. The cruise director hosted this party and did a great job of getting the passengers to join in.
Carnival white hot night packing tip – pack something white if you have it. Looking to add something new to your cruise wardrobe? Check out these 21 stylish all white cruise outfits for both women and men.
Silent nights dance party
This is a unique experience. At a silent dance party, you pick up headphones, choose your song, then dance away to your own beat.
Silent dance parties have become a popular activity, our last Royal Caribbean cruise had one as well.
On our Carnival cruise, the silent party was held on the lido deck (pool deck) the later on the same night as the White Hot party.
Carnival cruise deck parties – daytime
Sail away party
Sail away parties are my absolute favorite, they are the best way to kick off an amazing cruise vacation. The cruise director and some of their entertainment team lead the fun. With great music that you just can’t help but move to, it is the perfect time to show off your dance moves.
I feel like the cruise hasn’t really started until the sail away party.

Groove for St. Jude
Not only is this a fun deck party, but more importantly it is a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s hospital. On our last sea day, Carnival hosted Grove for St. Jude, where a $12 donation to the Children’s hospital got you a t-shirt and this exclusive dance event. It is definitely a do good and feel good event.
When our cruise ship couldn’t stop in Honduras due to weather, the cruise director (TJ) added a country line dancing class poolside that was a lot of fun too.
Deck parties are one of the things that make cruising so great. Don’t be shy, get out there and take part in the themed parties, you will be glad you did.
If you are planning your first cruise with Carnival, here are some related posts that you will find helpful. You may also wonder is coffee free on a Carnival cruise, or if you can bring a hair dryer on a cruise. You can find the answers here.

37 Free things to do on a Carnival cruise

Printable cruise planner and journal

First cruise tips – things to know before a cruise

What to wear on a Carnival Cruise – Caribbean
