Cruise passengers are sharing their best theme night outfits. Some are seriously creative

In:
By: 
Elizabeth Wright

Royal Caribbean is known for its wild and fun theme nights, and cruisers certainly dress the part. 

Party on a cruise ship

From White Night to Formal Night, Tropical Night, 70s Night, and more, you will want to pack accordingly to fit in with the masses.  

Some guests love to go all out with costumes and coordinated outfits among party members, while others prefer to keep it simple. 

Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society social media team recently took to its Facebook page to ask cruisers about their theme night packing lists. 

"Calling all theme night lovers! What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever packed for a theme night on board? 👀 Tell us in the comments!" the post reads

Within one day, over a dozen Royal Caribbean cruisers shared their most over-the-top theme night outfits — and you can certainly tell these weren't last-minute packing decisions.  

Read more: There are theme nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Here's what to expect and how to plan for it

Dress Your Best Night

ErikChristy Bray, Theme Night

(Credit: ErikChristy Bray / Facebook)

Although many associate Dress Your Best Night on Royal Caribbean ships with elegant gowns, button-down shirts, and even tuxedos, ErikChristy Bray's travel party took a different approach. 

Bray attached a photo of ten cruisers dressed as Mrs. Helen Roper from "Three's Company." One passenger even held a framed photo of Roper's husband, Stanley, in the popular '70s sitcom. 

Disco Night

Yvonne Dumont, Theme Night

(Credit: Yvonne P. Dumont / Facebook)

Disco Night is all about sparkles, flashy accessories, and funky shoes. 

While Yvonne P. Dumont certainly brought the shimmery clothing, she also went one step further with colorful wigs.

White Night

Tom Place, White Night

(Credit: Tom Place / Facebook)

Normally, White Night is cause for concern since it often aligns with Italian Night in the Main Dining Room (white shirts + red pasta sauce = disaster). 

However, Tom Place found a creative way to dress the part while keeping their clothing safe by simply wearing Royal Caribbean-branded robes!

Halloween

Walter Terry, Theme Night

(Credit: Walter Robin Terry / Facebook)

Royal Caribbean encourages guests to dress up for Halloween. Just because you're in the middle of the ocean doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to wear a fun costume!

Walter Terry's family went the extra mile, dressing up as Gru, Lucy Wilde, and Minions from the beloved "Despicable Me" franchise. 

'60s Night

Nella Gambrell, Theme Night

(Credit: Nella Gambrell / Facebook)

The '60s were a period of high optimism, revolutionary fashion and music trends, and cultural change. The iconic hippie style is one of the most defining looks of the era. 

Nella Gambrell's entire travel party definitely showed up for '60s Night — think wigs, flower crowns, tie-dye shirts, fringe vests, and peace sign accessories.  

'70s Night

Jennifer Ball, Theme Night

(Credit: Jennifer Bell / Facebook)

My mom grew up during the '70s and once told me that she remembered when she got her first pair of bell-bottom jeans. Flared denim, however, wasn't the only popular trend during the decade. 

Jennifer Bell and her husband embraced the playfulness of the era with wigs, a fun maxi dress, and wide-collar shirts with colorful patterns. 

'80s Night

Kathleen Donnelly, Theme Night

(Credit: Kathleen Donnelly / Facebook)

'80s fashion was bright and bold, which is why it makes such a great cruise ship theme night. 

Kathleen Donnelly shared an image of her family's '80s night costumes, complete with neon green lace gloves, tutus, bright pink headbands, and geometric-patterned shirts. 


Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer. 

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