Carnival, Virgin and Disney Cruise Line are sharing Halloween plans

In 2023, the percentage of people celebrating Halloween surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with 73 percent of Americans participating in Halloween-related activities, according to the National Retail Federation. With Summerween trending in 2024, the number of people celebrating the spooky season is sure to be even bigger this fall.

Several cruise lines are ready to capitalize on the spooky thrill with Halloween-themed cruises and spooky holidays at sea. Popular Halloween cruise options include spooky fun on Carnival Cruise Lines, family-friendly Halloween magic aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, adult-only spooky rides on Virgin Voyages, and more.

Whichever cruise line you choose, be sure to bring a costume if you’re going on a Halloween cruise. Most cruise lines will throw at least some sort of Halloween party to celebrate at sea.

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Cruise ships have their own versions of trick or treating.

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Carnival Cruise Line is offering spooky fun with Halloween cruises throughout the month of October

Throughout the month of October, all Carnival Cruise Line ships offer fun Halloween activities, such as costume contests, spooky games and themed dance parties. These spookily fun Halloween cruises are full of chilling entertainment for kids and adults alike.

The carnival even has its own 12-foot-tall Halloween character, Patch the Pumpkin Pirate. While you may not see Patch on every October Carnival cruise, the Halloween activities he haunts are available for all October sailings. Passengers can join Patch for a Halloween party on deck, a pumpkin carving competition and a hunt for pumpkins he’s hidden around the ship.

Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating at special stations set up on ships during Carnival’s Halloween cruises. They’ll also get to show off their costumes in a kids-only contest, play Halloween games and create their own spooky memorabilia.

For adults, the cruise line will serve Patch’s Punch cocktails at the atrium bar and host special Halloween costume contests for 18+ passengers. They can also get scared at sea by the horror movies “Thrillers & Chillers” that Carnival will show on the big screen.

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Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween High Seas cruises are spectacular for families

For Disney Parks fans who love Walt Disney World’s not-so-scary Halloween Party and Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash, Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween on the High Seas is another Disney Halloween experience.

On select sailings across the Disney Cruise Line fleet from mid-September through October, families are treated to enchanting entertainment, enchanting scenery and terrifying surprises. Each Disney cruise ship even has its own magical Halloween pumpkin tree on high seas voyages.

Lively sailings feature a ghost ship takeover, spineting-themed food and drink, trick-or-treating, spooky crafts and more. Families are encouraged to dress up and join Disney characters dressed in their own joyful Halloween costumes for themed get-togethers and dance parties.

Although most of the spooky fun on a Disney Halloween cruise is designed for kids, adults will be treated to some wicked entertainment, too. Halloween cruises on the high seas include an adults-only Halloween isn’t just for kids party with a costume contest and a “Wicked Takeover” on the dance floor.

Related: Disney Cruises Can’t Wait For These New Themed Dinner Shows

Virgin Voyages offers adults-only Halloween cruises

When it comes to spooky fun for adults, Virgin Voyages takes the spooky thrill to the next level with its adults-only Halloween voyages. The cruise line is inviting adults to skip grocery shopping for neighborhood kids and instead enjoy a kid-free Halloween vacation at sea.

Virgin Voyages’ adults-only Halloween cruises feature costume contests, themed food and drink, and shows with a Halloween twist. The Halloween Party at Sea even includes spooky activities like skull painting and a haunted grog ride.

Halloween cruises are offered for sailing dates throughout October on Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady sailing from Miami. Adults-only Halloween cruises are also available for the Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady Halloween voyages.

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If you’re sailing on another Halloween cruise line like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises, you can also expect some festive fun on October 31st.

Halloween celebrations vary by ship, but you can usually find themed entertainment, costume parties, and Halloween decorations and treats. There are sure to be some scary specialty drinks on board too. Some cruise ships will also have special Halloween activities in the kids’ clubs.

Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals and ship news from our expert cruiser