I’m setting sail once again on the Carnival Celebration for a Halloween-themed 7-day adventure across the Western Caribbean, making stops at Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Mahogany Bay in Roatan. This will be my fifth time on the Celebration, Carnival’s second ship in their Excel Class, and with Halloween just around the corner, I’m looking forward to checking out all the fun seasonal touches Carnival adds to the cruise.
If you’ve never cruised with Carnival in October, you’re in for a treat (no tricks, I promise!). While it might not be as extravagantly spooky as a Disney Cruise Line Halloween cruise, Carnival still rolls out the “spooky carpet” with loads of family-friendly Halloween activities. Think of it as Halloween with a casual, laid-back vibe — perfect for everyone to have a good time without taking things too seriously.
So, what can you expect if you’re cruising with Carnival this Halloween? Well, for starters, there’s plenty of festive décor throughout the ship and then there are all the special events! Costume contests are a must, so if you’re thinking about dressing up, remember to pack your best (and family-friendly) Halloween costume.
Halloween Highlights for Adults:
- Halloween Costume Contest – This one’s for the bold! The costume contest brings out creativity, with passengers dressing up as everything from classic monsters to creative characters. Note that costumes must be family-friendly, so keep it light-hearted—no masks or fake weapons, and leave the racy costumes at home. But beyond that, it’s a fantastic chance to show off your Halloween spirit and even score a prize!
- Themed Dance Parties – Get ready to dance the night away at Carnival’s Halloween-themed dance parties. With spooky soundtracks and themed décor, you’ll be dancing in the shadows, enjoying ghoulish good times. It’s a great way to let loose and feel like a kid again, all while celebrating the season.
- Horror Movies on the “Big Scream” – For the fright-loving adults, Carnival’s onboard theater brings a selection of horror classics to the big screen (or “big scream,” as they like to call it!). From thrillers to ghostly tales, it’s the perfect late-night activity for anyone in the mood to be spooked.
- Halloween-Themed Cocktails – What’s Halloween without a few themed drinks? Carnival’s mixologists get into the spooky spirit, whipping up drinks that are both tasty and fun. Look out for blood-red cocktails and potions with eerie names—perfect for a night out at one of the ship’s many bars.
- Adult-Only Costume Party – Some ships host adult-only events where you can enjoy a more relaxed Halloween vibe without the little ghosts and goblins. This party is a chance to mingle with other passengers, enjoy some Halloween treats, and dance the night away.
Halloween Fun for the Kids (and Families):
- Trick-or-Treating – Carnival doesn’t hold back when it comes to making Halloween fun for the little ones. On Halloween night, kids can go trick-or-treating throughout the ship, stopping at various candy stations and collecting a treasure trove of treats. Costumes are encouraged, and it’s heartwarming to see kids light up as they show off their outfits.
- Patch the Pumpkin Pirate® Meet-and-Greet – One of the most popular Halloween mascots onboard is Patch the Pumpkin Pirate, Carnival’s very own Halloween character. Kids will love meeting Patch, snapping photos, and hearing his tales of spooky seas. He adds a playful Halloween charm to the cruise and is often seen making his rounds throughout the ship.
- Family Costume Contest – Families are invited to participate in their own costume contest, which is always a highlight. The contest is open to all age groups, and you’ll see families coordinating as famous characters or classic monsters. Carnival keeps the atmosphere fun and friendly, so everyone feels welcome to join in the Halloween spirit.
- Halloween-Themed Games & Crafts – In the Camp Ocean kids’ club, little cruisers can participate in Halloween-themed games, crafts, and activities designed just for them. From pumpkin painting to creating spooky decorations, it’s a great way for kids to celebrate Halloween while making new friends. These activities are supervised, so parents can relax and enjoy their own time on the ship.
- Not-So-Scary Movie Nights – For younger kids who might not be up for the full scare factor, Carnival hosts family-friendly Halloween movie nights. You can expect spooky (but not too scary) classics that kids of all ages can enjoy. It’s a cozy way to unwind after a day full of activities, with popcorn and comfy seating in the onboard theater.
A Few Tips for Cruising on Halloween:
- Pack a Costume – It’s Halloween, so join in the fun! Just remember to follow Carnival’s guidelines to keep things family-friendly.
- Prepare for Crowds – Halloween events can get popular, especially costume contests and dance parties, so arrive early to get a good spot.
- Stay Safe with Props – Carnival has specific rules about no weapons or inappropriate costumes, so plan accordingly.
- Bring a Trick-or-Treat Bag – If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll need a bag for all the treats they collect onboard.
Be sure to follow along all week to see what’s going on aboard the Carnival Celebration not only for Halloween, but for the entire trip!