One of the many reasons Australians love cruising is for the joy of a classic-themed cruise, from country music, and Elvis, to 70s, 80s, and 90s.
They’ve long been a favourite with P&O Cruises Australia, and an occasional feature for other cruise lines as well. so one question raised when P&O Cruises Australia announced it would be absorbed into Carnival Cruises was: what will happen to our beloved themed journeys?
Carnival Cruises recently released itineraries for the 2026/2027 season in Australia, the first itinerary announcement since absorbing P&O. While cruises on the two P&O ships that will be moving over to the Carnival brand, Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, are still only bookable through the P&O website, they will now be operated by Carnival.
A quick glance through the itineraries available on the P&O website shows that themed cruises don’t, at least at this stage, appear to be part of the future of the two P&O ships. And they don’t appear on the existing Carnival Australia vessels either.
From now until November 2025, there are plenty of exciting themed cruises on offer, available on P&O’s websites. There are two country music cruises, in November 2024 and July 2025, an Aussie Classic cruise in January 2025, four separate 90s cruises across 2025, four 80s cruises and a Disco Glam itinerary in July 2025.
This comes out to a total of 12 themed cruises over the next year, offering plenty of opportunities for those who enjoy planning out their outfits. Some, however, have been cancelled, an Elvis-themed cruise among them.
But glam turns to gloom after November 2025. From then onwards, the P&O website doesn’t list themes. Does that mean the genre is dead?
“We have a variety of themed cruises scheduled for 2025, and we’ll continue to assess future options, including themed cruises, after the integration process,” said a Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson.
“As we bring P&O Cruises into the Carnival family, there are several important steps to complete. In the meantime, we’ve launched a fantastic range of itineraries across various lengths and destinations, catering to all guests. Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or a longer holiday, there are plenty of options to choose from—and we’ll continue to have fun theme nights onboard to keep the party going.”
The homogenisation of cruise
One of the concerns of Australian cruisers after Carnival Corporation’s decision to end the 92-year-old P&O Cruises Australia brand was whether the line was now homogenising cruise operations. Essentially, offering less variety in the name of efficiency.
Now they are asking: has the themed cruise become the latest victim of these efforts?
There are still plenty of short three-day cruises (generally the length of themed cruises).
Will I ever be able to get dressed up on a ship again?
If you’ve generally stuck to themed cruises in the past or are new to cruise but like the sound of them, there is still some good news. The good news is that the majority of large cruises out of Australia do have themed nights.
Even ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises has themed itineraries around Hollywood and Broadway.
Essentially this means that while the entire cruise doesn’t stick to one theme, there will generally be a themed night, such as ‘white parties’, where you wear all white clothing, 80s or 90s nights, Gatsby-themed nights and so on. This means even if you may no longer be able to jump on a themed cruise, there will still almost always be a chance to dress up and get a little silly.
You’ll generally be able to find the theme nights for your cruise listed in your cruise planner or in an email from the cruise line in regards to your booking.
And there are theme nights on Carnival ships. Here’s what the website promises:
- 3 & 4 night cruises will have one 80s Rock’n’Glow Deck Party, one 90s Night and one Elegant Night.
- 5-night cruises include 80s Rock’n’Glow, 90s Night, Elegant Evening Night, and a Superhero Music Party.
- 6 & 7-night cruises include 80s Rock’n’Glow, 90s Night, Elegant Evening Night, Superhero Music Party and a Silent White-Hot Night.
- 8+ night cruises include 80s Rock’n’Glow, 90s Night, Elegant Evening Night, Superhero Music Party, Silent White-Hot Night, Island Night and an Outback Country Night.
Just how good is a themed cruise?
Many cruisers report themed cruises as being their absolute best experiences at sea.
For example, Georgia Fraser was no stranger to cruising when she jumped on her first 80s cruise with P&O, but she said the 80s cruise blew all her other experiences out of the water.
“I’ve done 10 cruises on all different ships and lines. The 80s cruise last week was by far the most fun and most I’ve experienced as far as guest participation, dressing up and getting into the spirit of the theme.
“The trivia and game shows, the bingo , karaoke and the deck parties were so full and everyone getting into it. The best three days were had. So so so much fun.”
Plenty of other P&O cruisers have similar thoughts.
Cruiser Ebonee Hiku even makes the point that it was something fun and unique to Australian cruising.
“Australian cruises are way better than the Europe cruises! So much fun and we know how to party.”
Peter Dieztel, a regular cruise says despite being in his 60s, an 80s-themed cruise with P&O had him up and dancing for days.
“I was on the 80s theme 3-night cruise from Melbourne 10-13 Feb this year. First time cruising and LOVED it.
“Went to bed about 3am every morning and up again at around 6:15 to catch the sunrise. No midday siestas and I’m on the other side of 60!”
Janet Jones is another who’s been on plenty of cruises but adored the chance to try something new on a themed P&O cruise.
“We too have done lots of cruises. This was such a colourful, fun time had by all. Loved all the amazing costumes.
“Such a tonic seeing everyone enjoying themselves. The bands and music were excellent. Well done to the P&O Pacific Encounter. Would highly recommend the 80’s music cruise.”
Sharon Stedman also says nothing else comes close.
“It was simply the best experience I’ve ever had, bring on the next cruise.”
Now P&O Cruisers are more on the glum side of things as they recognise themed cruises are coming to an end.
Kath Cleaver says: “We had an ELVIS-themed cruise booked for March & they changed it to just an ordinary cruise, so we cancelled.”
Robyn Dunstan says: “It’s such a shame [the end of themed cruising], they were the fun cruises.”
Kim Henderson wrote: “I thought I had read in earlier messaging that cruises and destinations would not change only the brand would be Carnival. not P&O anymore. Very sad if they do cease them.
“They will lose a lot of business.”
While cruise has and will continue to evolve in Australia, it’s undeniable that themed cruises have been a critical part of Australian cruising culture.