Evening & Nightlife Guide

While the casinos are strictly for over-18s, or even over-21 depending where you are cruising, it offers some great time for adults to switch off and have a bit of fun! You’ll recognise all the favourites, such as slot machines and poker, giving you the chance to dabble in some thrilling games. Whether you’re a regular participant in a game of Texas Hold’Em or you fancy trying your luck at the penny slots, check out your ship’s casino. Some ships that have casinos include Carnival Celebration, offering the likes of blackjack, slots, poker and more. There’s the chance to win prizes, sip a drink at the casino bar and more. The Discovery Princess also offers a casino experience for guests onboard.

If you’re looking for a refined, elegant evening experience aboard your ship, the formal nights are the perfect opportunity to get dressed up and enjoy an evening of picture perfect moments. A cruise’s formal night is a bit of a tradition, sometimes known as Gala evenings, and they’re a great excuse to revel in a bit of sophisticated fun. One of the most established cruise lines offering formal nights include Cunard. An invitation to the Gala Evening aboard a Cunard cruise will arrive to your stateroom, ahead of an evening of special cocktails, signature menus and musicians. There are four themes to Cunard’s formal nights, including black and white, red and gold, masquerade or the roaring 20s.

Restaurants onboard are nothing short of fantastic, so visiting a wide array is definitely worth it. Try your favourite foods or indulge in the traditional cuisine of the city you have visited and really make the most of your trip. Almost every cruise ship will have an incredible line-up of eateries, from elegant and refined restaurants to easy-going cafes. Virgin Voyages is known for its incredible offering, for instance its 2022 ship the Valiant Lady which offers the likes of a Korean BBQ, Italian culinary journeys, avantgarde culinary schools, Chinatown-inspired noodle bars and traditional steakhouses. NCL’s Norwegian Viva ship also offers unbeatable dining choices, from elegant restaurants with panoramic views and show cooking, to multi-cultural food halls and sushi bars.

There’s never a dull moment on a cruise and with so much to choose from, every evening will be filled with thrilling entertainment that will make for a memorable experience. If you’re a musical theatre fan you will be more than happy to know that some cruise lines offer West End and Broadway compilation shows, where they will perform some of your favourite numbers complete with dazzling costumes, props, dance routines and more. Guest entertainers are occasionally onboard to perform and meet passengers as well, so look out for them! Often voted the best cruise line for shows, Carnival Cruises offer live music, top-rated comedy and elaborate productions.

Many of the cruises will offer live music in some form, whether it’s a great tribute act, pianist or other such entertainment. It’s a great source of amusement, and you could even make a night of it and dine in a restaurant, have a few cocktails and enjoy some truly great music from a talented team of entertainers. MSC offers some incredible performances onboard, with trendy cocktail bars and stylish lounges. The Yacht Club found aboard many of their ships typically offer classical musicians offering excellent background music to your cocktail hour. MSC Euribia is a great place to start, with plenty of elegant lounges to choose from.

Most cruise ships will have a cinema onboard, giving you the perfect chance to catch a new movie or an old favourite. In some cases, your cruise might even put on special showings and make an evening of it. Princess Cruises’ offer “Movies Under the Stars”, with a giant screen that can show a variety of things through the day and night, from sports events to films. During the evening, the poolside loungers are transformed into more comfortable seating as the 300sq ft screen shows some of your favourite films.

Perhaps you’ve had a great evening of entertainment watching a show or listening to a band and you don’t want the night to finish too prematurely. If so, why not visit an onboard bar or lounge? Each one has its own unique atmosphere and a variety of drinks to choose from. Whether you’re after a specialist cocktail, a certain type of beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. You can’t really go wrong with any cruise line if it’s bars and lounges you’re after.

If a quiet drink isn’t what you fancy, then a nightclub might just be the answer. If you’re in the mood for putting on your dancing shoes, the lively atmosphere, DJs and live bands - playing music from all genres - will certainly give you a night to remember. These innovative entertainment venues feature state-of-the-art sound, impressive lighting systems and dance floors that will really set the mood. The bars are also well stocked with your favourite refreshments, so you can dance the night away and enjoy the selection of beverages on offer. Carnival is often known for its nightclubs, with different themes and décor to revel in.

You don’t have to spend every evening onboard if you don’t want to. Many cruise lines offer evening excursions for those who want to explore destinations after dark. This is a great experience to dig a little deeper and experience the local nightlife, and you may even wish to stay overnight somewhere to get an even deeper insight into the city you are staying in.