Set Sail for Spooky #0025

In partnership with

With Halloween just around the corner, I thought it’d be the perfect time to chat about how some cruise lines turn the high seas into a Halloweeen haven. Now, I might not have sailed on a Halloween cruise myself yet (it’s on the bucket list!), but I’ve done a bit of spooky research to bring you all the fun details.

Smarter Marketing Starts Here

Most marketers waste money on channels that don’t actually drive results. The secret? Incrementality.

Our free ebook, Unlocking Incrementality: A Guide for Marketing Success, shows you how to measure what really moves the needle—so you can stop guessing and start scaling.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• The difference between attribution and true incrementality

• Proven testing methods to measure real impact

• How to double down on the channels that actually work

• Case studies from top brands already seeing outsized ROI

Don’t just run campaigns. Run campaigns that count.

Download the guide and start proving your impact.

First off, let’s talk about the costume parties. Many cruise lines go all out with Halloween costume contests for both kids and adults. You’ll see everything from adorable little pirates and princesses to full-on spooky transformations. And yes, there are often prizes for the most creative or outrageous costumes!

Then there are the themed events. Some ships host haunted houses right on board, turning part of the ship into a mini haunted maze. Others do spooky movie nights under the stars or Halloween-themed trivia and scavenger hunts. It’s all about getting everyone into the spooky spirit, whether you’re a hardcore Halloween fan or just there for the candy corn.

And let’s not forget the decorations. Ships often get decked out with pumpkins, spider webs, and all sorts of Halloween decor to set the mood. It’s kind of like being at a floating Halloween party, with the added bonus that you can take a break on the deck and enjoy the ocean breeze whenever you want.

So if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to celebrate Halloween at sea, now you’ve got a little sneak peek. Whether you’re in it for the costumes, the creepy decorations, or just the fun of seeing a cruise ship go full-on spooky, it’s definitely a unique and memorable way to celebrate.

Until next time, have a spooktacular day and happy early Halloween planning!

PS. I've started a Board The Cruise Facebook page. You can check it out here!

Tara