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Why cruises are great for bachelorette parties
A getaway with the celebration built in.
Everything onboard
Dining, pools, shows and nightlife on one ship.
Easy planning
One booking covers the room, most meals and entertainment.
New destinations
Beaches and ports of call in several places on one trip.
Options for every guest
A spa day, a pool day or dancing until late.
Bachelor and bachelorette parties together
A joint cruise for both groups.
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Bachelorette cruise theme ideas
Themes that are perfect for a party at sea.
Nauti bride
Navy stripes, anchors and a captain's hat for her.
Tropical paradise
Floral prints, leis and fruity cocktails on deck.
All white night
Everyone in white, with the bride in sparkle or a veil.
Casino night
Black dresses and gold accessories at the tables.
Roaring twenties glam
Fringe, pearls and feathers for a formal evening.
Retro cruise
Sixties swimsuits, headscarves and cat eye sunglasses.
Pink beach bash
Pink swimsuits and cover-ups for a pool day.
The last rodeo at sea
Cowboy hats and boots with denim.
Mermaid
Shimmer, seashells and teal for a beach day.
Bride and her crew
Matching shirts that say bride and crew for the embarkation day.
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How to coordinate themes with the group
Keep the style easy for everyone.
One theme per evening
Match themes to the ship's dress code nights.
Share a mood board
Send ideas early so everyone can pack.
Keep it light
A color or one accessory is enough for guests on a budget.
Pack the decorations
Door decorations, a banner for the stateroom and a sash; ask what you can hang.
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Onboard bachelorette cruise activities
Daytime fun, nighttime action and everything in between.
A pool deck day
Loungers, a swim-up bar and matching swimsuits.
A spa day
Massages, facials and a thermal suite.
Dancing
A nightclub, a deck party or a themed dance party.
Trivia and karaoke
A team name for the crew.
Specialty dining
One group dinner booked ahead for the celebration.
A wine or cocktail tasting
A class onboard for adults.
Photo ops
Sunset on deck and formal portraits.
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Shore excursions and destinations
Ports and itinerary ideas for the girls.
The Caribbean
Beach clubs, snorkeling and catamaran sailing between islands.
Short Bahamas getaways
Three or four night sailings for a long weekend.
The Mexican Riviera
Beaches, tacos and tequila tastings.
The Mediterranean
Wine, old towns and beach days for a bigger trip.
Alaska
Glaciers, whales and adventure for an outdoorsy group.
Booking excursions
Choose a ship excursion or a local tour with time to get back.
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Tips for planning the trip
Steps before you sail.
Book early
Staterooms close together fill up, so reserve as a group.
Choose staterooms
Balconies for views or interior rooms to save money.
Check documents
Passports or ID required for the itinerary, and online check-in.
Consider a drink package
Compare it with paying per drink.
Fly in the day before
A pre-cruise hotel near the port avoids missing the ship.
Book transport to the port
A shuttle or rideshare for the whole crew.
Bring cash for tips
For room service and staff, as the line suggests.
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Bachelor and bachelorette party cruise options
What cruises can offer a celebration on the seas.
Party cruise packages
Ask whether the line has packages that include drinks, dining or photos for a bachelorette party.
Private island beach days
Some cruises stop at a private island with beach clubs and water parks.
Joint cruises
Two groups, bachelor and bachelorette, sailing together and meeting for dinner.
Family friendly or adults only
Pick amenities that suit the crew, from adults only pools to shows.
Short or long sailings
Take a two to four night experience or a full week.
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Planning bachelorette cruise themes
What fits in a suitcase.
Bachelorette cruise themes are dress codes and themed nights the bride and her friends plan for a cruise: nauti bride, tropical paradise, all white, casino night or roaring twenties glam, with matching outfits, a sash and door decorations. Plan the themes around the ship's activities and pack everything before you sail.
Check the rules
Each line sets its own rules on decorations, what you can bring onboard and alcohol, so read them before you shop.
Pack light
Choose accessories and outfits that fold flat, and share one bag of decorations for the group.
One theme night, one bag of decorations, and the bride in white on deck.
The cruise rulePacking
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Theme, packed in a bag
A color or a matching outfit travels easily and photographs well on deck.
Decorations for a ship have to fit in luggage, so dress code themes work best: one outfit or accessory per person for one themed night, planned around the dress code nights the cruise sets.
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Bachelorette cruise themes, answered
What the crew asks before sailing.
What are good bachelorette cruise themes?
Nauti bride, tropical paradise, all white, casino night, roaring twenties glam, retro, mermaid or a pink beach bash.
Pick one per evening.
Can you decorate a stateroom?
Door decorations and a banner can work if the line allows them; check first.
Pack them flat.
What activities work on a party cruise?
A pool deck day, a spa, dancing, trivia, karaoke and a specialty dinner.
Book dinner ahead.
Where should the cruise go?
The Caribbean or the Bahamas for a short getaway, or the Mediterranean for a longer trip.
Plan shore excursions.
How far ahead should we book?
Early, so staterooms close together are available.
Fly in the day before.
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What to read next
More themes, a Mamma Mia weekend, what to bring and outfits.
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Where this comes from
Revelwick's editorial ideas.
What this page is
Revelwick's editorial list of bachelorette cruise themes and planning tips. Cruise lines set their own rules on decorations, alcohol and documents, so check them before booking. We do not name cruise lines, ships or operators.