There's one night on a Disney cruise when Mickey puts on his pirate gear, families become pirate crews, and the ship feels like it has sailed straight into the Caribbean in search of buried treasure.
Welcome to Pirate Night on Disney Cruise Line.
If this is your first Disney cruise, you may be wondering: Do we need costumes? What should the kids wear? Should we buy matching shirts? What should we pack? And what happens if you find the perfect Pirate Night outfit online after you've already packed your suitcase?
This guide covers everything you need to prepare for Pirate Night — including easy outfit ideas, a shopping checklist, important Disney costume rules and a simple way to have your cruise purchases waiting for you in Florida before you sail.
What Is Pirate Night on a Disney Cruise?
Pirate Night is a special themed evening offered on select Disney Cruise Line itineraries.
Instead of a normal evening at sea, the ship gets a pirate makeover.
Depending on your ship and itinerary, the evening can include pirate-themed dining, games and activities, Disney Characters dressed in pirate attire, live entertainment and a pirate deck party.
And yes — this is your chance to dress like a pirate too.
One of the best parts is seeing entire families participate. Some guests arrive in elaborate costumes while others keep things simple with a pirate T-shirt, bandana or matching family outfits.
There is no need to go overboard unless you want to.
Does Every Disney Cruise Have Pirate Night?
No. Pirate Night is offered on select Disney Cruise Line itineraries, so you shouldn't assume your sailing will have one.
The exact entertainment can also vary depending on the ship and itinerary.
Before buying costumes for the entire family, check the details for your specific sailing and the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app as your cruise approaches.
What Happens During Disney Pirate Night?
Pirate Night is much more than simply wearing a costume to dinner.
Depending on your sailing, you may find pirate-themed activities throughout the evening, including:
- Pirate-themed dinner experiences
- Disney Characters in pirate costumes
- Trivia and family games
- Pirate-themed entertainment
- Music and dancing
- A nighttime deck party
- Special family photo opportunities
- Fireworks at sea on many Disney sailings
Disney Cruise Line describes Pirate Night as a celebration where guests can eat, dance and join the pirate festivities.
On the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny, Disney also features the Pirate's Rockin' Parlay Party, a pirate-themed rock-and-roll deck celebration.
Because activities can vary by sailing, always check your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for the schedule aboard your specific cruise.
Do You Have to Dress Up for Pirate Night?
No.
You don't need a full pirate costume to enjoy Pirate Night.
That's actually one of the reasons the evening is so much fun: every family can participate at its own level.
You might see one family wearing elaborate head-to-toe pirate costumes while the family beside them is wearing matching pirate T-shirts.
Both work.
If you're trying to decide what to wear, here are three easy approaches.
🏴☠️ Keep It Simple
Perfect if you don't want to dedicate much suitcase space to Pirate Night.
Try:
- Pirate T-shirt
- Red or black bandana
- Eye patch
- Striped shirt
- Black shorts or pants
- Pirate-themed earrings or jewelry
You can create the look with just a few inexpensive accessories.
This is also a great option for adults who want to participate without wearing a full costume.
🏴☠️ Create a Family Pirate Crew
Disney cruises are made for family photos, and Pirate Night is a great opportunity to coordinate everyone.
Consider:
- Matching family pirate shirts
- Personalized shirts with family names
- Matching bandanas
- Pirate dresses for kids
- Pirate hats
- Pirate-themed Mickey ears
- Temporary pirate tattoos
- Coordinated red, black and white outfits
You don't necessarily need identical costumes.
Using the same colors and a few matching accessories can make the entire family look coordinated without spending a fortune.
🏴☠️ Go Full Pirate
And then there are the families who fully commit.
If that's your family, Pirate Night is your moment.
Think:
- Full pirate costumes
- Pirate captain jackets
- Pirate dresses
- Boots
- Vests
- Sashes
- Pirate hats
- Costume jewelry
- Themed Disney pirate accessories
Just remember that Disney has specific safety rules regarding costumes and accessories. More on that below.
Disney Cruise Pirate Night Shopping List
If you're shopping before your cruise, here's a simple checklist.
Clothing
- ☐ Pirate T-shirts
- ☐ Matching family shirts
- ☐ Striped shirts
- ☐ Black pants or shorts
- ☐ Pirate dresses
- ☐ Kids' pirate costumes
- ☐ Adult pirate costumes
Accessories
- ☐ Bandanas
- ☐ Eye patches
- ☐ Pirate hats
- ☐ Pirate-themed Mickey ears
- ☐ Costume jewelry
- ☐ Sashes
- ☐ Temporary tattoos
For Kids
- ☐ Comfortable pirate costume
- ☐ Pirate-themed pajamas
- ☐ Pirate accessories
- ☐ Comfortable shoes
- ☐ Small pirate-themed bag
For Family Photos
- ☐ Matching shirts
- ☐ Coordinated colors
- ☐ Pirate Mickey ears
- ☐ Personalized accessories
You don't need everything on this list. Pick the level of Pirate Night participation that works for your family. For more Disney cruise essentials, check our Disney Cruise Bahamas Packing List.
What NOT to Bring for Disney Pirate Night
This part is important.
A realistic pirate costume might look great in photos, but Disney Cruise Line has safety guidelines that guests need to follow.
Disney asks guests not to bring toys or costume props that resemble guns, knives or other weapons. That means the realistic toy pirate sword or pirate pistol you find online may not be a good idea to pack.
Disney also has restrictions regarding masks that completely cover the face. These may only be worn while standing still at designated Character photo locations and must be carried while moving around the ship.
Costumes should also be family-friendly and should not be obstructive, offensive or violent.
When shopping online, keep those rules in mind before adding accessories to your cart.
The Problem With Buying Pirate Night Gear Before Your Cruise
Here's something many cruise travelers discover while preparing for their vacation.
You start with Pirate Night. Then you find matching shirts. Then someone needs new water shoes. Then you remember the kids need sunglasses. Then you see a cruise organizer on Amazon. Then a waterproof phone pouch. Then another costume.
Suddenly, your cruise shopping list has turned into several packages — and everything has to fit into your luggage.
If you're flying to Florida for your cruise, there may be an easier option.
Flying to Florida? Don't Pack It. Ship It.
Instead of shipping all your cruise purchases to your home and then packing them into your luggage, you can have eligible online purchases delivered to a Miami Cruise Box locker in Florida.
Here's how it works:
- Open your Miami Cruise Box locker. You'll receive a Florida shipping address and your personal locker number.
- Shop online. Order your Pirate Night outfits, cruise accessories or other travel essentials from your favorite online stores.
- Ship your orders to your Miami Cruise Box address. Your packages are received and kept for you before your cruise.
- Arrive in Florida. Depending on your plans and selected service, you can coordinate pickup or delivery before your cruise.
That means fewer things to pack at home and your last-minute cruise purchases can already be waiting for you in Florida.
What Else Can You Order Before Your Cruise?
Your locker isn't just for Pirate Night. Families can use the same address for many of the things they want for their vacation, such as:
- Cruise outfits
- Matching family shirts
- Beach accessories
- Sunscreen
- Water shoes
- Toiletries
- Travel organizers
- Kids' items
- Phone accessories
- Waterproof phone cases
- Luggage accessories
- Cruise essentials
- Items that were forgotten at home
So if Pirate Night leads to a late-night online shopping session a week before your cruise... you don't necessarily have to find room for everything in your suitcase.
Pirate Night Tips for Families
Don't wait until you're onboard to think about your outfit. Decide before traveling whether your family wants simple accessories, matching shirts or complete costumes.
Comfort matters. Pirate Night can involve dinner, walking around the ship, activities, photos and dancing. An amazing costume that your child wants to remove after 20 minutes isn't very useful.
Think about the photos. You don't need expensive costumes to get great family pictures. Matching colors and a few pirate accessories can look fantastic.
Don't overpack. If you're flying into Florida, remember that everything you bring has to travel with you. Sometimes a bandana, shirt and a few accessories are all you need.
Check your sailing. Entertainment and themed nights can vary by ship and itinerary. Verify Pirate Night for your particular sailing instead of assuming it will happen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disney Cruise Pirate Night
Is Pirate Night on every Disney cruise? No. Disney Cruise Line offers Pirate Night on select itineraries. Check the details for your specific sailing.
Do adults dress up for Pirate Night? Absolutely. You'll see children and adults participating, although dressing up is optional. Some adults wear complete pirate costumes while others simply wear themed shirts or accessories.
Do kids need a pirate costume? No. A pirate T-shirt, bandana or simple accessory is enough for children to participate if you don't want to purchase a full costume.
Can I bring a pirate sword? Be careful with pirate costume accessories. Disney Cruise Line asks guests not to bring toys or props resembling guns, knives or other weapons. Check Disney's current prohibited-items and costume guidance before packing any realistic pirate accessory.
Can we wear masks? Disney places restrictions on masks that completely cover the face. Check the latest Disney Cruise Line costume guidelines before your sailing.
What colors work well for Pirate Night? Red, black, white and brown are easy colors to combine for a pirate-inspired outfit. Striped shirts are another easy option.
Should our whole family wear matching outfits? You don't have to, but Pirate Night is an excellent opportunity for a coordinated family photo. Instead of buying identical costumes, try coordinating colors, shirts or accessories.
Can I order my Pirate Night costume online before arriving in Florida? Yes. If you're traveling to Florida for your cruise, Miami Cruise Box gives you a Florida shipping address where you can receive eligible online purchases before your trip.
One Less Thing to Pack. One More Reason to Get Excited.
Preparing for a Disney cruise is part of the fun. The matching shirts. The Pirate Night outfits. The things for the pool. The things for the kids. And, inevitably, the things you suddenly realize you forgot.
Pirate Night doesn't have to mean adding another suitcase. Plan your outfits, order what you need and enjoy one of the most memorable nights of your Disney cruise.
And if you'd rather have your cruise purchases waiting for you when you arrive in Florida, open your free Miami Cruise Box locker before you sail.
Your pirate gear can make the trip to Florida without taking up half your suitcase.
See you in Florida, matey. 🏴☠️