Cruise ships may not be your first thought when thinking of the spookiest spaces in the world. Most cruise lines focus more on vibrant nightlife than creatures of the night. They far prefer their guests to grab a bite at their range of casual and speciality dining venues than to take a bite of their fellow passengers’ necks. However, fear not ye twisted souls because you will be able to scare up a few thrills at sea this halloween.
Haunted Mansion Parlor, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny

©Disney

©Disney
The always imaginative Disney Cruise Line (DCL) have taken a step outside the box with the theming of their newest upcoming vessel, the Disney Destiny. Guests on board the vessel will be able to explore the darker side of Disney with this heroes and villains themed ship. Thrillseekers will want to ride DCL’s signature attraction, Aquamouse, which has been fitted with a new storyline featuring villains such as Queen of Hearts and Chernabog from Fantasia.
Others may enjoy raising a glass to how good it feels to be bad at De Vil’s piano lounge or the Pirates of the Caribbean bar The Cask and Cannon.
One of the biggest highlights for fans of Disney’s creepier side is the return of The Haunted Mansion Parlor. The spooky space is based on the Disney park’s classic ride, The Haunted Mansion. First seen on Disney Treasure, the Parlor features an all-new take on original imagineer Rolly Crump’s Aquarium with Ghost Fish. In addition, guests will enjoy the classic ghostly portraits, animated using new technology.
The Halloween Voyages: No Kids. Just Treats, Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages are offering a halloween takeover on Valiant Lady, which they have dubbed their ‘Halloween flagship’. A child-free cruise line, their lineup of eerie events are for the young-at-heart only. The entire ship is transformed for spooky season and even the food and drink are designed to thrill. Virgin Voyages serve up specialty cocktails and food items, such as cakes shaped as tombstones and pumpkins. Guests can participate in a high stakes costume competition, with the winner being awarded a free Virgin Voyages cruise. Categories include Best Dressed, DIY Genius and Group Ensemble. Even the entertainment gets in on the act, with the shows being given a special twist.
Spellbound, Sun Princess

Spellbound, the magical bar on board the latest newbuild cruise ship Sun Princess, from Princess Cruises, promises gothic delights. Developed in partnership with The Magic Castle, Princess Cruises promises guests can be wowed by magicians performing mind-bending tricks and ‘theatrical cocktails served with sleight of hand’. The interiors are themed to the Victorian era, the heyday for parlour magic, mediums and gothic horror. The walls are panelled in dark wood. Twisted knickknacks from the era decorate the surroundings, including handcuffs and photographs of pugilists.
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Check out the Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Design Expo Europe blog for more design insights and the latest industry updates. CSI Design Expo Europe is a specialised conference and exhibition catered exclusively to the European cruise interior design industry, with a unique focus on Europe’s luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruising. The next event will be taking place on 3 – 4 December 2025 at Hamburg Messe & Congress.