cruise theme party

Set Sail for Fun: The Ultimate Cruise Theme Party Decor in Chicago

Are you dreaming of whisking your guests away on a magical cruise without leaving dry land? A cruise theme party is your answer! MDM Entertainment, Chicago's premier event production company, can help you create an unforgettable celebration with creative cruise theme party decor that will transport your guests to exotic destinations. From a tropical paradise to an underwater adventure, the possibilities are endless! Let's set sail for an extraordinary event!

Ahoy, party people! Looking to whisk your guests away on an unforgettable voyage without leaving the shores of Chicago? Then set your sights on a cruise theme party – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that adds a dose of nautical impression and high-seas revelry into any event. But how do you transform your venue into a believable ship, complete with exotic destinations and endless entertainment? Look no further than MDM Entertainment, Chicago’s premier event production company, your captain for a spectacular cruise theme party decor extravaganza!


At MDM Entertainment, we’re passionate about creating immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression.  And what better way to do that than by taking your guests on a journey to faraway lands with a cruise theme party decor? With our expertise in event planning and production, we’ll help you set sail for the ultimate celebration.

With a cruise themed event,  the possibilities are endless – from a classic cruise ship setting to a tropical island paradise. Our team will work with you to design and execute a stunning cruise theme party decor that captures your desired destination and creates an atmosphere of adventure and relaxation.

Here at MDM Entertainment, we have  an extensive inventory of decor elements and props to bring your cruise theme party to life. From marquee letters to palm trees, we have everything you need to transform your venue into a maritime wonderland!


Ahoy, mateys! You’ve set your sights on a cruise theme party for your upcoming event in Chicago, and here at MDM Entertainment, we wholeheartedly approve! But why exactly is this theme such a fantastic choice? Let’s explore into the many reasons why a cruise theme party is guaranteed to set sail for success:

  • Widely Appealing: Cruises offer something for everyone. From relaxation and sightseeing to vibrant nightlife and exciting entertainment, a cruise caters to a wide range of interests. This translates perfectly to your cruise theme party. It’s a theme that resonates with all ages and backgrounds, ensuring a fun-filled experience for your entire guest list.
  • Versatility and Customization: Unlike some themes that can feel limiting, a cruise theme party decor offers incredible versatility. You can tailor the experience to your specific preferences. Want to highlight the luxurious aspects of a cruise? We can create an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Craving a more playful and tropical vibe? We can transport your guests to a Caribbean paradise. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a party that perfectly reflects your vision.
  • Memorable Moments: A cruise creates unique and unforgettable moments, whether it’s a romantic sunset on the deck or an adrenaline-filled excursion. The same applies to your cruise theme party!

Photo Credits: Jennifer Janviere

The first impression is everything, and your cruise theme party needs a grand entrance to set the tone for the evening. Transform the entrance into a grand cruise ship embarkation point. Hang a festive banner that reads “Welcome Aboard!” and deck the halls with blue and white streamers, mimicking the vast ocean and crisp nautical flags. Hang inflatable life preservers  to create a playful, whimsical atmosphere.

No cruise is complete without a well-stocked bar, and your event shouldn’t be either! Create a dedicated welcome bar area to greet guests with refreshing cocktails and mocktails. Use a bamboo shelf  to display glasses and garnishes. Stock the bar with brightly colored cocktails in hurricane glasses, garnished with cocktail umbrellas and tiny paper pineapples. Decorate the bar area with nautical elements like inflatable life preservers  for an authentic cruise ship feel.

With MDM Entertainment’s collection of cruise theme party decor, your guests will feel like they’re setting sail on a tropical getaway!


A cruise offers a variety of destinations, and your party can too! Divide your venue into distinct “ports of call” each with its own unique decor. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Transport your guests to the vibrant shores of Jamaica with a festive bamboo stall offering a selection of cigars (think candy cigars for a non-smoking event). Create a relaxed lounge area with our collection of furniture, also add plush pillows adorned with a map of Jamaica. Dot the space with our collection of potted artificial trees, adding a touch of lush greenery.

For a touch of luxury, add a cigar bar with plush velvet chairs and tables adorned with crystal ashtrays. Offer a selection of premium cigars for guests to enjoy as they take in the beautiful views from your faux-cruise ship deck. Add an elegant touch with personalized matchboxes or cigar bands, a wooden sign with our marquee letters proudly spells out “Cigar Bar,” welcoming guests to indulge in the pleasures of fine tobacco within this cozy retreat.

Turn up the excitement with a lively Mexican port vibe. Hang colorful paper banners overhead and adorn the space with vibrant swings. Transform the area with our dance floor, but make it not a typical one—instead, make it adorned with playful inflatable pool toys like flamingos and beach balls. Imagine swings scattered around for guests to sway to the beat, adding a whimsical touch to the fiesta atmosphere. 

Tantalize taste buds with authentic street tacos, featuring savory meats, fresh veggies, and zesty salsas. Guests can customize their tacos with a variety of toppings, adding to the fun and flavor of the event. And of course, no fiesta is complete without sombreros and sunglasses, encouraging everyone to embrace the festive spirit and dance the night away!

Bahamas Bliss: Port Bahamas

Invite your guests to bask in the beauty of the Bahamas with ocean wave props creating a coastal ambiance. Inflate sea creatures like octopuses, sharks, and seahorses to add an element of whimsy and wonder. Serve refreshing Bahama Mama cocktails and fresh seafood bites, transporting everyone to island paradise.

No cruise theme party decor is complete without a delightful dessert spread. Create a dedicated “candy bar” area adorned with our marquee letters spelling out “Sugar Wave.” Fill clear glass jars with colorful candies like gummy bears, saltwater taffy, and chocolate seashells. Offer an assortment of cupcakes decorated with fondant anchors, life preservers, and miniature palm trees.

For a modern twist on the traditional bar, opt for our LED bars that can change color and create a dynamic atmosphere.  With a variety of colors and patterns to choose from, you can match the bar’s lighting to your chosen theme or keep it rotating for an ever-changing visual experience.  The LED bars are also perfect for highlighting your tropical drinks and creating a vibrant ambiance.

Cruise theme party decor is only half the equation. Elevate the atmosphere with live entertainment that complements the theme. Hire a  band to play lively Caribbean tunes or a jazz quartet for a sophisticated ambiance. Consider a strolling magician or caricature artist to add an interactive element for guests.

Complete the cruise experience with our photobooth set up in the style of a ship’s deck, complete with porthole cutouts and a hand-painted backdrop of the ocean. Provide props like captain hats, sailor scarves, and life preserver rings for guests to use while taking photos. Add custom photo booth strips with your event’s name and date as a keepsake for guests to take home.

Maybe a cruise isn’t your cup of tea, how about your very own Yacht Rock party then? Imagine escaping daily life, setting sail on a luxurious yacht, and enjoying the bliss of a tropical paradise. Picture yourself relaxing to the rhythm of the waves, sipping a cool cocktail, immersed in the laid-back vibes of the 70s and 80s soft rock. But if renting a yacht isn’t possible, don’t worry! With the right Yacht Rock party decor and entertainment, you can turn any event space into the ultimate Yacht Rock party!

Set sail for smooth vibes and tropical flair with a Yacht Rock party! Music sets the tone as the captain of the evening, whether you choose a live band that specializes in yacht rock classics, bringing a nostalgic and smooth vibe to your event, or a DJ who expertly spins a mix of smooth hits, ensuring the dance floor is never empty, the right music selection can transform an ordinary evening into an unforgettable experience. 

Create a breezy atmosphere with blue and white linens, nautical accents, palm trees, and a touch of tiki. Don’t forget the disco ball for dancing under the shimmering lights. Decorate with plush seating, fairy lights, vinyl records, and a “Welcome Aboard” sign. Greet guests with refreshing cocktails like a “Peg” Margarita or a “Ride Like the Wind” Daiquiri at a signature cocktail station. Fill a candy bar with classic treats and cupcakes decorated with nautical and beachy themes. Incorporate LED bars for a dynamic lighting experience. Hire a strolling magician or caricature artist, set up a ship-deck themed photo booth with props, and capture the night’s memories with a designated photo area.

So what are you waiting for? Hoist the anchor and set sail on your very own Yacht Rock adventure. Bon Voyage!


With MDM Entertainment’s extensive collection of cruise theme party decor and entertainment options, you can create an unforgettable event that captures the spirit of a luxurious ocean voyage or your very own yacht rock party.  Let’s create an experience that will transport your guests to a tropical paradise,take them on an underwater adventure, or take part in a luxurious yacht rock party all while staying comfortably on land.

Ready to cruise? Don’t let your next event be just another run-of-the-mill party. Let MDM Entertainment take you and your guests on a voyage to remember with our cruise theme party and yacht rock party decor. Contact us today at 773.253.4986 or get started here. Bon voyage! Beyond theme party decor, MDM Entertainment offers a wide variety of event services. Let us know how we can transform your next event into a spectacular occasion!

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