Cruising For Murder
Cruising For Murder
Setting the Scene
All aboard for a thrilling cruise ship murder mystery game, filled with peculiar passengers and conspiring crewmembers.
After a luxurious week at sea, all those onboard the Mystery of the Seas are ready for a night of romance and intrigue at the Captain’s Cocktail Reception —an extravagant affair to top all others.
Adrift on the ocean, there is no better place to escape your troubles… or for a murderer to strike!
Could the killer be the commanding captain who has found his personal life out of control?
A seething spouse who has discovered the dastardly deception of their darling?
Or possibly a conniving contestant who will do anything to be crowned ambassadress by the cruise line?
Trapped at sea, no one is safe and everyone is a suspect in this cruise ship murder mystery game. As secrets are revealed, everyone’s innocence will come into question as the assassin tries to appear angelic. Sharpen your sleuthing skills, for that’s what you will have to rely on to call out the killer!
Check your baggage and set sail for a sinuous night of secrets, scandals and seafaring scoundrels.
Where to Start
- Purchase this Mystery
- Download the Printable/Digital Kit
- Print Your Kit and Start the Fun!
What’s in Our Printable / Digital Kit
- Character Sheets
Juicy secrets, wild motives, and unique roles for every guest. - Host Guide
Easy, step-by-step instructions to run the show like a pro. - Game Materials
Clues, evidence, and everything to solve the case. - Invites & Decor
Printables to build hype and set the scene. - Awards
Certificates for Best Costume, Super Sleuth & more!
How to Play this Mystery
This quick video gives you the rundown on how Night of Mystery parties work. For the nitty-gritty details, be sure to download the intro file that matches your specific mystery — it’s got everything you need to host like a pro.
Guest Breakdown
20+ guests: 5-6+ male characters, 8-9+ female characters, 2-5+ gender-neutral.
15-20 guests: 5-6 male characters, 8-9 female characters, 2-5 gender-neutral.
10-15 guests: 4-5 male characters, 5-8 female characters, 1-2 gender-neutral.
8-12 guests: 3-4 male characters, 4-6 female characters, 1-2 gender-neutral.
* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version of this cruise ship murder mystery game. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
Guest Breakdown
With 20+ guests: 15+ male characters, 2-5+ gender-neutral.
With 15-20 guests: 13-15 male characters, 1-2 gender-neutral.
With 10-15 guests: 9-14 male characters, 1-2 gender-neutral.
With 8-12 guests: 7-10 male characters, 1-2 gender-neutral.
This is a mostly-male cast with some of the characters being in same-sex relationships.
* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
Guest Breakdown
With 20+ guests: 15+ female characters, 2-5+ gender-neutral.
With 15-20 guests: 13-15 female characters, 1-2 gender-neutral.
With 10-15 guests: 9-14 female characters, 1-2 gender-neutral.
With 8-12 guests: 7-10 female characters, 1-2 gender-neutral.
This is a mostly-female cast with some of the characters being in same-sex relationships.
* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
Captain Stubling
Captain
With the captain’s estranged wife aboard this voyage, the captain has more to worry about than where the ship is sailing.
Charlie Charge
Cruise Ship Director
Concerned for their own career advancement, Charlie needs to make sure the ship’s entertainment goes exactly as they plan. Exactly.
A.J. Service
Purser
In charge of guest relations, A.J. has grown close to a number of the passengers, but are their dealings legitimate?
Candy Cann
Showgirl
As a seasoned entertainer, Candy is skilled not only in the art of theatrics, but also in deceit.
Tom Collins
Head Barman
Tom is accustomed to complying with many requests, but there is a line that even Tom won’t cross. Or will he?
Margarita Rocks
Cocktail Waitress
Out to prove she can do more than serve drinks, Margarita may have to get ruthless before she can get promoted.
Chaplain Love
Chaplain
Officer Bullet
Port Authority
Jeffrey James
Passenger
Wanda Wed
Passenger
Kristy Marie
Ambassadress Contestant
Buddy Call
Towel Boy
Chelsea Stubling
Captain’s wife and passenger
Liza Seabring
Passenger
Wilbur Wed
Passenger
Samantha Simpson
Ambassadress Contestant
Dexter Handly
Deckhand
Dakota Wild
Renowned Travel Critic
Amanda Rebound
Passenger
Penny Drop
Ambassadress Contestant
First-time host/hostesses need not be wary. Night of Mystery parties have everything you need to throw a successful party and are designed to be easy-to-run.
If you want to play along, you can! As host, you will want to read the host’s guide in full to ensure that you are setting the game up correctly WITHOUT letting you know who the murderer is!
Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the MURDER!
Excellent Question! And one that needs more explaining, please see the “How to Play” Page of our site and/or download a preview file to get a complete understanding of how our mysteries are run!
Yes. We have invitations you can download at any time to send out to your guests. (We recommend you do this before purchasing if you are unclear of your guest count.)
Once you order, you will have access to your party pdf as well as email invitations with character descriptions included for your guests. See a sample emailable invite with character description here.
YES! As host, you get to decide how much or little you know about the murder.
If you want to play along, you will want to read the host’s guide in full to ensure that you are setting the game up correctly WITHOUT letting you know who the murderer is in this murder mystery party game!
This will depend on (a) the version of party you order and (b) what you/they want to do at the party.
Some murder mystery party game rules say (generally the smaller 6-8 guest and 8-12 guest versions) have the victim rise and become the investigator after their “death.”
Since the victim does not know who murdered them, they can still play along and try to guess the murderer using their previous background knowledge and their money in order to bribe and blackmail others and derive their secrets from one another.
If you have a larger version, and you have not assigned the investigator (they are generally listed as the first person to eliminate for this reason), then the victim will need to become the investigator.
If you have assigned the investigator, but have an extra role that is not already filled, the victim can become this person (if you order the 20-80 player version, this will always be an option).
If the victim wishes to do nothing, they can do that as well. Some guests really enjoy playing along “dead” and trying to figure out who killed them.
“I hosted my first party and I was scared that if anyone could fail such a flawless package it would be myself. But this kit makes it so so easy and fun. Lots of room to make it your own and not cookie cutter, but always super straight forward! I can’t wait to host another onell! Thanks Night of Mystery!”
“I purchased the Night Of Mystery packet for a work team building event. All of my co-workers said it was the best team event they’ve been to. The packet was very straightforward and had so many ideas and tips to help make running the event super simple. Highly recommend!”
“I’ve had three parties over the years. This year we will be doing it again! Normal parties have their groups. High school over there, church over there, family over there. Well with the murder mystery dinner there is none of that. Plus your free to not be you for the night. Every party has been a success! Last one we had over 100 people come.”
“This was the BEST team event we’ve ever done. It was inclusive, creative, and so easy to execute with your kit. Everyone had a blast!”
Are You Up for the Challenge? Get this Mystery Now!
