Cruise vacations are a great way to relax and explore new destinations. While onboard, many passengers enjoy decorating their cabin doors with personalized items. Cruise door decorations are a fun and unique way to show off your personality and add some flair to your cabin. So in this Cruise Tips guide, let’s take a look at this popular subject.
Here’s everything you need to know about decorating cruise doors, including what’s allowed on a door. We’ll also make sure you adhere to cruise line rules and policies on what you can and can’t do.
PLUS you’ll get my Top Buyers Guide to cruise ship door decorations with some great ideas to ensure what you buy is actually allowed on the door.
Oh And if you are looking for the Best Cruise Magnetic Hooks, you can find them here.
Cruise Door Decorations Buying Guide 2024
Why Should You Decorate Your Cruise Stateroom Door?
Yo, listen up! If you’re going on a cruise, you want to have fun, right? So what better way to get started by jazzing up that boring ol’ stateroom door of yours?
Trust me, it’ll make a world of difference and you’ll thank me later. I mean, have you seen those amazingly cool cruise door decorations, magnetic signs, and string lights that some people have on their doors? They are so cool! It’s like a little personal touch that makes your room stand out from the rest in that otherwise boring hallway.
Plus, it’s a great way to show off your personality or even connect with other cruisers who have similar interests. Imagine coming back to your room after a day of exploring and seeing your door decked out with cruise ship stateroom decorations – it just adds a whole new level of excitement to your vacation.
Will this be your first cruise vacation? Well, don’t be shy! Tell everyone! Are you having a special occasion like an Anniversary celebration or on your Honeymoon? Well, let others know! Traveling with a group or large family? Decorating your stateroom door together is a fun way to help act as a roll call or group cruise activity to break the ice. You could even have a competition for the “Cruise Ship Door Decorating Champion”.
So, don’t be lame and decorate your door already! Decorating your stateroom door is a fun way to get your cruise started on the right note. It’s a great family activity as well. So just do it! Make your stateroom door a fixture that stands out! It’s gonna be a blast.
What Different Types of Cruise Door Decorations are available?
There are many different types of cruise door decorations available, from magnetic signs to custom banners.
Some popular designs include nautical themes, favorite sports teams, and family names. When choosing a cruise door decoration, it’s important to consider the size and shape of your cabin door.
Most cruise lines have specific guidelines for door decorations, so be sure to check with your cruise line before purchasing.
One critical thing to keep in mind when selecting a cruise door decoration is the material it’s made of. Since the decoration will be on the door for the duration of your cruise, it’s essential to choose a durable and fire-resistant material.
Additionally, many cruise lines prohibit decorations that use adhesives or tape, so be sure to choose a decoration that can be easily attached with magnets or suction cups.
If you are the crafty type, you can also get creative and make your own custom decoration. You can use magnets or command strips from your local craft store. Just remember your decorations must use a flame retardant or fire retardant spray as well for any materials you use.
If you need some inspiration here, you’ll find websites like Etsy are a great place to start. This is a fun way to add your own unique spin when it comes to decorating your door.
What Cruise Lines Allow You To Decorate Your Stateroom Door?
Now it’s great to look forward to decorating your cruise door. But what a Debbie Downer it would be if you took the time to decorate your door, only to find everything removed by your cabin steward, due to your cruise line policies or safety reasons.
So what are the cruise lines that allow door decorations?
Fortunately, most family-friendly cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean have pretty chill policies when it comes to door decorations.
You can bring your own fun door decorations like magnets, streamers, and signs to make your cabin door stand out and show off your personality. I’ve not been able to check if P & O Cruises are okay with it, but it’s definitely not so much of a vibe on that cruise line.
But sadly some cruise lines are definitely NOT cool with it and don’t allow any cabin door decorating at all. So if you’re planning to sail with Norwegian Cruise Line or MSC Cruises, you are out of luck. If in doubt check your cruise line’s policy beforehand.
One thing I should point out though. Always ensure your door magnets and accessories, plus any cruise cabin decorations adhere to cruise safety rules – ensure they are fire retardant being the most important!
One Other Thing You Need To Know About Cruise Door Magnets – This Might Shock You!
If there is one thing you really need to know about cruise door decorations it’s all about the upside-down pineapple! What does an upside down pineapple mean on a cruise ship? Well, it’s sometimes used as a secret code for people who like to swing! So if you don’t want some randy couple knocking on your door, you might want to think twice about that nice range of pineapple-based magnetic door decorations LOL.
And it’s not just the poor pineapple that people are gossiping about! Did you know the cute little pink flamingo has sexual connotations as well? What does a flamingo mean sexually? Find out here!
With so many options available, choosing the perfect cruise door decoration can be overwhelming. In the next section, we will review some of the best cruise door decorations on the market to help you find the perfect one for your next cruise vacation.
Where Can You Buy Cruise Door Decorations
It can be tricky to buy cruise door decorations unless you know exactly where to look. So we created a separate article on where to buy cruise door decorations which you can read here.
Our Top 10 Best Cruise Ship Door Decoration Ideas for 2024 Presented in Reverse Order
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the best cruise door decoration ideas on Amazon. So whether you’re a Disney fan that just wants to sprinkle a little Disney magic. Or a beach lover, a cocktail fan, or just looking for something unique, we’ve got you covered to help make this the ultimate cruise.
Full disclosure: Please note that if you do purchase anything from these links we will make a small commission from the sale. It helps go towards the cost of the website hosting fees, so I hope you don’t mind.
So here you have it, in reverse order, our top ten cruise door decorations for 2024.
#10 – Not All Who Wander Are Lost
This fun sign is a great way to make your cabin easy to find and add a festive touch to your cruise experience, especially if you are sailing to the Caribbean.
Pros
- The magnet is strong enough to stay in place even in rough seas.
- The design is fun and colorful, making it easy to spot your cabin.
- The decorations are reusable, so you can use them for future cruises.
Cons
- May not stick to all doors, so you should check with your cruise line before purchasing.
- Some reviews state that the decorations are delicate and may bend or break if not handled carefully.
- The price is a bit high compared to other cruise door decorations.
If you want to make your cruise cabin door stand out with a bit of humor thrown in, you should consider buying this “Not all who wander are lost” sign
#9 – Five Piece Magnet Set
If you want to add some fun and personality to your cruise door, this set of 5 magnets from “Geiserailie Cruise Door Magnets” is a great choice.
Pros
- You get five magnets, allowing you to decorate your door in multiple ways.
- The magnets are made of soft material, which means they won’t damage your door or leave any residue.
- The designs are cute and funny, featuring classic cruise-themed patterns and phrases.
Cons
- The magnets are not very strong, so they may fall off if the door moves too much or the door has a thicker coating on top of the steel.
- The size of the decorations are a bit small, which may not be noticeable from far away.
- You need to purchase an oil-based marker to write on the magnets.
Five different phrases included. The magnets measure about 7.6 x 6.2 inches/ 19.3 x 15.7 cm in length and width, so are perfect for decorating your stateroom door.
#8 – 11 Pcs Flip Flop Cruise Door Magnets
I LOVE flip-flops, so if you’re like me and looking for a fun and colorful way to decorate your cruise door, then this set is a great choice.
Pros
- Comes with 8 pieces of flip-flop cruise door magnets with different colors and 3 paint pens
- You can use the supplied paint marker pens to write your family’s name, the date of the trip, and the name of the ship on the surface
- Made of PVC material, not easy to fade or deform, and has a strong magnet that can stick on many metal surfaces very firmly
Cons
- Magnets are small in size and might not be noticeable from a distance
- Paint pens might not work well on certain surfaces
- Might not stick well on non-metal surfaces
11Piece Flip Flop Cruise Door Magnets Set with Paint Pens included. Package includes 8 flip-flop cruise door magnets with different colors and 3 paint pens.
#7 – WARNING – We Bought The Drinks Package
Want to make sure everybody knows why you are staggering back to your cabin every evening? Well, this will do the trick!
Pros
- The package includes 8 pieces of magnets, including 1 caution warning magnet and 7 tropical drink magnets, providing enough variety to decorate your door and share with others.
- The soft magnet material is reliable and of good quality, with clear and lively printing, making it reusable and long-lasting.
- You can also DIY your own cruise door decorations by using an oil-based marker to write your family’s names, travel dates, and ship names on the magnetic cruise door sign.
Cons
- The magnets are smaller than they appear in the photos, so make sure to check the size information before purchasing.
- Some customers have reported that the magnets don’t stick well to the magnetic doors as they were supposed to.
- The color may have a slight difference due to different screen displays.
8 Piece Cruise Door Decorations Set featuring 7 funny tropical drink magnets plus the main "Warning We Bought The Drink Package" decoration.
#6 – Cruise Porthole Decorations
These are SO cool! Especially if you have an inside cabin. You could stick one on the wall and pretend you have a window! Okay, perhaps not. LOL
Pros
- The set includes four different designs, each with bright colors and vivid, lifelike patterns.
- The magnets are made of soft, sturdy material that won’t fade or deform over time.
- The decorations are easy to customize with an oil-based marker, and can be wiped clean with alcohol when you’re ready for a change.
Cons
- The magnets may not stick well to all types of cabin doors, depending on the metal used.
- The decorations are relatively large, so they may not be suitable for very small cabin doors.
- Some users may find the designs too kitschy or cheesy for their tastes.
These magnetic cruise cabin door decorations come with four different porthole scenes, such as palm trees, beaches, sea, turtles, and hidden treasure chests. They measure 24 cm/ 9.45 inches in diameter.
#5 – Cocktail Cruise Door Decorations
What’s your favorite cruise cocktail? Why not display it on your door with this cocktail magnet and pen set.
Pros
- The package includes two magnetic cruise door decorations and three marker pens, giving you everything you need to create your own personalized designs.
- The cocktail theme of the decorations is perfect for cruising.
- The magnets are easy to apply and remove, and they won’t damage the door.
Cons
- The magnets may not be strong enough to stay in place in windy conditions or on rough seas.
- The markers may not be very durable, and they may dry out quickly if not used regularly.
- The decorations may not be very visible from a distance, especially if you have a lot of other decorations on your door.
Magnetic Fruit Cocktail Drink Cruise Door Magnets. You can use the oil-based markers in 3 different colors to write the name of your family, the date of your trip, and the name of your ship in the blank space of the cruise door magnets,
#4 – Eight Piece Cocktail Decorating Set
Sticking to the cocktail theme, this set would be a great addition to #6. They look amazing!
Pros
- The set includes 8 pieces of cruise magnets, including a margarita parrot magnet and 7 pieces of tropical drink cruise door magnets.
- The cruise door decorations are waterproof and reusable, and easy to stick and remove.
- The parrot sign of the door magnets for cruise ship measures approx. 9.8 x 9.8 inches and the height of the drink is about 4.7 inches.
Cons
- The colors of the cruise door decorations may have a slight difference due to different screen displays.
- The magnets may not be strong enough to stay on if the door is closed heavily.
Show off your fun side and declare your "Vacation Mode On". Eight piece set includes the "Vacay Mode" main parrot decoration, plus 7 different cocktail magnets.
#3 – Cruise Duck Customized Door Decoration
You can’t have a cruise without the Cruise Ducks right? So if cruise ducks are your thing this is perfect!
Pros
- 9 inches high, so it’s a decent size
- Fully customizable with two lines of text
- Great print quality and fast shipping
Cons
- The metal is a little thin, so be careful when packing!
- You’ll get addicted to Cruise Ducks!
This cute Pirate Cruising Duck Cabin Door Decoration is fully customized with your name or any other message. Perfect for cruise duck fanatics!
#2 – Fully Customized Cruise Door Decoration with Name, Ship, Sail Date, and Itinerary
If you want to make your cruise cabin door stand out and impress your new shipmates, then you should definitely purchase this cruise door decoration which can be fully customized with your name, your ship, sail date, and your itinerary. This is SO cool!
Pros
- This product has amazing reviews on Amazon.
- It’s personalized with your name, cruise ship, sail date, and the ports on your itinerary.
- It’s damage-free and can be easily stuck on and removed.
Cons
- Obviously, it’s not reusable – you can’t use this next cruise.
- With personalization comes risk – watch for those spelling mistakes!
This cruise cabin door can be fully customized to feature your family name, the name of your cruise ship, and the different ports of call on your itinerary.
#1 – Disney Cruise-Themed Fully Customized Cruise Door Decoration Set
And the winner of our Top Ten Cruise Door Decoration is…..drum roll…..very cool Disney Cruise door decorations.
You Disney fanatics will love these fully personalized cruise door decorations.
On the large piece (which is about 10 inches high), the text on both ears can be changed as well as on the top and bottom of the face. On the smaller pieces (4 inches), you have one line of text.
Even better, the style of each of the individual pieces can be changed to fit in with your family’s personality. Does your son love Star Wars? Then pick a Star Wars Mickey. Does your daughter like Winnie The Pooh or Tigger? You’re sorted.
Pros
- The default set includes 1 large and 4 small magnets – but you can add more if you have a larger group
- Lots and lots of styling options – hobbies, sports, superheroes, cartoon characters, and more.
- You can customize the magnets with your own creativity and write your family names, travel dates, and ship name on the surface.
Cons
- The margin may curl during transportation, but can apparently be easily restored with a hair dryer and weights.
- You might look weird using these on rival cruise lines. But if you are a Disney fanatic, who cares, right?
This set is just wonderful and it can be customized in so many different ways. Not only can you change the names, dates, etc, but each of the Disney pieces can be "themed" differently. Got a favorite sports team? Sorted. Favorite cartoon characters? Done. Order your set today.
Themed Cruise Cabin Door Decorations
Looking for “Themed” Cruise Door Decorations for things like Birthdays, Anniversaries, Holidays etc? We show you a great list of examples in our article “Where to Buy Cruise Cabin Door Decorations“.
Buying Guide – What to Look For When Cruise Ship Door Decorating
When it comes to buying cruise door decorations, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase. Here are some factors to keep in mind to ensure you choose the best product for your needs:
Material
The material of the decoration is an important factor to consider. You want to make sure it’s durable and can withstand being stuck to your door for the whole trip. Consider materials such as vinyl, plastic, or metal. These materials are sturdy and can hold up against wind, rain, and sun exposure.
Size
The size of the decoration is also an important factor to consider. You want to make sure it’s the right size for your cruise door. Check the dimensions of the sign before ordering. You don’t want to end up with a decoration that’s too big or too small.
Design
The design of the decoration is also important. Choose a design that you love and that will add some personality. There are many different designs to choose from, such as beach themes, nautical themes, or holiday themes. Consider what type of cruise you’re going on and choose a design that fits the occasion.
Installation
Consider how the decoration will be installed on your door. Some decorations come with adhesive tape, while others require magnets or hooks. Make sure you have the necessary materials to install the decoration before making your purchase. If you are using DIY materials, make sure they are easy to cut.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the decoration. You don’t want to overspend on a decoration that you’ll only use for a short period of time. Look for decorations that are reasonably priced and fit within your budget.
Final Thoughts on What You Should Know About Cruise Door Decorations
Ultimately if you decorate your door, it should reflect you and your family’s personality. Don’t be afraid to have some fun. It’s a vacation after all. Go wild! Most importantly, take pictures of your door and send them into us! We’ll feature you on our blog!
Oh! One quick last thing! Before you start the cruise disembarkation process, remember to remove all your cruise door decorations. Your stateroom attendant will love you for doing that 😉
Thank you! We have been on several cruises and I did not know some of this information 🤯😁! I just might get those port holes since I thought I was going to get a balcony room until informed I was lucky to get the one remaining inside cabin. It’s all good!