How to hang decorations on cruise ship door: A guide to adding personal flair to your cruise cabin

Hanging decorations on a cruise ship door is a fun way to celebrate a special occasion, identify your cabin easily, or simply add a personal touch to your trip. The process is straightforward, but requires awareness of cruise line policies and the unique material of most cabin doors—usually metal—meaning many traditional hardware solutions are not allowed. Here’s the best method for making your door stand out while respecting cruise guidelines and avoiding damage.

1. Check Cruise Line Door Decoration Policies

Before packing your supplies, review your cruise line’s website or call their customer service for guidelines. Some cruise lines allow door decorations, while others have strict restrictions or outright bans, especially regarding adhesives or inflammable materials. Always avoid using anything that leaves residue or could damage the finish.

2. Choose Your Decorations Wisely

Opt for lightweight decor—such as banners, laminated signs, or magnetic ornaments—since heavy or bulky items may not stay up and can be a safety hazard. Personalized name plaques, festive garlands, or themed message boards are popular choices.

3. Use Magnets Exclusively

Most cruise ship doors are made of metal, so magnets are your safest, most effective attachment method. Strong but removable magnets will hold your decorations securely without risking scratches or sticky residue. Avoid tape, sticky tack, or Command hooks, as these are typically prohibited and could incur fines.

4. Be Considerate of Safety Features

Don’t cover essential items like the peephole, room number, or safety information signs. Make sure none of your decorations extend into the hallway, as they could trip staff or fellow passengers.

Designer Tip: As a designer, I encourage you to treat your cruise door as a mini canvas. Layering magnetic elements, mixing subtle colors and textures, and using removable vinyl can add visual interest without clutter. For planning and pre-visualizing your cabin door decorations, you can use digital visualization tools like a DIY room decor planner. This helps you develop a harmonious design before you even pack your suitcase!

Tips 1:

Consider making your decorations waterproof or laminated since sea air is humid and doorways are exposed to the elements. This preserves the look throughout your journey and prevents damage or tearing from condensation or cleaning.

FAQ

Q: Can I use tape to hang decorations on a cruise ship door?

A: Most cruise lines do not allow any adhesives, including tape, as it can damage paint or leave residue. Magnets are generally preferred and allowed.

Q: Do all cruise ship doors accept magnets?

A: Most exterior cabin doors are steel and work with magnets. However, some interior or suite doors might use different materials, so check with your cruise line.

Q: Are there size or theme restrictions for door decorations?

A: Many cruise lines prohibit oversized, offensive, or obtrusive decorations. Always keep designs tasteful and under stipulated size limits.

Q: What happens if I use prohibited items on my door?

A: You may face fines, have your decorations removed by crew, or receive a warning. Always follow posted policies to avoid inconvenience.

Q: How do I make my cruise door decorations last all trip?

A: Use sturdy, waterproof, and laminated materials attached with strong magnets. Avoid paper or items that could be affected by humidity or cleaning sprays.