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10 Ideas for Cruise Door Decorations

April 23, 2014 Kelly Stilwell 45 Comments

The first time many people find out about cruise door decorations on a ship is when they are already on their first cruise. Unless the store onboard has decorations, you’ll be out of luck. If they do have decorations, you’ll be paying a lot more for them than you could have if you shopped ahead of time. After reading this, you’ll be prepared to decorate your cruise cabin door!

I remember seeing some doors beautifully decorated on my first cruise and thinking (slaps head) why didn’t I think of this?!

Save This to Pinterest for Later!

The first time many people find out about decorating your cruise door on a ship is when they are on their first cruise, but after reading this, you'll be prepared with your cruise door decorations! #Cruising #Cruise #CruiseFun

Cruise Door Decorations

As I mentioned, it’s not totally too late once you are on the ship. The cruise ship gift shops know you’ll be searching for cruise door decorations so you’ll probably find a few magnets to personalize your door, or maybe even a door hanger. But wouldn’t it be fun to have something uniquely you?

I started a Pinterest Board showing more ideas for decorating your door on a cruise. Join the fun and please ask if you’d like to be added so you can pin your door photos!  Before you move on, you might want to grab my free packing list printable just for cruises to help you get ready for your trip. 

A few years ago I cruised to Cozumel on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas with 39 other bloggers, and fortunately, we planned ahead. In fact, we had a contest for the best cruise door decorations, and because I had the most creative roommate ever, we won! You can scroll down after the 10 Ideas for cruise door decorations and see all the doors.  

Holiday Cruise Door Decorations

1 This is a no-brainer, but if there is a holiday coming up, use those holiday decorations! My first cruise was in the middle of December. I saw the most adorable decorations with a Christmas theme.

You could do a big tree and put your family names on the Christmas ornaments. For Valentines Day, you could do hearts. You get the idea. Here’s one you might like: Cruise Ship Porthole Peel ‘N Place

Special Event Decorations 

2 Are you celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary? Let fellow cruisers know by announcing it on your door!

Scrapbooking Door Decorations

3 Go to your favorite craft store and get scrapbooking decorations with a cruising theme. They will not have magnets, but you can buy a roll of magnets in a strip. Just cut pieces to fit each magnet. This is pretty inexpensive and looks great on the door!

Destination Decorations

4 Use your destination as a theme. Going to Mexico? How about sombreros? The Bahamas? Beach balls and umbrella drinks! Going on an arctic cruise? Look at this adorable Arctic Cruise Props Party Accessory.

5 If you are going to several ports, grab something from each one and put it on your door. I saw one door on Facebook that had been decorated for a European cruise, and they had a cutout from all the places they saw while there. Very clever and easy!

6 Love your state? How about your state (or country) flag? Or something special from your neck of the woods?

Interactive Cruise Door Decorations

7 Place a magnetic whiteboard and pen on your door and ask a question. How many times have you cruised? What’s your favorite port to visit on a cruise? Believe it or not, people will answer! This one is a perfect size: Sparco Marker Board.

Hobby Decorations

8 What’s your favorite hobby? Love movies? Grab some decorations of film reels and movie DVD boxes. Love to surf? Read? Get creative!

9 Place a magnet on each side of the door draping string from one end to the other for a different way to display any of the above ideas, or even postcards you’ve bought along the way.

Selfie Station for the Win

10 And my favorite idea (from my roommate!) which won us the prize for the best door: Create a Selfie Station! Put up a frame mat with decorations all around, the name of the cruise line, the ship, and the date, and invite other cruisers to take a selfie! How much fun is that? And what a great memento of their trip!

Don’ts for Decorating your Cruise Door

Please note: Do NOT use adhesives! Magnets are readily available and don’t damage doors. I have never seen decorations stolen, but don’t put anything on your door if you would be upset to lose it. And, of course, never use profanity on your door. The ship will probably take it down.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a cruise door decorating contest for a family reunion or other event? You now have the know-how to organize it! Be sure to come back and share your own ideas in the comments, and pin your photos!

Cruise Door Decorations on Royal Carribean 

Now for our amazing doors from the Brandcation cruise on Liberty of the Seas! Enjoy!

Royal Caribbean

We had very creative people in our group!

Royal Caribbean

A pirate theme is always fun!

Royal Caribbean

How creative can you get?

Royal Caribbean

Wouldn’t your family have fun coming up with ideas?

RC door 6

Sheeps Ahoy! Bwahahaha!

Royal Caribbean

Love the ideas list!

Royal Caribbean

Photos of your family or group is a fun idea!

Royal Caribbean

And our winning door! We had a selfie station and magnets that said #SeasTheDay with the date and ship. Some of the magnets had a blank where you could fill in how you would #SeasTheDay.

We told people to take one for their door, and many did! My roomie Jen from Life with Levi was brilliant, and we had a blast sharing our magnets!

Rc our door

I hope you have some fun ideas to begin your search for cruise door decorations! I’d love for you to come back and share your ideas and photos!  Send me an email and I’ll post a few! I’ve had a few people share from Disney Cruises.

Cruise Door Decorations from Disney Cruises

I love the plaque on this one! You can tell this was a family effort, which is what it’s all about!

The first time many people find out about decorating your cruise door on a ship is when they are on their first cruise, but after reading this, you'll be prepared with your cruise door decorations!

Another one that was definitely a family affair! 

The first time many people find out about decorating your cruise door on a ship is when they are on their first cruise, but after reading this, you'll be prepared with your cruise door decorations!

It doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s just about having fun!

The first time many people find out about decorating your cruise door on a ship is when they are on their first cruise, but after reading this, you'll be prepared with your cruise door decorations!

These kids were proud of their door! I think it’s awesome, too! 

The first time many people find out about decorating your cruise door on a ship is when they are on their first cruise, but after reading this, you'll be prepared with your cruise door decorations!

This one is fun for a Girls Getaway!

The first time many people find out about decorating your cruise door on a ship is when they are on their first cruise, but after reading this, you'll be prepared with your cruise door decorations!

And if you love cruising, you have got to check out my posts about Cruising!

We did the Disney Fantasy Cruise for my younger daughter’s 18th birthday. For our 25th anniversary, we took our girls with us on a Viking River Cruise on the Rhine. Yes, honestly, it is more for older people. There are better cruises for kids and teens. They did find out there is a lot to do in the Black Forest besides eating cake!

However, my husband and I loved the Rhone Viking River Cruise with all the great excursions. We also loved the very romantic Danube Cruise, especially spending one day in Budapest. What a magical city.

I wish my girls had been on Carnival with me because I think they would have enjoyed it. The excursions were definitely more their style. Carnival is perfect for a Girls Getaway! My sister and I had a blast!

Finally, last year I flew out to Seattle for the Norwegian Bliss inaugural cruise to Victoria. The ship goes to Alaska for the full journey, but I’ve grown to love Victoria so much that I was thrilled! Maybe I’ll get to Alaska in 2019. Do you know the best time to cruise to Alaska?

More Cruise Door Decoration Ideas 

And for a lot more ideas about cruising, check out my Cruising Pinterest Board. Check out this article for games to play on a cruise. It’s great for large families or reunions.

Check out my Amazon storefront to see more of my favorite things! Thanks for visiting!

My cruise was provided by Royal Caribbean. As always, all thoughts are my own.

Cruises, Travel cabin door, cruise door decorations, cruising, Royal Caribbean, travel

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Comments

  1. Jamie H says

    April 26, 2014 at 9:42 PM

    Door decorating was so much fun!

    Reply
  2. Kelly Stilwell says

    April 27, 2014 at 10:05 AM

    It was, Jamie! Meeting you was fun, too 🙂

    Reply
  3. TravellerMel says

    June 20, 2014 at 5:08 PM

    LOVE the ideas – might have to “borrow” for our upcoming Girl’s Cruise. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      June 20, 2014 at 5:11 PM

      Thanks for visiting, TravellerMel! Have fun!

      Reply
  4. Mike & Julie says

    September 17, 2014 at 1:42 AM

    Saw this and thought our boys would LOVE this! This is our first cruise coming up Nov 17th, Liberty of the Seas and, just found out there will be NO decoration through out the ship until the next week so that was upsetting being that I am the biggest Christmas guy around, dorkie yes but this is me. So, I think we might bring with us some fun, chessy multi colored lights for the cabin and maybe a tiny tree? Just some ideas for us to Kick Off Christmas Countdown! (??? right??? lol) Ideas are always welcome. Mike from Michigan!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      September 17, 2014 at 8:13 AM

      That’s a great idea, Mike! Get your boys involved! Something interactive on your door is fun, too. Like a whiteboard where people can comment on your decorated door or simply wish you a Merry Christmas. We had a blast with our “selfie station” and you could make it “Christmasie!” Can’t wait to see what you come up with! Please let me know, and thanks so much for visiting!

      Reply
  5. Jean says

    November 26, 2014 at 11:32 PM

    Do you know the size of the cabin doors on a RCL cruise? We cruise on Dec 14th and are planning to decorate three doors. Thanks Jean from Texas

    Reply
    • Kelly Stilwell says

      November 27, 2014 at 8:59 PM

      I don’t know the sizes, Jean, but I’m sure you can ask their customer service department. Happy cruising! Would love to see pics!

      Reply
      • Alex Cantu says

        June 20, 2017 at 1:39 PM

        Check Pinterest, you’ll find the door size.

        Reply
  6. Missi says

    January 31, 2015 at 4:02 PM

    So many great ideas!!!

    Reply
  7. @reesibits says

    March 19, 2015 at 11:45 AM

    Love how you captured so many doors in pics! Very creative #seastheday

    Reply
  8. Desiree Passantino says

    March 19, 2016 at 2:20 AM

    I’m going on a dancing cruise and would like to decorate our door. How much fun!

    Reply
  9. Kelly says

    August 22, 2016 at 4:02 PM

    How do you decorate if the door is wood not metal?

    Reply
    • Alex Cantu says

      June 20, 2017 at 1:38 PM

      Command post strips.

      Reply
    • Evelyn Hadwin says

      July 25, 2019 at 3:15 PM

      the doors are metal, so are the walls in your stateroom.

      Reply
  10. Rose says

    December 26, 2016 at 12:21 PM

    Like you said don’t put anything on the door that you want to keep. I did have these cute magnets on my door and they were constantly missing. One night I was walking by another door far away and found one of my missing magnets. I know it wasn’t theirs because it had my name on the back. On this cruise I was thinking about buying a cheap door banner from Oriental Trading and then adding some of my touches.

    Reply
    • Kelly Stilwell says

      December 26, 2016 at 3:51 PM

      Love, love that idea, Rose! I haven’t had my decorations taken, but it’s not surprising, especially if there are a lot of kids on the cruise. I’d love to feature your door here, so send me a photo! kastilwell@gmail.com

      Reply
    • sandra hill says

      August 8, 2017 at 6:07 PM

      I had the american flag stolen off my statue of liberty- the people across the hall then stuck it on their mail box. really, you didnt think i would see it there.

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell says

        August 12, 2017 at 5:39 AM

        That’s unbelievable, Sandra! Sorry that happened to you. Maybe it fell off and someone stuck it there? I hate to think someone would do that.

        Reply
    • Linda W. says

      January 2, 2018 at 10:30 PM

      I’m going to check out Oriental Trading for decorations for our May cruise — Star Wars for May the 4th and something for May 5th (Cinco de Mayo). And then there’s Mother’s Day. Oh, the possibilities abound.

      Reply
  11. AM says

    February 14, 2017 at 4:25 PM

    DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE SIZE OF THE DOOR IS?

    Reply
    • Alex Cantu says

      June 20, 2017 at 1:37 PM

      It’s on Pinterest

      Reply
  12. Alex Cantu says

    June 20, 2017 at 1:36 PM

    Can you still decorate your room door in a Carnival Cruise?

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      June 20, 2017 at 1:43 PM

      I didn’t see anything that said you couldn’t, Alex. I did see magnets in the store when I cruised with them just a few months ago. When in doubt, ask them. I wouldn’t want to give you wrong information. Thanks for all the comments!

      Reply
      • sandra hill says

        August 8, 2017 at 6:02 PM

        yes but you have to follow their rules, no tape or adhesives except command strips and magnets, it must be flame retardant. no lights even if battery lights, only decorate the door and not the walls. must not fall off the door and cause any problems.

        Reply
        • Kelly Stilwell says

          August 12, 2017 at 5:39 AM

          Yes, thanks for adding this Sandra. You have to be careful to follow the rules.

          Reply
  13. Shaundell Horn says

    July 29, 2017 at 4:15 PM

    How do you get the frame to stay on the door if you didn’t use tape? Also I love the selfie ideal! Plan on using that one! Gonna use a Bahama theme! So excited!

    Reply
    • Shaundell Horn says

      July 29, 2017 at 4:17 PM

      Please email me at shaundellhorn1979@gmail.com I used the wrong email.

      Reply
    • Kelly Stilwell says

      July 30, 2017 at 2:02 AM

      It’s been a while, but I believe the frame was magnetic. When you go to Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, or similar, you can tell them what you are looking for. Even better, or on Amazon. so much easier to find exactly what you need, and I’m pretty sure I included some links. Enjoy and I want to see photos!! Would love to add them to this post!

      Reply
      • Nell says

        September 22, 2019 at 8:46 AM

        Ooh thanks for that because I was going to inquire about the selfie station. Its my 40th bday so I want to decorate my door. Thanks for the ideas.

        Reply
        • Kelly Stilwell says

          September 22, 2019 at 9:14 AM

          Happy 40th!! That would be so fun!! Email me your address so I can send you a little gift for your 40th. ???? Kastilwell@gmail.com

          Reply
        • Candice Smalling says

          December 4, 2019 at 9:12 PM

          I’m going on my 1st cruise next year for my 25th anniversary and trying to think of a cute saying or something to have a selfie station and find a cute way to somehow ask people to tag us in their photos to share in our celebration

          Reply
          • Kelly Stilwell says

            December 4, 2019 at 9:39 PM

            I love this! What a great idea! Maybe you could add a hashtag with your names on it? Ask people to use the hashtag and tag the ship. That would be so much fun! I would love to share, and add a photo of whatever you decide to do to this post! Please keep me posted. I celebrated 27 this year!

    • sandra hill says

      August 8, 2017 at 6:05 PM

      must use command strips or magnets. if t is a heavy thing you can put one of the big command hooks upside down on the inside of the door and run a string up oveer the door to the frame. also put command strips on the frame so it does not bounce when door open

      Reply
  14. Julie says

    October 8, 2017 at 1:01 PM

    I’ve taken 28 cruises & just returned from my latest back to back yesterday. I ALWAYS decorate my door, but ALWAYS have things stolen, ruined & broken. I use balloons to mark my door so we can easily find it down the long halls, but teenage boys run by & pop them over & over. I made crafty flip flops for each member of my family members, but they got stolen. I’ve used tape-on decorations but they get ripped. I don’t dare put nice magnets up anymore, as they are expensive & easy to grab & run. Please help me find a way to decorate without attracting the CREEPS who ruin my fun! The doors used to hold magnets, but now they don’t only the edge around the door is metal. Tape is a must! Any suggestions? How about easily removable paint? Marker? Stickers? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Kelly Stilwell says

      October 8, 2017 at 4:05 PM

      This makes me so sad, Julie! I don’t know a way around the stealing, but I’m going to see what I can find out about what we can use besides tape. Grrr. Why do people have to ruin the fun?

      Reply
      • Kat says

        May 8, 2018 at 10:41 PM

        You could always put one of those little fake cameras just above door with a note somewhere saying your being watched or smile were watching u lol

        Reply
    • Shawn Delaney says

      October 22, 2017 at 3:51 PM

      What cruise line is it that the doors aren’t metal?

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell says

        October 29, 2017 at 9:44 AM

        I’m not sure Shawn. Sorry!

        Reply
  15. Eyvonne says

    April 7, 2018 at 7:09 PM

    Don’t understand the flame retardant decoration? What no paper products or poster board?

    Reply
    • Kelly Stilwell says

      May 6, 2018 at 3:53 PM

      Where did you see that, Eyvonee? Perhaps ask someone on the particular ship you are sailing.

      Reply
  16. Kathy Storer says

    January 5, 2019 at 9:12 AM

    We’re traveling with a group from our church and I would love to have magnets for everyone’s cabin door but all that I’ve found are small and expensive. We have 8 cabins and I’d like to have one for everyone in the cabin so that’s several! Do you know of an inexpensive place I could order some or even make my own? I think I’d rather have a magnetic sheet vs. magnetic strips. Thanks so much! I really love all of your ideas!

    Reply
    • Kelly Stilwell says

      January 7, 2019 at 10:55 PM

      So fun, Kathy! I would think you could make them with a magnetic sheet and cut them. Maybe I can help. What are you thinking for the design? Does your group have a name? Let me know! Michael’s and other craft stores will get you thinking if you go in and browse. I’m excited to see what you come up with!

      Reply
  17. Janell says

    September 22, 2019 at 8:54 AM

    Hi Kelly. I tried hobby lobby for the frame. Is that white background poster paper??? I only found actual magnetic frames for pictures. Nothing like this white background you gals had.

    Reply
    • Kelly Stilwell says

      September 22, 2019 at 9:11 AM

      Hi Janell! I’m not sure which one you’re referring to. The selfie station? That’s a cardboard mat- like the ones you put inside a photo frame. We bought a package of magnet stripping to put it on the door. It comes in a roll. Does that answer your question? Please let me know! Sounds like you have a plan and I want to see it!! ????

      Reply

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Welcome! Food, Fun & Faraway Places® is a travel and lifestyle blog written by Kelly Stilwell. From delicious recipes to world travel, I’ve got you covered! Contact me at kastilwell@gmail.com.

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