Many of us cruise to celebrate a special occasion like birthdays, honeymoon, graduation, and other milestones. Decorating your cabin can be a fun way to celebrate that special occasion.

You can always pre-order decorations from the cruise line. They tend to be more expensive, especially if you have the cabin steward put them up. Because of this, many cruisers take their own decorations and put them up themselves. It’s a great idea, but you need to be aware that there are guidelines for doing so.

Cruise lines have strict rules to ensure safety and prevent damage.

Here’s a breakdown of common rules—especially relevant for lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian:

What’s Not Allowed

No Tape, Glue, or Adhesives on Walls/Ceilings

• These can damage paint or surfaces.
• Use magnetic hooks or command strips (if allowed—some lines only permit magnets).

No Open Flames or Electrical Decorations

• No candles, wax warmers, string lights with open bulbs, or plug-in decor.
• Battery-operated lights (like fairy lights or LED tea lights) are generally okay.

No Door Coverings That Obstruct Cabin Numbers or Locks

• Safety and visibility regulations prohibit blocking identifying features.

No Confetti, Glitter, or Streamers

• These are messy and hard to clean.

No Hanging Items from Fire Sprinklers

• Serious safety violation—can cause flooding or cabin evacuation.

What’s Usually Allowed

• Magnetic Decorations (most cabin doors are metal)
• Battery-Operated String Lights
• Window clings or static clings (for mirrors or balcony doors—not walls)
• Pre-approved door signs or birthday banners
• Themed table decorations (for desks or shelves)

💡 TIP: Bring a few magnetic clips or hooks—they’re cruise décor MVPs!
You can order them from Amazon!

Door Decorating Notes by Cruise Line

Carnival

• Allows door decorations (magnetic or static only)
• No adhesives or tape
• Fire-retardant materials only

Royal Caribbean

• Similar rules: decorations must be flame-retardant and not damage surfaces
• Door decorations OK with magnets

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Decorations allowed if flame-retardant and secured without damaging the cabin

🔥 Fire Safety Tip

If bringing your own decorations, it’s best to leave in original packaging to show proof that they are fire retardant.

Popular Cabin Decorating Ideas

• Birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, or retirement banners
• Cruise countdown signs
• Custom magnetic door signs (Etsy is full of these)
• Whiteboards for messages (magnetic ones)
• Pirate or tropical themes for themed cruises

Check out decorations from Amazon, dollar stores, Oriental Trading, or party shops.

Cruise! Celebrate! Decorate!

I always make a sign similar to this for my clients to use on their door. They can print it out, laminate, and hang with simple magnets. If you would like one, just email me!

Must-Have Items to Bring on a Cruise