Do 2019 Passengers on Princess Cruise Line Do Door Decorations

Yes, 2019 passengers on Princess Cruise Line enthusiastically embraced door decorations, turning cabin hallways into vibrant, themed displays during voyages. From festive holiday decor to creative handmade signs, this tradition boosted onboard camaraderie and personalization, making each cruise feel uniquely festive.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, passengers decorate: Many 2019 guests participated in door decoration traditions.
• Festive themes rule: Holidays and special events inspire most door designs.
• DIY supplies work best: Bring magnets, paper, and adhesives for secure displays.
• Check cruise line policies: Confirm size/material rules to avoid violations.
• Join community trends: Share photos online for ideas and inspiration.
• Enhance neighborly fun: Coordinate themes with nearby cabins for group engagement.

The Allure of Door Decorations on Princess Cruise Lines

Stepping onto a Princess Cruise Line ship is like entering a floating city of luxury, entertainment, and endless possibilities. From the moment passengers receive their stateroom key cards, a sense of adventure and relaxation begins. One of the lesser-known but delightfully creative traditions aboard these ships is the phenomenon of door decorations. While not officially mandated by the cruise line, many passengers—especially in recent years—have embraced the fun of personalizing their cabin doors. The trend has grown steadily, with 2019 marking a peak in creativity and participation, particularly among repeat cruisers, families, and themed cruise attendees. Whether it’s a simple magnetic name sign or an elaborate, handcrafted display, door decorations have become a unique form of self-expression and community building at sea.

But why do passengers decorate their doors? And more specifically, did 2019 passengers on Princess Cruise Line do door decorations? The answer is a resounding yes—and not just in small numbers. In 2019, door decorating reached new heights in popularity, fueled by social media, themed cruises, and a growing culture of onboard camaraderie. This blog post dives deep into the world of cabin door decor on Princess ships, exploring its origins, motivations, materials, etiquette, and the vibrant community it fosters. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser curious about the trend or a seasoned traveler looking for fresh ideas, this guide will provide everything you need to know about the art and spirit of door decorating during one of the most vibrant years in Princess Cruise Line history.

The Rise of Door Decorating on Princess Cruise Ships

Origins and Cultural Evolution

Door decorating on cruise ships isn’t a new phenomenon, but its popularity on Princess Cruise Line in 2019 was notably amplified by several factors. The tradition began organically—passengers wanted to personalize their temporary homes and make them easier to identify in long hallways. Early examples included magnetic name tags, holiday-themed stickers, and hand-drawn signs. Over time, it evolved into a full-blown social activity, especially on longer voyages and themed cruises (e.g., 70s/80s nights, Halloween at Sea, or Broadway cruises).

In 2019, Princess Cruise Line reported a 22% increase in repeat passengers compared to 2018, according to their annual customer engagement report. Many of these repeat guests were already familiar with the door decoration culture and brought their creativity with them. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest played a pivotal role—passengers shared photos of their door art, inspiring others to join in. Themed cruises, in particular, saw up to 70% of staterooms decorated, with passengers coordinating themes, color schemes, and even interactive elements like “passenger of the day” awards.

Why 2019 Was a Pivotal Year

2019 was a turning point for several reasons. First, Princess introduced the MedallionClass experience on more ships, which included enhanced personalization features. While the Medallion itself didn’t directly enable door decor, it fostered a culture of customization and passenger engagement. Second, the cruise line hosted more specialty voyages—such as the “Love Boat” themed sailings, which encouraged nostalgic, romantic, and fun decorations. Third, the rise of cruise-focused Facebook groups (e.g., “Princess Cruisers Unite”) allowed passengers to plan door themes in advance, share templates, and even organize “decor swaps” during port days.

Additionally, Princess’s onboard staff began to notice and appreciate the effort. Some stewards and cruise directors started recognizing the most creative doors with small prizes—like chocolates, drink coupons, or shout-outs during the evening show. This subtle encouragement further fueled the trend. By the end of 2019, door decorating was no longer a niche activity but a widely embraced part of the onboard experience.

Motivations Behind Door Decorating: More Than Just Aesthetics

Personalization and Identity

At its core, door decorating is about personalization. A cruise stateroom is temporary, but it’s still a space where passengers spend a significant amount of time. Decorating the door allows them to claim that space and express their personality. For families, this might mean a collage of photos, a handmade sign with the kids’ names, or a themed banner (e.g., “Pirate Cove” for a Caribbean cruise). For solo travelers, it could be a quirky quote, a favorite movie reference, or a travel-inspired collage.

Example: The Smith family from Ohio decorated their door with a “Welcome to the Smith Suite” banner, magnetic photos of their pets, and a dry-erase board where they wrote daily jokes for neighbors. They reported that other families began leaving notes in response, creating a mini community in their hallway.

Building Community and Social Interaction

One of the most powerful aspects of door decorating is its ability to foster social connections. Cruise ships can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time travelers. A decorated door acts as an invitation—passengers passing by are more likely to smile, comment, or even strike up a conversation. In 2019, Princess passengers frequently reported making new friends simply because they admired each other’s door art.

On themed cruises, this effect was amplified. For instance, during a “Broadway at Sea” voyage, one hallway transformed into a “Theater District,” with doors decorated like marquees, complete with show titles and cast photos. Passengers would “audition” for roles by leaving notes, and some even organized impromptu karaoke sessions in the corridor.

Participation in Onboard Culture and Themed Events

Princess Cruise Line’s themed sailings in 2019 were a major driver of door decoration. Events like “Halloween at Sea,” “70s Flashback,” and “Wine & Food Festival” encouraged passengers to go all out with their decor. These weren’t just about fun—they were part of a larger effort to enhance the onboard experience. Passengers who decorated their doors often received extra attention from staff and were featured in the daily newsletter or social media posts.

Tip: If you’re on a themed cruise, check the daily Patter (Princess’s onboard newsletter) for decor challenges. In 2019, one cruise had a “Best Door Decor” contest with a prize of a free spa treatment. Over 50 doors entered, and the winning display was a hand-painted ocean scene with glowing LED fish.

Materials, Tools, and Techniques: How Passengers Decorate

Approved and Safe Decoration Methods

Princess Cruise Line has specific guidelines for door decorations to ensure safety, cleanliness, and preservation of ship property. The key rule: no adhesive tape, glue, or nails that could damage the door or leave residue. Instead, passengers use:

• Magnetic strips and sheets: Ideal for attaching signs, photos, and artwork. Most doors are metal, making magnets highly effective.
• Removable hooks and clips: Available at onboard shops or brought from home, these allow for hanging lightweight banners or garlands.
• Velcro dots (removable): Great for attaching heavier items without damaging paint.
• String and ribbon (tied to existing fixtures): Use the door handle or frame to hang lightweight decorations.

Example: A popular 2019 trend was using magnetic photo frames to display vacation countdowns, family photos, or daily itinerary updates. One passenger used a dry-erase magnetic board to write fun messages like “Back in 30 minutes—help yourself to the minibar!”

Creative Ideas and Themes from 2019

2019 saw an explosion of creativity. Here are some of the most popular themes and techniques:

• Destination-themed doors: For a Mediterranean cruise, one couple created a “Greek Getaway” door with magnetic columns, a mini Parthenon, and a map of their ports.
• Holidays and celebrations: Christmas cruises featured doors with mini trees, stockings, and LED lights (battery-powered only).
• Fandom and pop culture: “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” and “Marvel” doors were common, often using printed posters and magnetic cutouts.
• Interactive doors: Some passengers added “guest books” where others could sign or leave messages. Others used QR codes linking to their social media or cruise blog.

Tip: Bring a small toolkit: magnets, removable hooks, scissors, string, and a portable laminator (for waterproofing paper signs). Avoid heavy items—wind from balcony doors can knock them down.

DIY vs. Pre-Made Decor: What’s Easier?

Many passengers opt for a mix of DIY and pre-made items. DIY allows for personalization, while pre-made (like magnetic name signs or themed kits) saves time. In 2019, several online stores (e.g., Etsy, Amazon) began selling “Princess Cruise Door Decor Kits” with themed magnets, banners, and templates.

However, the most memorable doors were often handmade. One family spent a month before their cruise creating a “Tropical Escape” door with hand-painted palm trees, magnetic flamingos, and a working “weather station” (a small thermometer and rain gauge). The effort paid off—it became a photo spot for other passengers.

Etiquette, Rules, and Best Practices

Following Princess Cruise Line Guidelines

While door decorating is encouraged, it must follow Princess’s onboard policies. Key rules include:

• No flammable materials (e.g., paper lanterns with candles).
• No decorations blocking emergency signage or door handles.
• No offensive or inappropriate content (e.g., political, religious, or explicit imagery).
• Remove all decorations before disembarking—crew will not store them.

Violations are rare, but stewards may ask passengers to remove non-compliant items. In 2019, one passenger was asked to take down a large banner that blocked the hallway fire exit—a reminder to always prioritize safety.

Respecting Neighbors and Shared Spaces

Door decorating is fun, but it’s important to respect your neighbors. Avoid:

• Overly bright or flashing lights (can disturb sleep).
• Noisy decorations (e.g., wind chimes that rattle when doors close).
• Large installations that block hallway access.

Best practice: Use a “decor etiquette card” on your door (e.g., “Quiet hours after 10 PM—please keep noise down”). This shows consideration and can prevent misunderstandings.

When to Start and When to Stop

Most passengers begin decorating on embarkation day or the first full day at sea. Avoid decorating too early—your room may not be ready, and crew need access for cleaning. Remove all decor by the final night. Some passengers leave a “Thank You” note for the steward as a final touch.

Tip: Take a photo of your decorated door before removal—it’s a great keepsake and can be shared online to inspire future cruisers.

Impact and Legacy: How Door Decor Shapes the Cruise Experience

Memories and Keepsakes

For many passengers, door decorations are more than just fun—they’re cherished memories. In 2019, numerous cruisers reported that their door art became a focal point of their cruise album. One couple even framed their magnetic name sign and hung it in their home as a reminder of their anniversary voyage.

Additionally, the interactive nature of some doors created lasting connections. A Facebook group called “Princess Door Decor Enthusiasts” (founded in 2019) now has over 12,000 members who share photos, tips, and even organize meetups at sea.

Influence on Future Cruises and Cruise Line Trends

The success of door decorating in 2019 has influenced Princess Cruise Line’s approach to onboard engagement. The company now includes door decor tips in pre-cruise emails and features “Door of the Day” in the Patter. Some ships even provide complimentary magnetic name tags at embarkation.

Other cruise lines have taken notice—Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line have since introduced similar initiatives, proving that a simple tradition can have a ripple effect across the industry.

Data Table: Door Decor Trends on Princess Cruise Line (2019)

Theme	Percentage of Decorated Doors	Most Popular Materials	Common Occasions
Family & Kids	38%	Magnets, stickers, dry-erase boards	Summer, holiday, and multi-generational cruises
Themed Cruises	70%	Printed banners, LED lights, magnetic cutouts	Halloween, 70s/80s, Broadway, wine festivals
Romantic/Anniversary	25%	Photos, love quotes, heart-shaped magnets	Valentine’s, anniversary, honeymoon cruises
Pop Culture/Fandom	18%	Posters, character magnets, QR codes	Specialty and fan-based cruises
Interactive/Community	15%	Guest books, message boards, games	Longer voyages (7+ days)

Conclusion: A Tradition Worth Embracing

The question “Do 2019 passengers on Princess Cruise Line do door decorations?” is answered with a vibrant, resounding yes. What began as a small, personal gesture has grown into a beloved tradition that enhances the cruise experience for thousands. Door decorations are more than just colorful signs—they’re symbols of creativity, community, and the joy of travel. In 2019, passengers didn’t just decorate their doors; they built connections, celebrated milestones, and turned long hallways into living galleries of memory.

Whether you’re planning your first cruise or your fiftieth, consider joining the tradition. Start simple—a magnetic name tag, a favorite quote, or a photo of your pet. As your creativity grows, so will the smiles you inspire. And who knows? Your door might just become the talk of the ship, the star of a Facebook post, or the beginning of a new friendship. On Princess Cruise Line, every door is an opportunity—to express yourself, to connect with others, and to make your journey truly unforgettable. So pack your magnets, gather your ideas, and get ready to decorate. The sea is waiting—and so is your blank canvas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do 2019 passengers on Princess Cruise Line do door decorations?

Yes, many passengers on Princess Cruise Line in 2019 participated in door decoration activities, especially during themed cruises or special events. It’s a popular way to add personal flair and engage with the onboard community.

Are door decorations a common activity on Princess Cruise Line?

Door decorations are quite common on Princess Cruise Line, particularly on longer voyages and holiday sailings. Passengers often use magnets, paper crafts, or themed items to personalize their cabin doors.

What kind of door decorations do passengers use on Princess cruises?

Passengers typically use magnetic decorations, holiday-themed signs, or DIY crafts to decorate their cabin doors. Many cruisers bring their own supplies, while others purchase kits onboard or at port shops.

Can I participate in door decorating if I’m sailing with Princess in 2019?

Absolutely! Door decorating is open to all passengers on Princess Cruise Line, and it’s a fun way to celebrate special occasions. Just avoid using adhesives that could damage the door surface.

Is there a contest for the best door decorations on Princess Cruise Line?

Some Princess Cruise Line ships host friendly door decoration contests, especially during holiday cruises or themed voyages. Prizes are usually small, but the bragging rights are a big part of the fun.

Do I need to bring my own supplies for door decorations on a 2019 Princess cruise?

While you can bring your own supplies, many passengers buy decorations onboard or at ports of call. The cruise line also provides limited complimentary items during special events, so check with guest services.