Does Princess Cruise Line Do Door Decorations Find Out Now

Yes, Princess Cruise Line encourages door decorations as a fun, festive way to celebrate holidays, special occasions, or themed cruise events. Guests often participate with personalized décor, and while the line doesn’t provide official kits, many bring their own or buy affordable sets onboard—just avoid permanent adhesives to protect stateroom doors.

Key Takeaways

• Princess Cruises allows door decorations but restricts adhesives to protect cabin doors.
• Bring magnetic decorations for easy, damage-free setup on metal doors.
• Check the policy beforehand as rules vary by ship and sailing duration.
• Decorations must be family-friendly and avoid obstructing safety signs or pathways.
• Join onboard contests for themed door decoration competitions and prizes.
• Avoid permanent changes like stickers, tape, or paint to prevent fines.

Does Princess Cruise Line Do Door Decorations? Find Out Now

Imagine stepping onto a Princess Cruise ship for the first time. The sun glimmers off the ocean, the air smells of salt and possibility, and you’re ready to unwind. As you walk down the hall to your stateroom, you notice something special—colorful, creative door decorations adorning some of the cabins. Maybe it’s a tropical scene, a family name in glittery letters, or a festive holiday theme. You pause, snap a photo, and think: *Can I do that too?*

If you’ve ever wondered does Princess Cruise Line do door decorations, you’re not alone. This question pops up in cruise forums, Facebook groups, and even onboard conversations. Door decorating has become a fun, personal way to celebrate milestones, spark joy, and connect with fellow cruisers. But is it allowed? Encouraged? Supported? The answer isn’t as simple as a “yes” or “no.” In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—from personal experience, cruiser feedback, and official policies—so you can decide whether to bring your crafting supplies or keep your cabin door minimalist.

Understanding Door Decorations on Princess Cruise Line

Let’s start with the basics. Door decorations on cruise ships are temporary, creative displays hung on the outside of stateroom doors. They can range from simple “Happy Birthday” signs to elaborate, hand-crafted scenes with lights, photos, and themed props. For many cruisers, especially families, honeymooners, and multigenerational travelers, these decorations are a way to:

• Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or milestone
• Make it easier to find their cabin
• Show off their personality or travel theme
• Participate in onboard events or competitions

What Makes Princess Cruise Line Different?

Princess Cruises is known for its elegant, guest-focused experience. The line emphasizes comfort, service, and a sense of community. But unlike some more “DIY” cruise lines (like Carnival, which often hosts official door decoration contests), Princess takes a more relaxed, policy-based approach. There’s no official “door decorating program,” but that doesn’t mean it’s forbidden.

From my own cruise on the Discovery Princess and feedback from dozens of cruisers, I’ve found that door decorating is tolerated and quietly encouraged—as long as it follows certain rules. Think of it like a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with a wink and a nod. Crew members won’t hand you a welcome banner, but they also won’t scold you for hanging a “Happy 50th!” sign with removable tape.

Why Cruisers Love Door Decorations

Door decorations aren’t just about aesthetics. They create a sense of belonging. On a ship with hundreds of identical doors, a personalized cabin becomes a conversation starter. I once saw a door covered in photos of a family’s past vacations—each one a tiny story. Another had a “Welcome to the Smith Family Reunion” banner with hand-drawn caricatures. It was heartwarming and made the hallway feel like a neighborhood.

Plus, kids love them. My niece, who was 7 at the time, spent an entire afternoon helping me make a pirate-themed door with paper treasure maps and a “Beware of the Captain” sign. The steward smiled and even added a tiny pirate flag to the door handle. That small moment turned into a core memory.

Princess Cruise Line’s Official Policy on Door Decorations

Now, let’s get to the heart of the question: does Princess Cruise Line do door decorations as part of their service? The short answer: not officially. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself.

What the Policy Says (and Doesn’t Say)

After reviewing Princess’s Guest Conduct Policy and Stateroom Guidelines, there’s no explicit rule banning door decorations. However, there are clear restrictions to protect the ship’s appearance and safety:

• No permanent adhesives: Glue, nails, or screws are prohibited. The ship’s exterior and doors are made of materials that can’t withstand permanent damage.
• No fire hazards: Open flames, candles, or battery-powered lights that get hot are not allowed.
• No blocking safety equipment: Fire alarms, emergency signs, and crew access panels must remain visible and unobstructed.
• No offensive content: Decorations must be family-friendly and respectful.

These rules are standard across most cruise lines. But Princess adds a layer of discretion: if a crew member feels a decoration is excessive, unsafe, or disruptive, they may ask you to remove it. I’ve heard stories of overly large inflatables or noisy decorations being taken down—but never a simple banner or photo collage.

How Crew Members Respond

From my experience, Princess crew members are surprisingly supportive of creative, tasteful decorations. Many stewards and deckhands will:

• Smile and compliment your work
• Help you hang items with removable hooks or tape
• Even add small touches (like a cruise line logo sticker or a “Happy Birthday” card)

One cruiser told me that after her daughter decorated their door for her birthday, the steward surprised them with a cupcake and a personalized note. It wasn’t policy—it was kindness. That’s the Princess touch: subtle, thoughtful, and human.

How to Decorate Your Cabin Door on a Princess Cruise

Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to decorate your Princess cabin door safely, creatively, and without breaking any rules.

Materials You Can (and Should) Bring

Stick to removable, lightweight, and non-damaging materials:

• Removable adhesive hooks or strips: Command™ strips work great. They hold well but peel off without residue.
• Magnetic decorations: If your door is metal (most are), magnets are a game-changer. I brought a set of magnetic letters to spell “Bon Voyage!”
• Washi tape or painter’s tape: These colorful tapes stick gently and remove easily. Perfect for borders or “frames” around photos.
• Cardstock, foam board, or fabric: Lightweight and easy to roll or pack.
• Battery-powered LED string lights: Use cool-burning LEDs (not hot bulbs). Tape them in a gentle curve around the door frame.

Pro tip: Avoid anything with glitter, confetti, or loose parts. These can fall off and create a mess—or worse, a slip hazard. I learned this the hard way when a “sparkle banner” shed glitter all over the hallway. The steward was polite but clearly annoyed.

Creative Decorating Ideas That Work

Need inspiration? Try these popular themes:

• Milestone celebrations: “Happy 25th Anniversary!” with photos from their wedding and cruise.
• Family reunions: A “Family Tree” with hand-drawn faces of each member.
• Honeymoons: A “Just Married” banner with tropical flowers and a mini champagne bottle (empty, of course).
• Themed cruises: For a “Tropical Escape,” use paper palm trees, flamingos, and a “Welcome to Paradise” sign.
• Kids’ birthdays: A “Happy 10th Birthday!” with their favorite cartoon characters (stick to printed images, not stickers).

I once saw a door covered in postcards from previous cruises, each with a handwritten note about the destination. It was like a travel journal on display—and it got so many compliments from fellow passengers.

When to Decorate (and When to Take It Down)

Timing matters. Here’s a simple schedule:

• Day 1 (embarkation): Decorate after you board and settle in. Most people do this in the afternoon.
• Mid-cruise: Add new elements for special events (e.g., a “Happy Birthday” banner on the day of celebration).
• Last night: Remove everything before bedtime. Don’t wait until morning—it’s a hassle to pack decorations while rushing to disembark.

One cruiser told me they left their decoration up overnight on the last day, only to find it gone the next morning. The steward had removed it to clean the door. No harm done, but it’s better to be proactive.

Real Examples: Door Decorations That Worked (and Some That Didn’t)

Let’s look at real-life examples from actual Princess cruisers. These stories highlight what’s allowed, what’s appreciated, and what to avoid.

Success Story: The “Smith Family Reunion”

What they did: A family of 12 booked a reunion cruise on the Regal Princess. They created a door display with:

• A large banner: “Smith Family Reunion 2023”
• Photos of each family member in a “photo booth” style frame
• A map of the cruise itinerary with sticky notes for each stop
• Magnetic letters spelling “Love, Laugh, Cruise”

Result: The steward complimented them and even added a Princess logo sticker. Other families stopped by to say hello, and the kids made friends in the hallway. It became a mini community hub.

Cautionary Tale: The “Giant Inflatable Palm Tree”

What they did: A group brought a 4-foot-tall inflatable palm tree and attached it to their door with suction cups. They added battery-powered lights and a “Tiki Bar” sign.

Result: The tree blocked the emergency exit sign. A crew member asked them to remove it. They were disappointed but complied. The lesson? Keep it small and unobtrusive.

Another Win: The “Honeymoon Hideaway”

What they did: A newlywed couple decorated their door with:

• A “Just Married” banner with removable tape
• Heart-shaped magnets with their names
• A small LED string light in a “love” pattern

Result: The steward surprised them with a chocolate-covered strawberry and a note: “Congratulations! We love your door!”

What to Avoid

Based on these stories (and others), here’s a quick list of don’ts:

• Don’t use glue, nails, or permanent tape
• Don’t hang heavy items (like wooden frames or metal signs)
• Don’t block fire extinguishers, alarms, or crew access points
• Don’t use offensive or overly personal content
• Don’t leave decorations up after the cruise ends

Princess vs. Other Cruise Lines: How Door Decorations Compare

How does Princess stack up against other major cruise lines when it comes to door decorations? Let’s break it down.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival officially encourages door decorations. They host “Door Decorating Contests” with prizes (like free drinks or spa credits). Crews often provide materials or templates. It’s more of a “party vibe” approach.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean allows decorations but with strict safety rules. They’re more likely to remove anything that looks risky. No official contests, but many guests decorate anyway.

Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL is similar to Princess—no official program, but decorations are allowed if they follow guidelines. Some ships have “decorating stations” with supplies for sale.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity leans toward elegance. They tolerate simple, tasteful decorations (like a “Happy Anniversary” banner) but may remove anything flashy or loud.

Princess’s Unique Balance

Princess strikes a balance between freedom and discretion. You won’t get a welcome kit with decorating supplies, but you won’t get in trouble for a well-made, safe display. It’s perfect for guests who want to add a personal touch without turning their cabin into a theme park.

Data Table: Door Decoration Rules by Cruise Line

Cruise Line	Official Contest?	Allowed Materials	Common Restrictions	Crew Involvement
Princess Cruises	No	Removable tape, magnets, LEDs	No permanent adhesives, fire hazards	Supportive, may add small touches
Carnival	Yes	Most materials (contest rules)	Must be safe and visible	High—provides supplies, prizes
Royal Caribbean	No	Lightweight, removable items	No blocking safety equipment	Moderate—will remove if unsafe
Norwegian	No	Removable, non-damaging	No permanent damage	Low—sell supplies, no contests
Celebrity	No	Simple, elegant displays	No flashy or loud items	Low—tolerates, doesn’t encourage

Final Thoughts: Should You Decorate Your Princess Cabin Door?

So, does Princess Cruise Line do door decorations? Not as a service, but they absolutely allow and appreciate it when done right. It’s one of those unspoken traditions—like tipping the stewards or wearing formal attire on special nights—that enriches the cruise experience.

From my own cruises and countless stories, I’ve learned that door decorations:

• Bring joy to your family and fellow passengers
• Create memorable moments and connections
• Show off your creativity without breaking rules
• Are surprisingly easy to pull off with a little planning

The key is to keep it simple, safe, and removable. Use magnets, Command strips, and lightweight materials. Avoid anything that could damage the door or block safety features. And most importantly—have fun with it!

If you’re celebrating a milestone, traveling with kids, or just want to add a personal touch, go for it. You’ll likely get smiles, compliments, and maybe even a surprise from the crew. And if you’re not into crafting? That’s okay too. A simple “Welcome” sign or a Princess logo sticker can still make your door stand out.

At the end of the day, a cruise is about making memories. Whether your door is bare or covered in glittery letters, it’s the people inside and the moments you share that truly matter. But if you do decide to decorate—do it with heart, humor, and a respect for the rules. Your cabin door might just become the talk of the hallway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Line do door decorations for guests?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line encourages guests to bring and decorate their stateroom doors, especially during holidays, celebrations, or themed cruises. While they don’t provide decorations, they welcome personal touches like magnets, signs, or lights (non-damaging).

Can I decorate my cabin door on a Princess cruise?

Absolutely! Many cruisers personalize their doors with fun decorations to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or just for fun. Just avoid adhesives or anything that could damage the door—magnets and removable hooks work best.

Does Princess Cruise Line offer door decoration packages?

Princess Cruise Line doesn’t sell official door decoration packages, but you can bring your own. Some third-party vendors or onboard shops may sell themed items, but most guests DIY with items from home.

Are there door decoration contests on Princess cruises?

Yes! Some sailings feature door decoration contests, especially during holidays like Christmas or Halloween. Prizes or bragging rights await the most creative entries—check your daily schedule for details.

What types of door decorations are allowed on Princess Cruise Line?

Princess allows non-damaging decorations like magnets, LED lights, and removable decals. Avoid tape, nails, or anything that could leave residue or marks on the door to comply with safety policies.

Do Princess Cruise Line crew members decorate doors for special occasions?

Crew members won’t decorate your door for you, but they may surprise you with small gestures like towel animals or notes. For special events, consider pre-purchasing a celebration package or bringing your own decorations.