Check policies before you pack decorations.
Cruise lovers have a unique way to express their happiness at being at sea: door decorations. Cruises allow passengers to get creative with their stateroom decor, but the trend has gotten out of hand recently, with travelers encroaching on hallways and ceilings. In response, Disney has updated its policy to rein in the celebrations.
Disney says it allows passengers to be creative with “tasteful” magnetic signs to celebrate or have fun. However, tape or adhesive should be avoided, as they can damage the door. Sound or video elements should not be included in these decorations, and walls and ceilings in the corridor must be left bare. Over-the-door hangings are also prohibited, as they can scratch the doors. “Guests who damage doors in violation of these guidelines will be assessed a $100 fee per incident to cover the cost of repairs.”
@myadventurebook__ Door Decorations on A Disney Cruise🚢 It’s such a simple and easy thing to do before your cruise and it’s a great way to get excited! Each cruise I try to pick a theme depending on the sailing🚢 #doordecorations #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneycruisedoormagnets #fishextenders #dcl Disney cruise Door Decoration | How to make door decorations for your disney cruise 🦀#CapCut ♬ original sound – DISNEY TIPS AND TRICKS✨
Door decorating is a fun way to celebrate the journey. Passengers also decorate their stateroom doors on large cruise ships to find their rooms easily when the hallways all look the same. But with social media, the practice has become more competitive, and people plan elaborate themes with string lights, audio items, and hangings. Not only can these ideas damage the ship, but they also present a safety hazard.
It’s also a scenario that causes disputes on board, when decor is stolen or vandalized. Disney reminds passengers to avoid using valuable items when decorating their doors. “Disney Cruise Line is not responsible for damage to or loss of these items.”
@wafflenessa This was the happiest process ever 🥹 CAN’T WAIT TO SEE EVERYONE’S DECOR! @Disney Cruise Line Singapore #disneycruise #disneycruiseadventure ♬ original sound – Vanessa Chia
The guidelines also specify that verandas and railings can’t be decorated. “To maintain the ship’s appearance and safety for all Guests, flags, banners, signs, light strings and other hanging items may not be attached or otherwise displayed from any part of the ship, including stateroom verandahs. Additionally, seasonal and/or celebratory light bulb strings or other hanging items are not permitted.”
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Disney is not the only cruise company with policies regarding stateroom door decor. Royal Caribbean sent a letter to passengers sailing on its Symphony of the Seas in May to emphasize some rules: no lithium-powered lights, no covering the peephole, no touching the door frame, and no items that pose a fire risk. “Pro-Tip: Magnetic decorations are an easy and fun way to adorn your stateroom!”
Carnival Cruises only allows fire-retardant decorations, it explains elaborately on its website. “Please note that items sprayed with fire-retardant spray are not acceptable.” Decorations can only be placed on doors, and adhesive and string lights are banned. The cruise company also does not allow decor on balconies or light fixtures. It adds that the decor needs to be respectful to guests and should not contain any hateful or offensive messages.
Virgin Voyages, on the other hand, is firm on its door decor policy: it is not allowed. “We think our lady ships look fabulous as they are, and door decorations inevitably lead to unsightly damage,” the website informs cruisers.
Check the policies before you order or pack decorations, or it may lead to a fine or confiscation. You can also order special decor from the cruise gift shop, or find your way to Etsy and Amazon if you want to add a bit of a personal touch. It may be fun to be whimsical, but keep it under control—safety first.
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