Carnival Cruise Door Decorations and Ducks: Ultimate Guide

Ever heard about Carnival Cruise’s quirky traditions of door decorations and ducks?

I only discovered them when I boarded my first cruise in May 2025. It’s silly. It’s wholesome. And it’s exactly what you’d expect from a cruise line that calls itself the “Fun Ship.”

If you’re new to cruising—or just curious about what all the buzz (and rubber ducks) is about—here’s what you need to know and how to join in.

Carnival Cruise Door Decorations: What’s the Deal?

Carnival lets guests decorate their cabin doors—and people go all out.

On my cruise, I saw everything from minimalist nautical magnets to full-blown themed displays. Some doors looked like Pinterest boards; others were simple but just as amusing.

Think:

• Personalized signs with names and sail dates
• Magnetic flamingos, dolphins, and beach themes
• Birthday banners, anniversary notes, or “Just Married” signs
• Cruise countdowns, punny jokes, and even mini photo collages

Why bother?

• It’s fun
• Helps you find your cabin faster (those hallways all look alike)
• Sparks conversations with other guests
• Adds a personal touch to your home at sea

PRO TIP: Cruise cabin doors are metal—so bring magnetic decorations. Adhesive stickers aren’t allowed and can damage the door (and yes, that means damage fees).

Carnival Cruise Ducks: Yes, It’s a Thing

One of the cutest cruise traditions is the duck game.

What is it?

Guests bring small rubber ducks and hide them around the ship—in stairwells, behind plants, near elevators, even at breakfast buffets.

If you find one, you can:

• Keep it as a souvenir
• Re-hide it for someone else to find
• Post a photo in the Carnival Cruising Ducks Facebook group

Most ducks come with tags that say:

“You found a cruise duck! Keep or hide again. Have a quacking good time!”

Do you have to participate? Nope. But if you do, you’ll smile every time you spot one tucked beside a railing.

PRO TIP: Bring a handful of ducks and pre-tag them before boarding. Keep it kind, inclusive, and safe—don’t hide them where they could fall or cause hazards.

How to Join the Fun (Without Going Overboard)

1. Pack Magnetic Door Décor

You don’t have to be crafty. Pre-made decorations are available online.

Or you can design something simple in Canva and print it before your trip. Just make sure it’s magnetic, not sticky.

👉 Find fun, ready-to-use magnetic Carnival cruise door decorations here

2. Personalize It

Add your names, sail date, and itinerary. Some families even include countdowns or notes like:

“Our first cruise—say hi!”

“Diver onboard! Ask me about reef-safe sunscreen.”

3. Join the Duck Club (If You Want)

Buy a small pack of rubber ducks, attach tags (there are printable ones online), and bring them along. You’ll be surprised how many people light up when they find one.

👉 Grab your pack of cruise-ready rubber ducks here

Official Carnival Policy (In Simple Words)

According to Carnival’s Stateroom Decorations Policies, safety comes first when decorating:

• Decorations must be made from fire-safe materials.
• You can only put them on your cabin door—not the frame, walls, or railings.
• Use magnets or Command Strips—no tape or glue.
• Over-the-door organizers must hang inside your cabin and also be fire-safe.
• No decorations on balconies or over lights.
• No string lights at all.
• If something isn’t safe or is flammable, the crew will remove it and you won’t get compensation for it.

I highly recommend following these policies when putting up decorations—not just for your safety, but for everyone’s on board.

Is It Worth the Effort?

Absolutely.

Even if you’re not usually into this kind of thing, there’s something unexpectedly joyful about returning to a door that’s uniquely yours.

As for the ducks? They’re a small, whimsical reminder that adults deserve a little playtime too.

I’ll admit, my plain door looked a little sad next to the colorful, creative ones in the hallway.

But that just made me realize how much joy (and hallway buzz) those decorations bring—not just to the people who make them, but to everyone who walks past.

FAQs: Ultimate Guide To Carnival Cruise Door Decorations and Ducks

Got questions about Carnival’s door décor and duck traditions? Here are the quick answers.

Can you hide ducks on Carnival cruise ships?

Yes—and it’s a harmless, fun tradition that connects passengers and spreads smiles.

What are the rules for door decorations?

They must be fire-safe, placed only on doors, and attached with magnets or Command Strips.

What’s the deal with ducks on a cruise ship?

It’s a lighthearted tradition where guests hide rubber ducks for others to find, often sparking conversations and shared laughs.

The Wrap-Up: Cruise Culture, But Make It Fun

Not every cruise tradition has to involve buffets and bingo.

Sometimes it’s the little rituals—like hiding a duck or seeing your name on your door—that make you feel part of something bigger.

So if you’re sailing with Carnival and wondering if door decorations or ducks are “worth it”? Yes. They’re quirky, lighthearted, and exactly the kind of magic that makes cruising memorable. Happy travels!