Magnetic hooks for a cruise: what the lines allow
Yes, you can pack them. Magnetic hooks aren't named on the banned list of any of the 9 cruise lines we read. Disney does ban over-the-door hooks, so keep them off the door on Disney ships. The other rules are about where you hang things and what you use instead of tape.
Why cruisers pack them
Cabins are small and have few places to hang things. A handful of magnetic hooks gives you spots for hats, lanyards, beach bags and swimsuits that need to dry. They pack flat, weigh almost nothing and come off easily.
They only hold on steel or iron. The cruise lines don't publish which cabin surfaces are metal, so bring a small test magnet or try each hook gently before you trust it with something heavy. Disney does say that Concierge doors on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are wood, so magnets won't stick to those.
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What "not banned" means here
We read each line's prohibited items list, plus the guest conduct policy for the lines that publish one with item rules. None of them name magnetic hooks. That's different from a line saying "yes", and security can still stop anything it thinks is unsafe. Lines change their lists, so check your line's page before you sail.
The hook rules that do exist
Disney bans over-the-door organizers and hooks by name on its prohibited items list. Its door rules also ban tape and adhesives of any kind, including gel, and keep everything off the corridor walls and ceilings. Damage is charged at $100 per incident.
Royal Caribbean bans adhesive hooks such as Command hooks, plus tape, glue, stickers and Velcro, on cabin doors. It says magnets work best.
Carnival allows magnets and Command Strips on doors but bans tape and glue. An over-the-door organizer is allowed only if it hangs inside the cabin, is made of fire-retardant material and doesn't damage the door. Its decorating rules keep decorations on the door, not the frame, walls or railings.
Celebrity's conduct policy says you can't place materials anywhere inside the ship, including cabin doors, without the ship's permission. Ask the crew before you hang anything. Virgin Voyages says no to door decorations, so don't put hooks on the door.
Tips that keep you clear of damage charges
Pick hooks with a rubber or plastic coating, so the magnet doesn't scratch the surface. Don't hang more than the hook is rated for. If a heavy bag slides down a wall, it can mark the finish.
Skip anything with adhesive, even "removable" strips. Carnival is the one line that allows Command Strips, and only for door decorations. Royal Caribbean bans Command hooks by name. And count your hooks when you pack to leave, so none stay behind.
Hooks on the door: that's decorating
A hook on the outside of your door falls under each line's door decoration rules. Those vary a lot, from Carnival's detailed rules to Virgin's flat no. See cruise door decorations for every line's rule.
Questions people ask
Are magnetic hooks allowed on a cruise?
We didn't find magnetic hooks named on the banned list of any of the 9 lines we cover. Disney does ban over-the-door hooks, so keep hooks off the door on Disney ships. Not being named isn't an approval, and security can still stop anything it thinks is unsafe.
Will magnetic hooks stick in my cabin?
A magnet only holds on steel or iron, and the cruise lines don't publish which cabin surfaces are metal. Test a spot with a small magnet before you hang anything heavy. On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Disney says Concierge doors are wood.
Can I use adhesive or stick-on hooks instead?
Avoid them. Royal Caribbean bans adhesive hooks such as Command hooks on doors, Disney bans every kind of adhesive including gel, and Carnival bans tape and glue on doors (it allows Command Strips there).
Can I bring an over-the-door organizer?
Not on Disney, which bans over-the-door organizers and hooks. Carnival allows one only if it hangs inside the cabin, is fire-retardant and doesn't damage the door.
More things that are fine to pack
Hooks are on our list of handy things no cruise line bans, along with lanyards, towel clips and more. Check anything else in the checker.
Independent guide. Not affiliated with any cruise line. Rules change, so confirm with your cruise line before you sail. Security staff have the final say at the terminal.