If you're like me, you like to make your birthday a multi-day occasion. From dinners with friends to bar hopping and spa days, there are tons of ways to celebrate at home. However, there's nothing like celebrating your special day at sea.
In fact, my partner and I both decided to celebrate our birthdays on a cruise this year. With nonstop entertainment, multi-course meals, and more, a cruise felt like the ultimate way to ring in our late-20s.
It won't be the first time I've celebrated someone's birthday on a ship, either. Years ago, I remember my sister’s face flushing with embarrassment on a Disney cruise when the crew surrounded our dinner table and began singing to her.
The best part about taking a cruise for your birthday is how easy it is to make the celebration feel even more special. And yes, you can do way more than blow out a candle at dinner.
Here are 8 ways you can elevate your birthday cruise and make it even more memorable.
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Tell your server in the dining room
Like in restaurants at home, cruise waitstaff will bring you a special dessert for your birthday free of charge — if you let them know. Plus, you (or your loved one) will become the center of attention for a minute as they crowd the table and sing a celebratory song.
If you're traveling with a large party, you can purchase a full-sized cake for a nominal fee. According to the website, each cake costs $25.99 and comes in two flavors: spongy vanilla and decadent chocolate. Additionally, they're 6" round and serve 2 — 10 people.
Let passengers and crew know you're celebrating with festive door decorations
Decorating cruise cabin doors is a fun and popular tradition. You don't have to be celebrating a birthday to spice up your door with fun magnets. However, it's not uncommon to see doors honoring someone's birthday with colorful décor and festive messages.
In addition to pre-made birthday magnets, you can add a whiteboard, so fellow passengers can write dedicated birthday messages — just make sure the whiteboard has a magnetic dry-erase marker!
Here are a few door decoration packs available from Amazon for inspiration:
- LEIFIDE 12 Pcs Cruise Door Decorations
- Dazoratix Birthday Cruise Door Magnets
- 27PCS Cruise Door Decorations Magnetic, Large Birthday Cruise Magnets
- Xuhal 25 Pcs Birthday Cruise Door Magnets
Spruce up the inside of your cabin
Don't stop at the door! You can also decorate the inside of your cruise stateroom. Some guests prefer to bring their own decorations, including streamers and balloons. You can do this affordably at stores like Dollar Tree or Five Below, just be sure you have enough space in your suitcase to bring everything.
Alternatively, you can buy Royal Caribbean's decoration kit. One advantage to this option, though more expensive, is that it will be set up upon your arrival if bought through the Cruise Planner.
For an upcoming cruise on Utopia of the Seas in July 2026, the "Happy Birthday Decorations" pack costs $55.99 and includes a mirror cling, magnetic door sign, wire photo cable with clips, hanging ceiling décor, and one photo frame.
There are also more expensive options that include fresh roses, a premium birthday cake, Moët Champagne, and more.
Hide rubber ducks
Hiding rubber ducks has become a popular trend among cruisers, and some guests attach small notes or letters to the ducks to let others know where the hider was from and if they're celebrating anything.
Instead of just letting your birthday sailor collect their own cruise ducks, you can also hide them around the ship, adding a small sticker or note to let finders know the ducks are part of a fun birthday celebration at sea!
Read more: Hiding ducks on a cruise got an upgrade
Bring a birthday sash
Before you head out the door, make sure you have a special birthday sash to wear on the ship! You can go one step further and wear a tiara, hat, and/or a t-shirt to really stand out.
Wearing a themed birthday outfit not only makes the guest feel celebrated, but it also makes it easy for fellow passengers to wish them a happy birthday. I love seeing guests dressed up and try to say, "Happy Birthday" to everyone I see celebrating on the ship or ashore!
Here are a few birthday sashes available from Amazon for inspiration:
- CAVETEE Birthday Crown and Sash for Women
- 2 Pack "It's my Birthday Sash"
- "It's My Birthday" Glitter Sash
- King Crown and Birthday Sash
Book a special dinner
Royal Caribbean ships offer several complimentary dining options, so you can enjoy the included food without spending extra. However, if you’re looking to make your birthday a little more special, treating yourself to a specialty restaurant is a great way to splurge.
From the classic Chops Grille steakhouse to the lively Izumi Hibachi experience and whimsical Wonderland restaurant, there's a range of specialty venues to suit every taste. Each venue is more intimate than the dining room and promises an elevated dining experience with premium menu options and ingredients.
Make sure you book in advance, though. This will ensure that you secure the best rate through the Cruise Planner and get your desired dining time.
Reserve a spa treatment
Another way to make your otherwise normal cruise feel more special is by booking a spa treatment.
Normally, I’m against cruise ship spas since they can be more expensive than similar treatments at home, but splurging on a massage, facial, or other pampering service for your birthday is worth it.
Like specialty restaurants, though, consider booking in advance. Another way you can save money on the cruise spa is by looking for port day specials.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Spa Package Prices
Stay in a suite
Finally, for the ultimate birthday experience at sea, consider booking a suite instead of a standard cruise cabin. While more expensive, suites come with extra perks and upgraded amenities — like access to a private restaurant and sun deck — that can further differentiate your birthday cruise from the average vacation.
On older Royal Caribbean ships (i.e., Vision, Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class vessels), the suite program is more straightforward, while on Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class ships, the top-tier Royal Suite Class rooms include perks like a Deluxe Beverage Package, Royal Genie service, and much more.
Even if you don't have thousands of dollars to blow on accommodations, consider an entry-level suite for added space. The larger balcony is perfect for enjoying breakfast at sea, while the tub-shower combo is ideal for taking a relaxing soak after a long day ashore.
