Fish Extender Basics

What is a fish extender you ask? Well here is where you will learn everything you need to know.

Next to every stateroom door is a silver fish or seahorse. This is used to hold invitations, receipts, and correspondence during your cruise. On a early Panama Canal cruise, fans from a message board called Dis Boards decided to start a gift exchange, similar to a secret Santa. It has taken on a life of its own ever since. The fish extender itself is the bag that hangs from the those hooks. You can place a simple bag from your hook, make one yourself, or purchase a custom bag from places like Etsy. This serves as your 'mailbox'. You must sign up for the exchange. You can either ask your travel agent for assistance, or find a group on Facebook / Dis Boards.

Seahorse /fish outside of stateroom 

Fish extender example 

Typically you'll have one pocket per person participating be it adults, children only or entire family/group. The space the hook is on is roughly 8" wide and 53" to the floor, Keep in mind if you make it wider it will extend in the door opening or hallway. Also remember to factor in length from the hanging point not the top of the fish extender itself.

Fish extender gift exchange ideas

Items specifically to your home state (tiny bottles of BBQ sauce, chocolates, magnets, key chains etc)

Gifts made by you or your family (hair accessories, key chains, coin purse, magnets etc)

Nightlight, flashlight, hand sanitize, photo mat and markers for autographs, coloring book and crayons, luggage tags, ear buds, sunglasses holder, deck of cards, ornaments, bandana/clip on earing for pirate night, sunscreen sticks, chapstick, bubbles, journal, sand shovel etc 

Holiday specific items

Disney specific items

Something that represents a specific event.

Trip specific items are always well received -  DCL cruise ship specific and sailing dates.

Things to keep in mind

Shipping FE items ahead of time will save you luggage space (make sure you follow shipping guidelines so that it arrives in time), but on that same note you might need to ship items home as well. 

Plan your deliveries to keep them simple. The DCL is a lot of room to cover! Try delivering one floor at a time. Plan out your delivery method - either map them or organize by stateroom number.

Personalize your fish extender as well as using a zip tie will help keep your FE from being taken. 

Make it FUN, involve the whole family or travel group. 

I hope this helps with your fish extender questions. Please let us know if you need any further assistance. - Angela Wilson Archer Luxury Travel