Everything You Need to Know About Cruising Ducks: A Fun Trend at Sea
- kindlittleexplorer
- Feb 28
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
If you've been on a cruise recently or are planning one, you might have heard about the quirky and delightful trend of cruising ducks. But what exactly are these cruise ship ducks, and why are cruisers so excited about finding and hiding ducks on cruise ships? Here's everything you need to know about this fun cruise tradition!
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What Are Cruising Ducks?
Cruising ducks are small rubber duck toys that passengers hide around a cruise ship for other guests to find. It’s a playful and lighthearted game that has become one of the most popular cruise ship traditions. The idea is simple: Hide a duck, leave a little note or tag, and bring smiles to your fellow passengers.
The History of Cruising Ducks
The tradition is believed to have started in 2018 when a young cruiser named Abby hid 50 ducks aboard her family’s cruise ship. Her goal? To spread happiness to fellow travelers. The idea caught on quickly, with cruisers worldwide adopting the fun trend.
How To Participate in the Cruising Ducks Tradition?
Purchase Rubber Ducks: Grab small rubber ducks from dollar stores, party supply shops, or online retailers.
Add Tags or Notes: Attach a tag to each duck with a fun message, your name, or your cruise details. Many cruisers include hashtags like #CruisingDucks so others can share their finds online. Cruising duck tags can be purchased in packs online, or you can find free printable cruising duck tags such as this one:
Hide the Ducks: Place them in clever, family-friendly hiding spots around the ship—just make sure it’s in public areas (not in pools or dangerous spaces).
Find Ducks and Re-hide or Keep Them: If you find a duck, you can keep it as one of your cruise souvenirs or re-hide it for others to discover.
Creative Alternatives to Traditional Cruising Ducks:
While rubber ducks are the classic choice for the #CruisingDuck trend, many cruisers are getting creative with unique alternatives. Here are some fun options to consider:
Croc Charms – Small, colorful shoe charms that fit perfectly into Crocs and make for a fun and collectible surprise.
Duck Paintings – Mini hand-painted duck-themed artworks or wooden duck cutouts for a personalized touch.
3D-Printed Ducks – Custom-designed rubber ducks made with a 3D printer, offering endless possibilities for creativity.
Mini Plush Ducks – Soft, tiny stuffed ducks that add an extra layer of fun to the hunt.
Keychains – Duck-themed keychains or travel-related charms for a useful keepsake.
Handmade Clay Ducks – Sculpted and painted miniature ducks made from polymer clay.
Themed Stickers – Custom duck stickers with fun cruise-related sayings or designs.
No matter what you choose to hide, the fun is in the surprise! These creative alternatives keep the cruising tradition fresh and exciting for everyone on board.
Best Places to Hide and Find Cruising Ducks on a Cruise Ship
If you want to participate in the cruising duck tradition, here are some of the best places to hide and find ducks onboard:
Atrium and Lounge Areas – Popular gathering spots where ducks can be easily spotted.
Game Rooms and Arcades – Perfect for families and kids to find ducks while playing.
Library or Book Nook – Hide a duck among the books for a fun surprise.
Outdoor Decks and Loungers – Tuck a duck near a deck chair or railing (but make sure it won’t blow away!).
Mini Golf Course – Place a duck near the obstacles for a fun discovery.
Behind Artwork or Decorations – Some ships have unique art pieces that make great hiding spots.
Near the Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine – A sweet surprise for someone grabbing a treat!
At the Base of a Waterslide or Pool Area (but not in the water) – Kids love spotting ducks after splashing around.
Elevator Areas – Place a duck near a waiting area where many people pass by.
Theater Seating Areas – Leave a duck on a seat before a show starts for a lucky guest to find.
Different Cruise Lines’ Duck Traditions
While the cruising ducks trend is popular across many cruise lines, each has its unique take on the tradition:
Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival ships are known for their vibrant participation in the cruising duck tradition. Many families hide dozens of ducks on each sailing, and some ducks even feature cruise-specific tags with fun challenges.
Royal Caribbean: On Royal Caribbean ships, you’ll often find themed ducks or custom-made ducks hidden in creative places. Some cruisers create Facebook groups specifically for sharing their duck finds on different sailings.
Disney Cruise Line: Disney cruisers take it a step further by using character-themed ducks. You might find Mickey, Minnie, or even Marvel-themed ducks hidden around the ship!
Norwegian Cruise Line: Many NCL passengers participate in duck hiding, and some even combine the activity with onboard scavenger hunts for added fun.
Princess Cruises: Princess cruisers tend to add handwritten notes about their travels to their duck tags, making each duck find a special keepsake.
MSC Cruises & Holland America: While not as widely known on these lines, the trend is growing, and more passengers are joining in on the fun.
Why Do People Love Cruising Ducks?
Adds Fun to the Trip: It’s like a scavenger hunt that turns the ship into a playground for everyone.
Fosters Community: The trend connects passengers of all ages and encourages conversation.
Creates Lasting Memories: Guests often keep ducks they’ve found as mementos of their trip.
Tips for Participating in Cruising Ducks
Respect Ship Rules: Avoid hiding ducks in safety equipment, pools, or crew-only areas.
Get Creative: Choose ducks in unique colors or designs to stand out. You can even DIY your cruising ducks. I have seen people buy miniature duck figures to make cute little friendship bracelets and pass them out! Some have even crocheted big ducks or made handpainted duck art to hide around the ship.
Don’t Overdo It: Hide a reasonable number of ducks to ensure the activity remains fun and not overwhelming for the crew.
Should You Participate in Cruising Ducks?
Absolutely! Whether you’re cruising with kids, friends, or as a couple, this trend adds a dash of whimsy to your vacation. It’s a simple way to spread kindness and engage with other passengers, all while enjoying the beauty of the sea.
So, the next time you’re packing for a cruise, consider throwing a bag of rubber ducks into your suitcase. You might just brighten someone’s day—and make some unique memories along the way!
Happy Travels!
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