Cruising Ducks: The Hidden Game That’s Taking Over Cruise Ships
Have you ever spotted a little rubber duck while on a cruise and wondered what it was doing there? I had no ide about it on my last cruise and was pleasantly surprised!
I thought a small child must have dropped it but NOPE!
It’s part of a fun trend called “cruising ducks,” where passengers hide rubber ducks around the ship for others to find.
This simple game has become super popular, bringing a lot of smiles to cruisers.
The best part? When you find a duck, you get to decide if you want to keep it or hide it again for someone else.
It’s a fun way to connect with other travelers and make your cruise even more exciting.
I’m in my 30’s and I absolutely LOVED this trend, not to mention the kids did as well!
Get ready to join the hunt and maybe even hide a duck yourself!
What Are Cruise Ducks?
Cruise ducks have become all the rage lately! They are small rubber ducks that passengers bring with them and hide around the ship for others to find.
The idea is simple: hide a duck, then see if someone else discovers it. Each duck usually has a tag with a message, telling the finder what to do next.
The trend started in 2018 when Abby Davis, an 11-year-old girl, brought 50 ducks on a cruise. She and her family hid them around the ship, and the game quickly took off. Today, it’s a global activity enjoyed by cruisers everywhere.
The game has a simple rule: when you find a duck, you can either keep it as a souvenir or decide to re-hide it for someone else to find.
It’s all about keeping the fun going!
Why Are Cruise Ducks So Popular?
Cruise ducks bring people together by creating a shared, fun experience. It’s exciting to find a duck and even more fun to hide one for someone else to discover. This simple game helps cruisers connect and enjoy their time on board.
Social media has helped the trend grow. Passengers often share their duck finds on Instagram and Facebook, using hashtags like #CruisingDucks. Seeing others join in adds to the excitement and inspires even more people to participate.
It’s a unique and lighthearted way to interact with fellow travelers. Whether you’re hiding or hunting for ducks, it’s a great way to make memories and brighten someone else’s day.
The History of Cruise Ducks
The cruise duck trend started in 2018 when Abby Davis and her family brought 50 rubber ducks on their Carnival Breeze cruise.
Abby hid the ducks around the ship, and soon others joined in. What started as a fun activity for her family quickly grew into a cruise-wide game.
The “Cruising Ducks” community exploded on social media, especially on Facebook. Abby’s mom, Ashley, created a group where cruisers could share their duck-hiding experiences. The group now has over 250,000 members, making it easy for anyone to get involved.
Even after the pandemic, people continued to participate. The tradition has spread worldwide, and passengers on different cruise lines still enjoy the hunt. The game’s fun spirit has turned it into a global phenomenon that keeps growing.
The Rules of Hiding Ducks
When hiding cruise ducks, safety is the top priority. Avoid places like pools, hot tubs, or shops where ducks could cause safety issues or look out of place.
For example, someone might get hurt trying to retrieve a duck from a pool, or it could look like theft if found in a shop.
Dropping ducks into the ocean is also harmful to the environment. You don’t want to create hazards for other passengers or make the crew’s job harder, so it’s important to stick to safe, accessible areas.
Public spaces are the best spots to hide your duck. Think lounges, decks, and libraries—places where people can easily find them.
Just make sure the duck is visible without causing a mess or getting in the way of others. Avoid hiding ducks in private areas like restrooms, locker rooms, or places where food is served, to maintain cleanliness and sanitation.
It’s also important to keep the game fun and appropriate for everyone. Make sure the tags on your ducks are family-friendly, with no inappropriate content, so all ages can enjoy the hunt.
Also, avoid hiding ducks in hard-to-reach places. The idea is to make the hunt accessible and enjoyable, not frustrating for others.
Where to Hide Cruise Ducks
Looking for the perfect place to hide your cruise duck? Here are a few great spots to consider:
- Public Lounges and Seating Areas: These busy spots are perfect for hiding a duck. Look for shelves, tables, stairwells, or even window sills. The more people pass by, the better chance someone will find your duck and enjoy the surprise.
- Deck Chairs and Pool Decks: Tuck a duck into a cozy spot on a deck chair or along the promenade. Just be sure the duck is secure so it doesn’t get blown away by the wind or become a tripping hazard for others.
- Kids’ Play Areas: If the ship has a dedicated play area or kids’ club, a duck can be a fun surprise for younger passengers. Just make sure it’s placed safely where children can see and reach it without any trouble.
- Café and Snack Areas: Small cafés and snack tables are great for leaving a duck. Try placing it near a condiment station or on a window ledge. Avoid putting it in places where food is served to keep things sanitary.
- Fitness Center: A quiet spot near the water cooler or an out-of-the-way corner of the fitness center can be a good hiding place. Just be mindful that ducks are visible enough to be found by someone taking a break from their workout.
- Library Shelves: Cruise ships with libraries provide a great hiding place among the books. Slip your duck on a shelf where it’s not too hidden, making sure it catches the eye of a curious reader.
- Stateroom: For a personal touch, leave a duck in your stateroom for future guests. You can even write a little note on the tag, welcoming the next cruiser to find it and continue the fun.
Where to Buy Cruise Ducks
If you’re looking to purchase rubber ducks for your cruise adventure, several online stores offer a wide variety. Amazon is one of the best places to start.
They offer everything from basic rubber ducks to themed ones perfect for hiding on a cruise. You can find sets of ducks in all colors and sizes, making it easy to choose the ones that fit your style. With fast shipping options, you’ll have your ducks ready in no time.
Another great option is eBay, which also features a variety of rubber ducks. Many sellers offer bulk packs or special designs, allowing you to get creative with your duck-hiding game.
It’s a great place to find both standard ducks and unique, custom-made options, all at competitive prices. Plus, eBay allows you to compare different sellers to get the best deal.
Etsy is another excellent source for buying rubber ducks. This online marketplace is full of handmade and one-of-a-kind designs.
Whether you’re looking for ducks in fun costumes or with personalized tags, Etsy has something for everyone. You can even find small shops that offer ducks specifically for cruise adventures, making your purchase more unique and special.
Walmart also carries rubber ducks online, offering options ranging from simple designs to festive, themed ones.
They have a wide selection at affordable prices and provide quick shipping, so you’ll be all set before your cruise. Whether you’re looking for a few ducks or a larger bulk pack, Walmart has options that will fit your needs.
These online retailers offer plenty of choices for purchasing rubber ducks to add some extra fun to your cruise. Whether you prefer classic designs or something more personalized, you’ll find just the right ducks to make your trip even more memorable.
Cruise Line Policies and Guidelines
Many cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, fully support the duck-hiding tradition. They encourage passengers to hide ducks in public areas for others to find, seeing it as a fun way to engage with fellow cruisers. These cruise lines love seeing the joy the game brings to passengers.
However, not all cruise lines are on board. Disney Cruise Line, for example, has banned hiding ducks on their ships. They’ve expressed concerns about safety and the potential for clutter. Other cruise lines may also start restricting or limiting the activity, so it’s important to stay informed.
Before you set sail, check with your cruise line about their specific rules on hiding ducks. You can often find updates on their websites or in social media groups. This will help ensure you’re following the rules and keeping the fun safe for everyone!
Conclusion
Cruise ducks are all about fun, connection, and making memories. Whether you’re hiding a duck or finding one, it’s a great way to meet new people and enjoy your cruise in a unique way. The simple joy of discovering a hidden duck can brighten anyone’s day.
Next time you’re on a cruise, give it a try! Join the growing tradition and be part of this lighthearted game. Remember, whether you keep the duck or re-hide it, it’s all about sharing smiles and creating unforgettable moments on the high seas.
