Should Carnival Crew Join the Cruising Duck Hunt? Here’s What Guests Think…
Cruising ducks—those cheerful little rubber toys that passengers hide and search for aboard Carnival ships—have become a fun tradition on the high seas.
However, a recent controversy has sparked debate: Should crew members participate in the scavenger hunt, or should it be strictly for guests?
The controversy came to light when a passenger reached out to Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, seeking clarification after noticing crew members collecting the special “Effy” ducks.
These unique ducks are not part of the general scavenger hunt, but instead are hidden by Effy Jewelry aboard the ships, offering lucky finders prizes or discounts on stunning jewelry pieces.
Effy Ducks Spark Confusion
While the Effy Jewelry company’s sparkling ducks are meant to be a prize draw for guests, some confusion arose when it was suspected that crew members were collecting these specific ducks, which should remain for guests to find.
However, Carnival Cruise Line quickly confirmed that the crew is fully aware of the Effy ducks and should not be collecting them. According to Heald, “The crew have been informed not to remove the special ducks. They absolutely know not to do this.”
The issue, however, lies in the fact that some guests also bring their own bedazzled ducks aboard, which can look very similar to the Effy ducks at first glance.
This has led to confusion, with some crew members mistakenly picking up these non-prize ducks, thus causing the controversy.
Should Crew Participate in the Scavenger Hunt?
Beyond the Effy duck confusion, the question remains: Should crew members participate in the overall cruising duck contest? Carnival has previously addressed this issue, stating that crew members are welcome to enjoy the ducks if they wish.
The game, after all, is about spreading joy and fun, and why should the crew miss out?
In a recent poll conducted by Heald among his more than 600,000 Facebook followers, the majority expressed support for crew participation.
Over 30% of the nearly 57,000 respondents stated they had no problem with the crew taking part in the scavenger hunt, while only 5% believed the activity should be “for guests only.”
Another 7% were indifferent, suggesting the ducks don’t significantly impact their cruise experience.
A Matter of Fun, Not Rules
Heald himself echoed a playful sentiment, sharing that he has both hidden and collected ducks during his cruises and would not be bothered if Carnival made stricter guidelines.
In his view, the overall spirit of the game is about fun, and if crew members are enjoying it too, that adds to the lighthearted atmosphere aboard.
For now, it seems the debate over crew participation in the cruising duck contest is one that Carnival passengers and crew will continue to weigh, but it remains a harmless and widely cherished tradition.
Whether you’re a guest or a crew member, finding or hiding a duck aboard a Carnival cruise remains a delightful way to add a little surprise to the journey.
