Cruise Ducks: Tips, Rules & Everything You Need to Know

cruising ducks - cruising trend that will quack you up

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Have you heard of cruise ducks? Cruises are filled with unique traditions, and one of the most fun trends is hiding small rubber ducks around the ship.

This quirky tradition, known as “cruise ducks,” has been around for a few years and is only growing in popularity. So much so, that many travelers now add “cruising ducks” to their cruise packing lists!

While Carnival cruises are best known for the cruise duck phenomenon, you’ll also find these hidden treasures on Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Holland America and other major cruise lines.

There are some “best practices” and rules to the duck-hiding and seeking game. With the trend’s rapid growth, one cruise line has even started discouraging passengers from bringing these adorable stowaways onboard.

Cruising Ducks have become so popular that there are now several cruise Facebook groups dedicated to this unique and fun activity. The biggest and most active Facebook community is Cruising Ducks Original Group, with almost 300,000 members.

While most cruise passengers and crew think this is good, harmless fun, some feel that a few cruise duck fans are going overboard (pun intended), as certain hiding spots can disrupt ship routines or add work for the crew. There’s the concern about the environmental impact as well.

In this post, I go over everything you need to know about cruising ducks, from the history of cruise ducks to duck hiding etiquette. Cruise ducks is a trend that will quack you up!

Any and all duck puns are intentional.

How Did Cruising Ducks Start?

Cruising-ducks

The popular cruising duck trend is believed to have been started by a 10 year old girl named Abby Davis in March 2018. Abby and her father Ashley Davis, went on a 7 day Carnival cruise and brought 50 ducks to hide during their Caribbean cruise.

Their purpose was just to play a fun game and make people smile – and did they ever!

According to Abby’s dad Ashley, they never thought the group would get this big and that this “kindness project” would catch on as it has.

What Are Cruise Ducks?

cruising ducks
Photo courtesy of Natali Sholes Young

Cruise ducks are typically bright yellow rubber ducks that cruise passengers hide in different areas of the cruise ship. You can buy traditional yellow rubber ducks or show off your personality with fun themed ducks.

Different Types of Ducks

Some cute ducks I’ve seen include sports themed ducks like hockey or baseball, holiday ducks for both Christmas and Halloween, Princess ducks, and more.

Some people create their own ducks by knitting or crocheting them, while others have been creating home made keychains. There are even some people making origami ducks! It’s pretty incredible to see how creative people are getting with this duck craze.

However, this isn’t the whole story. Cruising ducks is actually a fun game, with a few rules to follow if you decide to bring cruising ducks on your cruise vacation.

Related: Cruise Cabin Door Decorations: The Ultimate Guide for Cruisers

The Cruising Duck Game

Cruise-ducks

The cruising duck game is similar to a game of hide and seek or geocaching. People hide ducks on a cruise, and other cruisers look for the ducks. Sometimes this is referred to as Duck Hunting (in the sweetest way).

What to Do If You Find a Duck

If you stumble upon a cruise duck, you have options! Many cruisers enjoy keeping the rubber duck as a souvenir, while others choose to re-hide it for another passenger or crew member else to discover.

Posting your find on social media can also add to the fun, even permitting the person who hid the duck to see that it was found. Common hashtags are #cruisingducks and #cruiseducks.

Cruising Duck Game Rules

Cruising Ducks passport printable photo 6 x 4
Photo courtesy of Dee Spurkle Rementer (creator of this passport printable)

Joining in on the cruise ducks game is simple, but there are a few important rules and guidelines to follow for maximum fun and respect for fellow cruisers.

1. Buy or Create Ducks to Hide

You can purchase small rubber ducks on Amazon, in party stores, or even in cruise-specific duck sets that include novelty ducks, tags, and ties. Some enthusiasts choose to customize their ducks to add a unique touch!

2. Label Your Ducks

Cruising Ducks found on cruise ship 6 x 4 (1)
Photo courtesy of Shannon Murphy

Each duck should be labeled with these details:

  • Your Name (or family name)
  • Name of the Ship
  • Sailing Date

For example: “Smith Family – Carnival Mardi Gras – April 1, 2024.” This lets finders know where their little treasure came from and adds a personal touch.

3. Print Out Cruise Duck Tags or “Passports”

Adding a passport tag to each duck makes it even more special! Rubber duck tags often include your information, along with a message for the finder. You can attach a sticker to the duck’s bottom, use a waterproof tag, or even write directly on the duck with a permanent marker.

4. Keep or Hide – You Decide

The cruising ducks game is all about spreading joy, so adding a “Keep or Hide – You Decide” message to each tag is key. It lets finders know they can either keep the duck as a souvenir or re-hide it for the next person, keeping the fun going!

5. Avoid Shops, Pools, and Hot Tubs

While cruise lines generally welcome the tradition, some areas are off-limits. You should only hide the small rubber duck in public spaces and in plain sight.

Avoid hiding ducks in:

  • Onboard shops
  • Pools
  • Hot tubs

This keeps the game respectful and safe for everyone.

6. Never Place Ducks Near the Ocean

To protect the ocean and marine life, keep ducks away from outer railings or any spots where they might blow overboard. 

Related: What to Pack for Your First Cruise (clothing & essentials)

My ducks are absolutely not in a row meme life well cruised

Cruise Duck Etiquette

As cruising ducks have gained popularity, there are some informal “cruise etiquette” guidelines to consider.

1. Be mindful of how many ducks you bring on

While a dozen or two is fun to hide and fun for others to find, cruise passengers who boast of taking 100 or more might be taking it too far. After all, with more people participating, it can lead to potential clean up work for crew members.

2. Keep cruising ducks advertisement free

The purpose of Cruising Ducks is to “make people smile”, but cruise lines don’t want people soliciting or advertising with business cards attached to the ducks. 

3. Crew members may find the ducks and enjoy this too

Keep in mind that they may enjoy collecting a few as well, and even bringing some home for kids at home.

The Future of Cruise Ducks

The fun is staying afloat for cruise ducks, as different cruise lines take varied approaches to this quirky tradition. While Disney Cruise Line has asked guests not to hide ducks, other cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are supportive of the popular activity. Who knows what the future brings, but for now its smooth sailing ahead for cruise ducks.

Here’s a video I share with more information about the cruise duck controversy, clearing up any rumors.

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How to Get Started with Cruise Ducks

What to Buy and Personalize

Many cruisers buy packs of small rubber ducks online on Amazon or on Etsy. However there are some rubber ducks stores that have opened up in different countries.

To add a personal touch, you can decorate your ducks with mini “passports” or tags that include your name, cruise date, and a fun message for the finder.

You can find cruise duck sets, with the ducks, tags and ribbons all ready to bring on your cruise.

Creating Duck Tags and “Passports”

Duck tags or mini “passports” make each find more memorable and connect hiders with finders. Tags can include your social media handle, a message like “You found me!” or encouragement to re-hide the duck. 

Other sample wording includes “ConQUACKtulations!” or “Oh what luck, you’ve found a duck. Keep or hide, you decide”.

Related: 37 Long Flight Essentials to Pack in Your Carry-on

How to Create Your Own Cruising Ducks

crochet cruising ducks
Photo courtesy of Natali Sholes Young

There are ways to create your own ducks. For instance, some people crochet or knit their cruising ducks. I’m amazed at the talent of Natali Sholes Young and her daughter, who crocheted some their cruising ducks to give away!

Cruise Ducks Frequently Asked Questions

What size ducks should I order?

Most people seem to like the 2 inch size, although some buy bigger and some buy smaller. Do be careful with buying ducks that are very small as these could be a choking hazard for young children

Can cruising ducks not be ducks?

I can’t believe I wrote that, but you probably know what I mean. Rubber “duckies” come in different animal forms and creations.

It seems that there are various answers to this question, depending on which Cruise Duck Facebook Group you join.

Some say anything goes, after all it’s all in good fun. Others say ducks only. Personally, I don’t see an issue with having other similar novelty toys.

Will the cruise ship’s crew throw the ducks away?

Most cruise lines have made their crew aware of cruise ducks, and most crew members say they enjoy it. Early on, some reported that crew would throw away the ducks, but this doesn’t seem to be an issue anymore.

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Recap: A Guide to Cruising Ducks: the Trend That Will Quack You Up

Cruising Ducks is a fun trend for cruise passengers that’s becoming more popular with every year! Whether you’re cruising on Carnival, Royal Caribbean or another cruise line, you’ll likely find some cruise ducks onboard.

The cruise ducks game is fun for families with kids and adults alike!

Have you found or hid any cruise ducks or will you be participating by hiding ducks on your next cruise?

Happy Cruising!

Ilana 

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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24 Comments

  1. October 19, 2019 / 3:52 pm

    I had no idea this was happening but I love the idea. I think everyone will want to pack some ducks for their next cruise.

    • October 20, 2019 / 1:04 am

      Hi Anne,

      I’m so glad you like the idea. I love the positivity of it too!

      Let me know how it goes if you try it :-).

      Ilana

  2. Jenna
    October 23, 2019 / 2:02 pm

    I have a collection of over 100 rubber ducks from HS and beyond, and we’re going on a Carnival Christmas Cruise (first timers!) This is PERFECT!!

    Wanted to note you need to update Abby’s address to LiBerty Tx (we don’t have a Liverty) 🙂

    I love getting your emails, they’re helping me prep 🙂

    • October 24, 2019 / 1:40 am

      Hi Jenna,

      So exciting!! I have heard amazing things about Carnival Christmas cruises. You’ll have a blast!

      Thanks also for catching my typo – fixing it now 🙂

      I appreciate your very kind words and a super glad you’re enjoying my posts and emails!

      Ilana

  3. Rhonda Bennet
    February 6, 2020 / 12:26 pm

    Actually placing ducks on cruise-ships in nothing new. It was bsically started back in 2010 on a Royal Caribbean cruise when a group of women from Massapequa High School, N.Y, class of 74, placed over 250 ducks around the Freedom of the Seas as part of a scavenger hunt with clues supplied of the various locations where the ducks were hidden. One duck had a special note on it giving away a free cruise for two to the finder of the duck. That scavenger hunt continued on various cruises by this same group up to 2016 when the group stopped doing their yearly reunion on cruises. My mom was part of that group and kept the three ducks she located as keepsakes and mementos of those trips. Other high school reunion groups had heard about what MHS was doing and they started hiding their own ducks throughout the years.

    The power of social media is probably the cause of this recent explosion of the cruising duck phenomenon where now thousands upon thousands of people are now hiding ducks on cruise ships all over the world. With the promotion on Facebook by “Cruising Ducks”, they have taken this to a whole new level.

    People are becoming more creative with their ducks. Some even hand making crocheted ducks. It’s now become a fun thing to do with the kids prior to the family cruise and even more fun when the kids find the ducks while on the cruise.

    Will be interesting to see how long this game will continue. Carnival has embraced the game while some other cruise-lines go along with it. Personally I hope it continues to grow.

    I will be taking my next cruise in February 2021 and I will be bringing my ducks to hide. That’s for sure!!

    • February 12, 2020 / 4:14 am

      Wow Rhonda! I had no idea this Cruising Ducks phenomenon had such history! It’s definitely a fun and lighthearted, and as you mentioned, creative activity and I agree with your sentiments.

      Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

      Ilana

    • Michael
      October 23, 2022 / 1:54 am

      We searched for ducks on a 2016 Royal cruise & hid ducks on a 2017 Carnival cruise . Definitely did not begin in 2018.

  4. Chris Kubosh
    April 15, 2020 / 5:00 pm

    We are cruising in May and i will be taking ducks to hide. Fun!

    • April 18, 2020 / 1:47 am

      That does sound like fun! Is your cruise still sailing? I’ve seen a few updates now

  5. Shantelle
    January 14, 2021 / 3:49 am

    Found my first duck Dec. 2019. I love the Facebook group, the positivity helped through 2020. We all look forward to cruising again. National Rubber Ducky day was yesterday, it’s held annually in order of Sesame Street Rubber Ducky, whose birthday is Jan. 13.

    • January 17, 2021 / 7:10 pm

      Thanks for sharing that Shantelle. I wish we were cruising this year so we could celebrate the special day on a cruise. Hopefully next year!

      Ilana

  6. June 2, 2021 / 9:23 pm

    I found one coming out of the theater one evening. New England and Canada cruise September of 2019. I thought some kid lost his toy. I picked it up looked at it and put it back in place. I was clueless about the game.

  7. David Mantle
    August 14, 2021 / 1:46 am

    Interesting article. I’ll be on the lookout for a duck on my next cruise.

    • August 18, 2021 / 7:00 pm

      Hi David,

      Let me know if you see any – I hear they’re making a comeback 🙂

      Ilana

  8. Cheryl
    December 3, 2021 / 6:19 am

    Just found my first duck! I had no idea about this fabulous Duck Game! Such a great idea! I can’t wait till my next cruise so I can pass on the happiness that I found! 😁❤️🐤

    • December 6, 2021 / 3:55 pm

      How fun! I think this will be coming back, and as you said, definitely be bringing along and passing on some happiness.

  9. Daisy
    January 17, 2022 / 6:19 pm

    My mom is 75 this will be her first cruise. We are going on the Dream in April. Lost my husband in Oct 2021. This trip is my gift to my mom and myself, I would be celebrating our 40 th.aniversery. We will have a blast watching people look and find one for yourself. My grown daughter has collected them for her whole life.
    Thanks for a spark in our life.
    Daisy Robinson

    • January 19, 2022 / 6:03 pm

      Hi Daisy,

      I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like this cruise with you and your mom will be both fun and meaningful for you both. I hope you have an amazing time and these cruise ducks bring joy to you and others on your upcoming cruise.

      Ilana

  10. Debbie K.
    August 29, 2022 / 8:40 pm

    My adult daughter and I have been cruising since 2011 when I started selling cruises at the travel agency where I work. She found her first cruise duck on the Panorama November 2021, which was her 31st birthday cruise, after the 2020 30th birthday cruise was cancelled. She was curious, as we knew nothing about them. Neither of us facebook. On our Bermuda cruise May 2022, she found another one and was thrilled. She went on a cruise in July with a friend (her first cruise) and her friend found one! My daughter told her about them and they were both so excited. We are planning on taking ducks to hide on our next cruise. We are having fun shopping for them, so far we have bought mermaid and unicorn ducks, just deciding about tags or stickers. Will be on Carnival Celebration in April 2023 and will have fun just hiding them this time. Finding another one would be a bonus! Thank you for your info, it was definitely beneficial.

    • September 19, 2022 / 3:11 pm

      This is great! Thanks for sharing and have an amazing cruise!

      Ilana

  11. Lynne Shapiro aka 'Grandma Lynsey'
    May 10, 2023 / 6:01 pm

    I love this post! It’s ‘lightbulb time’!!

    The YMCA I belong to has a ‘Trunk or Treat’ the Saturday night before Halloween. Since my cruise starts 2 days later, Monday the day before Halloween, I’m going to order a BUNCH of ducks to give away to the kids and special needs young folks at the Y, and bring the rest onboard the cruise!!!

    FUTURE CRUISE:
    Navigator of the Seas October 2023
    PRIOR CRUISES:
    Cruise 1 Monarch of the Seas 01/30/06
    Cruise 2 Monarch of the Seas 01/22/07
    Cruise 3 Monarch of the Seas 01/28/08
    Cruise 4 Carnival Paradise 02-08-10

  12. June 1, 2023 / 7:16 pm

    Thank you for the great information. I’m going on my first Cruise for 7 days and this sounds. fun.

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