Cruise Ducks: The Quirky Cruise Trend You Never Knew You Needed

If you’ve ever spotted a tiny rubber duck tucked away on a cruise ship and thought, “What in the world is this about?” — welcome to one of the most charming cruise traditions around. The “cruise duck” craze has been quietly making waves for years, turning ordinary sailings into playful, ship-wide scavenger hunts.

It’s a little silly. It’s a little sweet. And it just might be your new favorite cruise pastime.

What Exactly Are Cruise Ducks?

Cruise ducks are just what they sound like — small rubber or plastic ducks hidden around the ship by fellow passengers. Each duck usually comes with a tag telling you where it’s from and what to do if you find it. The “rules” are simple: you can keep it as a souvenir or hide it somewhere else for another cruiser to discover.

Think of it as a surprise treasure hunt without any clues. One minute you’re walking to the buffet, the next you’re grinning over a pirate duck perched on a railing. Many cruisers share their finds on Instagram or Facebook groups with hashtags like #CruisingDucks or #CruiseDucks. Some even take their ducks on future sailings, creating little “travel diaries” for these pint-sized stowaways.

The whole thing is about connection, fun, and making strangers smile — all for the price of a rubber duck.

How It All Started

While a few seasoned cruisers remember seeing ducks onboard as far back as 2015, the modern cruise duck phenomenon took off in March 2018 thanks to 11-year-old Abby Davis. On a Carnival Breeze sailing out of Galveston, Texas, Abby and her dad brought 50 ducks and hid seven each day. Their fun inspired the creation of a Facebook group — Cruising Ducks – Original Group — which now has hundreds of thousands of members sharing photos, tips, and duck-hunting stories.

If you’re familiar with the painted rock trend (where people hide decorated rocks in public places), cruise ducks feel very similar — they’re about spreading joy through little surprises.

The Unwritten Rules of Hiding Ducks

Like any game, there are some basic guidelines to keep things safe and fun for everyone:

• Stick to public areas — atriums, lounges, libraries, decks — where anyone can find them.

• Avoid unsafe or off-limits spots like pools, hot tubs, shops, restrooms, food stations, or anywhere you’d need to climb or move things to reach the duck.

• Keep it clean and family-friendly — no inappropriate tags or decorations.

• Be mindful of the environment — never toss a duck overboard or leave it where it could blow away.

You can print duck tags from the Cruising Ducks Facebook group, buy them online, or make your own. Most tags include a short message and an invitation for the finder to either keep or re-hide the duck.

Where to Get Cruise Ducks

The easiest places to find ducks are online — Amazon, eBay, and Etsy have bulk packs and themed designs galore. You can also check local party supply stores, but the variety is usually smaller.

If you want to get creative, you can decorate plain ducks or order specialty ones to fit your personality — think Santa ducks for holiday sailings, pirate ducks for Caribbean cruises, or sports-themed ducks repping your favorite team.

Fun Places to Hide Them

Some favorite hiding spots include:

• On window sills or bookshelves in public lounges

• Nestled between deck chairs (but not where they can fall)

• In safe, visible areas of kids’ clubs or play zones

• On a café table or near a condiment station (away from actual food)

• In the library between books

• In your stateroom for the next guest to discover

The goal is to make someone’s day — not send them on a hazardous rescue mission.

Tips for Finding Cruise Ducks

Want to go duck hunting? Here’s how to boost your chances:

• Join cruise-specific Facebook groups before you sail — people often post clues or photos.

• Explore early in the morning or late at night when new ducks may have been hidden.

• Check out lesser-used spaces like libraries, stairwells, or quiet lounges.

• Revisit spots — ducks appear throughout the day.

• Ask crew members (they often know the best hiding places).

• Try the free Sea Ducks App — it adds clues, a leaderboard, and a social element to the hunt.

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Are Cruise Ducks Allowed?

On most cruise lines, yes — in fact, crew members often get in on the fun. Carnival and Royal Caribbean have both said they’re fine with passengers hiding ducks as long as it’s done responsibly.

Disney Cruise Line, however, has banned the practice. While they didn’t give an official reason, speculation is that it’s due to safety concerns, clutter, or staff workload.

Rules can change, so it’s always smart to check before your sailing.

Not Everyone’s a Fan

While most cruisers love the tradition, there are a few critics. Concerns range from the potential environmental impact to the idea that too many ducks could clutter public spaces. Others just think it’s silly — and that’s okay. If you don’t want to participate, you can simply ignore the ducks.

The Bottom Line

Cruise ducks are a small but joyful tradition that’s all about creating unexpected moments of fun at sea. Whether you’re hiding a few on your next sailing or keeping your eyes peeled for a surprise find, it’s a lighthearted way to connect with fellow passengers and make your cruise a little more memorable.

So next time you pack your suitcase, maybe toss in a couple of ducks. Who knows? You might just make someone’s day.