Cruising Ducks: A Fun and Quirky Cruise Tradition — Cruising ducks have become a popular trend among cruise enthusiasts, adding an element of fun and surprise to their voyages. This unique activity involves hiding rubber ducks around the ship for other passengers to find. It’s a delightful way to spread joy and create a sense of community among cruisers.

Cruising Ducks

I have never been on a cruise, but this would be something I’d enjoy hiding these rubber ducks rubber ducks snd trying to find the rubber ducks.

The origins of cruising ducks can be traced back to 2018 when a young girl named Abby Davis brought a collection of rubber ducks on a cruise with her family. She began hiding them around the ship, and the idea quickly caught on. Today, there’s even a dedicated Facebook group with thousands of members who actively participate in this whimsical game.

Participating in cruising ducks is easy and fun. Simply bring along a collection of rubber ducks, preferably with a nautical or cruise-themed design. Get creative with hiding spots, but be mindful of not placing them in areas where they could cause inconvenience or damage. Once you’ve hidden your ducks, sit back and enjoy the anticipation of fellow passengers discovering your hidden treasures.

When someone finds a duck, they can either keep it as a souvenir or re-hide it for someone else to find. Some cruisers even attach tags to the ducks, encouraging finders to share photos and stories of their discoveries on social media. It’s a fantastic way to connect with other cruisers and share in the excitement of the game.

Cruising ducks is a lighthearted and inclusive activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It adds a touch of whimsy to the cruise experience and creates lasting memories. So, next time you embark on a cruise, consider joining the fun and bring along some rubber ducks to spread the joy!

You can use any kind of rubber ducks but I believe most people use nautical rubber ducks or even the pirate rubber ducks.

You can hide these rubber ducks just like hiding the Little Jesus figurines. You can check out hiding spots for the ducks below or even see more places like you would with those Little Jesus’.

Mini Jesus / Little Jesus / Pocket Jesus

Cruising Duck Hiding Spots

Here are 20 places to hide rubber ducks on a cruise ship, keeping in mind that they shouldn’t be in places that could cause damage, be a safety hazard, or be too difficult to retrieve:

• Bookshelves in the library or common areas: Tucked between the pages or peeking out from behind a book.
• Plant pots: Nestled among the leaves or partially buried in the soil (avoid overwatering if the duck is porous).
• Near artwork: Placed discreetly near a painting or sculpture in a hallway or lounge.
• On a window sill: Sitting overlooking the ocean (inside, of course).
• In a board game box: Hidden amongst the game pieces in a public area.
• Inside a souvenir shop display: Tucked amongst other merchandise (with permission if needed). Unless they sell rubber ducks.
• On a lounge chair (unoccupied, of course): Sitting with a towel or near a magazine.
• Near the pool: On a table or chair, but not in the water itself.
• In the movie theater: Placed on an empty seat before or after a showing.
• On a napkin dispenser: Sitting on top or tucked discreetly inside.
• Near a hand sanitizer station: A fun and unexpected surprise.
• On a staircase railing (securely attached): Perhaps tied with ribbon.
• In a public restroom (on a shelf or counter, not in the sink or toilet): A clean and dry spot.
• Near the elevator buttons: A quick and easy find for fellow cruisers.
• On a information board: Attached with a removable adhesive.
• Near a cruise map: A fun way to mark a “hidden treasure.”
• In a photo booth: A fun prop for a quick picture.
• On a table in a cafe or coffee shop: Waiting to be discovered.
• Attached to a piece of exercise equipment (not interfering with use): A fun surprise for someone working out.

If you’re looking for a cruise where you’re more likely to find cruising ducks, Carnival Cruise Line is your best bet. The tradition of hiding and finding rubber ducks on cruise ships started with Carnival and has since spread to other cruise lines, but Carnival remains the most active in this trend.

Other cruise lines where you might find a decent number of ducks include Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line, as both have strong family-friendly communities that enjoy participating in the game. However, Carnival’s large fleet and fun-loving atmosphere make it the top choice for cruising ducks.

If you’re planning to join in on the fun, consider bringing your own ducks to hide! Just make sure to follow ship rules—ducks should be placed in public areas, not inside stores, pools, or crew-only spaces.

Remember to be mindful of others and avoid hiding ducks in places that could be disruptive or cause a mess. Happy duck hunting!

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Have you ever participated in cruising ducks? Share your experiences and favorite hiding spots in the duckie comments below!

Crusing Ducks is very similar to Jeep Ducking.

Ducking Jeeps