Duck, Duck, Cruise. An Inside Look At Cruise Ducks And All They Are Quacked Up To Be

by | Jun 22, 2023 | Cruise Planning & Cruiser Lifestyle

Cruise ducks have become a popular trend among cruise ship passengers. These small rubber or plastic ducks are hidden throughout the ship by passengers for others to find. The ducks often have information cards attached to them bearing the names of the people who hid them and where those passengers are from.

The origin of cruise ducks is not entirely clear, but they have become a fun way for passengers to interact with each other and add some excitement to their cruise experience. Some passengers even bring their own personalized ducks to hide, adding a unique touch to the game. While cruise ducks are not officially sanctioned by cruise lines, they have become a beloved tradition among many cruise enthusiasts.

I am one of these cruise duck enthusiasts! Plan ahead, and you can have a lot of fun.

If you're planning to participate in the cruise duck game, it's important to keep in mind the rules and etiquette. While hiding ducks is encouraged, it's important to make sure they are not placed in areas that could be hazardous or cause damage. Additionally, it's important to respect the rules and regulations of the cruise line and avoid hiding ducks in restricted areas. With these guidelines in mind, cruise ducks can add a fun and lighthearted element to your next cruise vacation.

What are Cruise Ducks?

Cruise ducks are small rubber ducks that are brought on board by passengers on a cruise ship. These ducks are usually brightly colored and decorated with themes such as pirates, superheroes, or even sports teams. They are often placed in public areas of the ship, such as hallways, stairwells, or lounges, with the intention of being found by other passengers.

The tradition of cruise ducks began as a fun game among passengers, where they would hide the ducks and leave clues for others to find them. Over time, the game has evolved into a community activity, where passengers share photos and stories of their ducks on social media and online forums. Some passengers even collect and trade ducks with each other.

Cruise ducks are not an official part of any cruise line's activities or events, but they have become a popular pastime among passengers. Some cruise lines have even embraced the tradition and have created their own branded ducks for passengers to purchase and collect.

While cruise ducks are not required for a successful cruise experience, they can add an extra element of fun and excitement for passengers. They provide a unique way for passengers to connect with each other and create lasting memories.

Benefits of Cruise Ducks

Cruise ducks are small rubber ducks that are hidden by passengers on cruise ships. The game of hiding and finding these ducks has become a popular pastime among cruise-goers. Here are some benefits of participating in this fun activity:

1. Connecting with other passengers

Cruise ducks provide a fun and unique way to connect with other passengers on the ship. By hiding a duck and leaving a note with your contact information, you can make new friends from all over the world. It's a great way to break the ice and start a conversation with someone you might not have otherwise met.

2. Adding excitement to the cruise

Cruise ducks add an extra element of excitement to the cruise experience. Whether you're hiding a duck or searching for one, it's a fun way to pass the time and add some adventure to your trip. It's also a great way to get the whole family involved in a fun activity.

3. Making memories

Cruise ducks can help create lasting memories of your trip. Whether you find a duck in a unique location or hide one in a creative spot, it's a fun way to document your travels and remember the fun times you had on your cruise.

4. Supporting a community

Cruise ducks have become a community of their own, with dedicated fans and participants all over the world. By joining in on the fun, you're supporting this community and helping to keep the tradition alive. Plus, it's a great way to show your love for cruising and connect with other like-minded individuals.

Overall, cruise ducks provide a fun and unique way to enhance your cruise experience. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, hiding or finding a duck can add an extra element of excitement and help you create lasting memories of your trip.

How to Use Cruise Ducks

Cruise ducks are small rubber ducks that have become a popular trend among cruisers. They are typically hidden around the ship for others to find, and many people collect them as souvenirs. Here are some tips on how to use cruise ducks:

  • Bring your own duck: If you want to participate in the cruise duck trend, bring your own duck to hide. You can purchase them online or in stores, and they come in a variety of colors and designs. Make sure to write your name or cabin number on the bottom of the duck so that others can identify who hid it.
  • Be respectful: When hiding your duck, make sure to be respectful of other passengers and the ship's crew. Don't hide your duck in areas that are off-limits or that could cause damage to the ship. Also, be mindful of other passengers who may not be interested in the cruise duck trend.
  • Follow the rules: Some cruise lines have specific rules about the cruise duck trend. For example, they may require that ducks are only hidden in public areas of the ship and not in cabins or private spaces. Make sure to check with your cruise line before participating in the trend.
  • Have fun: The cruise duck trend is meant to be a fun and lighthearted activity for passengers. Don't take it too seriously and enjoy the thrill of hiding and finding ducks around the ship.

Overall, the cruise duck trend is a fun way to add some excitement to your cruise vacation. By following these tips, you can participate in the trend while being respectful of others and the ship's rules.

Cruise Duck Safety

When it comes to hiding cruise ducks, passengers should always prioritize safety. While it may seem like a harmless game, hiding ducks in certain areas of the ship can cause safety hazards. For example, hiding ducks in lifeboats or on the ship's navigation equipment can interfere with the crew's ability to carry out their duties and can potentially put passengers at risk.

To ensure that everyone stays safe, passengers should follow these guidelines when hiding cruise ducks:

  • Do not hide ducks in any areas that are off-limits to passengers or crew members.
  • Do not hide ducks in lifeboats, on the ship's navigation equipment, or in any other areas that could interfere with the ship's operation or safety procedures.
  • Do not hide ducks in areas that could pose a tripping hazard or cause other safety concerns.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings and make sure that hiding a duck will not cause any safety issues.

In addition to following these guidelines, passengers should also be mindful of the impact that hiding cruise ducks can have on the environment. While most cruise ducks are made of plastic or rubber, they can still contribute to pollution if they end up in the ocean. Passengers should make sure to dispose of any unwanted ducks properly and avoid hiding them in areas where they could end up in the water.

Overall, hiding cruise ducks can be a fun way to add some excitement to a cruise, but passengers should always prioritize safety and be mindful of their impact on the environment. By following these guidelines, everyone can enjoy the game while staying safe and protecting the beautiful ocean environments that they are visiting.

Before every cruise that I go on, I buy a bunch of the little yellow rubber ducks and tags. I write my name and wish the finder of the duck a fun and happy cruise. I also enjoy finding them, and residing, hoping that a small child might find it and help put a big smile on their face.

Here is a great pack of ducks and tags that would be a lot of fun to have for your next cruise!