Cruising Ducks: A Fun Cruise Tradition
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Cruise ships are full of surprises: gourmet buffets, poolside games, dazzling shows… and sometimes, tiny rubber ducks peeking out from unexpected places. If you’ve ever stumbled on one of these little collectibles tucked behind a plant or perched on a railing, you’ve just discovered the world of cruising ducks.
This quirky tradition has spread across cruise lines around the world, turning everyday voyages into playful treasure hunts. In this blog, you’ll learn what cruising ducks are, why people hide them, how to join the fun, and where to find the best ducks for your trip.
What Are Cruising Ducks?
Cruising ducks are small collectible rubber ducks on cruise ships—often themed or fandom-based—that passengers hide around the vessel for others to find. The finder can keep the duck as a souvenir or re-hide it for someone else.
Each duck typically has:
- A small tag with the hider’s name, ship, and sail date.
- A friendly message like “Keep or re-hide!”
- A link or hashtag (often #CruisingDucks) to share finds online.
The tradition started in 2018 when a young cruiser named Abby hid 50 ducks on Carnival Breeze. What began as one kid’s idea quickly grew into a global community tradition, spanning Facebook groups with hundreds of thousands of members.
Want your own collectible duck to hide? Check out the Rubber Ducks collection at Le Petit Duck Shoppe — we ship worldwide!
A Short History of the Cruising Duck Phenomenon
Cruising ducks began as a way to spread small moments of joy. Abby’s hidden rubber ducks on a cruise ship inspired fellow passengers to join in, share photos, and create a ripple effect across multiple cruise lines. By 2019, Facebook groups dedicated to “Cruising Ducks” had exploded, with cruisers trading ideas, duck counts, and hiding tips. The fun isn’t about prizes or points—it’s about connection, community, and delight.
You’ll now find ducks on major lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and even Virgin Voyages. Every ship’s tradition is slightly different, but the core idea remains the same: hide it, find it, smile.
Duck Etiquette: The Unofficial Rules Everyone Follows
There are no “official” cruise line policies about cruising ducks, but there is a widely respected etiquette to keep it safe and fun.
Do
- Tag your cruising ducks with name, sail date, and group hashtag.
- Hide in public, accessible areas like lounges, libraries, and promenade nooks.
- Make it safe—no risky ledges or blocked walkways.
- Be kind to the crew and keep spots easy to clean around.
Don’t
- Hiding ducks on cruises in pools, hot tubs, shops, or crew-only areas.
- Block safety equipment or create clutter.
- Leave damaged or untagged ducks lying around.
| Situation | Do | Don’t |
|---|---|---|
| Water areas | Admire from the deck | Place ducks in pools or hot tubs |
| Retail spaces | Hide nearby | Place inside shops or behind merchandise |
| Safety equipment | Keep clear | Block signs or equipment |
| High ledges | Choose stable, eye-level spots | Balance ducks where they can fall |
| Restricted areas | Stick to public lounges and corridors | Avoid crew-only zones |
Where to Hide Ducks on a Cruise Ship
You can hide ducks on cruise ships almost anywhere public and safe. Common favorites include:
- Library shelves or book nooks
- Window ledges on promenade decks
- Behind decorative plants
- Lounge seating areas
- Game rooms or piano bars
Avoid restricted zones, water features, and anywhere someone could trip or fall trying to reach the duck.
For extra fun, match your duck to the hiding spot. A musician-themed duck looks great near the piano bar. A travel-themed duck fits perfectly by the ship’s world map.
How to Prepare Your Duck Stash
Hiding ducks on cruises is easy and fun, but a little preparation can make the experience smoother, safer, and more memorable for everyone. Here’s how to get your duck stash shipshape before you sail.
Pick the Right Ducks
The cruising ducks you choose set the tone for the game.
- Go for fun and recognizable designs: Collectible ducks with distinct themes—like superheroes, musicians, or holiday designs—tend to stand out and spark smiles.
- TUBBZ ducks are a fan favorite: These officially licensed collectibles feature characters from Star Trek, Ghostbusters, The Lord of the Rings, and more. They’re made of non-toxic vinyl, which makes them durable for travel and perfect for display after they’re found.
- Stick to quality over quantity: A few great-looking ducks are more memorable than dozens of plain ones.
Pro tip: Some cruisers bring “special” ducks—unique designs they tag with messages like “Lucky Duck!” or “Golden Find!”—to create a little extra excitement.
Create Simple Tags
Tags are what transform an ordinary duck into a cruising duck. A good tag makes it clear this is part of the game—not a lost toy.
What to include:
- Your name or nickname (first name only is fine)
- Ship name and sail date
- “Keep or re-hide”
- Optional: Hometown or country
- Hashtag (e.g., #CruisingDucks) or group name
Why tags matter:
- They help finders post their discovery online so you can follow the journey.
- They make the tradition clear to people unfamiliar with cruising ducks.
- They encourage re-hiding, which keeps the game going all cruise long.
Pack Smart
You don’t need an entire suitcase of ducks to join the fun. A bit of smart packing keeps things organized and stress-free.
- Use pouches or zip-top bags to keep ducks clean and easy to access.
- Split your stash between carry-on and checked luggage. If your suitcase gets delayed, you’ll still have ducks on hand.
- Bring 10–20 ducks if it’s your first cruise. That’s a comfortable number for daily hiding without feeling rushed.
- Label your bags if you bring larger quantities—some airports may inspect novelty items.
Bonus tip: Group your ducks by theme (e.g., movie ducks, animal ducks, holiday ducks). It makes hiding more creative and fun when you match them to different parts of the ship.
Hide Thoughtfully
Hiding cruising ducks is an art. The best hides are clever, visible, and safe—not hard to reach or disruptive.
- Pick quiet times: Early mornings or late evenings are perfect—fewer people around means you can hide without drawing attention.
- Choose smart spots: Lounges, library shelves, benches, and promenade railings are ideal. Avoid water areas, shops, and restricted zones.
- Make it visible: You want someone to find the duck, not miss it entirely. A playful peek is better than a complete hide.
- Think like a finder: If you were walking the ship, what would make you smile to discover?
Optional: Add a Personal Touch
You don’t have to do this, but small personal touches can make your ducks memorable:
- A short, friendly note on the tag (“Hope this makes your day!”)
- A themed ribbon or accessory (just make sure it’s secure)
- A “travel log” sticker, if you want to track how far your duck travels
This isn’t required, but it’s a nice way to make your duck stand out in a sea of others.
Browse the TUBBZ collection before your next voyage.
Why Le Petit Duck Shoppe Rubber Ducks Are Perfect for Cruising?
If you’re planning your first cruising duck adventure—or leveling up your game—Le Petit Duck Shoppe has everything you need to make your stash unforgettable.
Our collectible rubber ducks are designed to be durable, lightweight, and travel-friendly, making them ideal for hiding around cruise ships.
From classic yellow ducks to playful characters and seasonal favorites, our collection includes styles to match any cruise vibe. Whether you want a musician duck for the piano bar or a sailor duck for the promenade, there’s a perfect match for every hiding spot.
All our ducks are made from high-quality, non-toxic materials, so they’re suitable for handling and hold up beautifully during travel. Their solid build means they won’t get damaged in your suitcase or when tucked away on board.
Check out our colorful collection of ducks and Find Your Favorite Shade of Colored Rubber Ducks.
Conclusion
Cruising ducks turn ordinary voyages into playful adventures. They bring people together, spark smiles, and create memories that outlast the cruise itself. Whether you hide a few or hunt them all, this tradition thrives on kindness and community.
Start your stash with Le Petit Duck Shoppe’s collectible ducks, pack a handful for your next trip, and watch how something so small can make a big splash—without ever touching the pool.
FAQ
1. What are cruising ducks and how did this tradition start?
Cruising ducks are collectible ducks hidden on cruise ships for other passengers to find. The tradition began in 2018 when Abby, a young cruiser, hid 50 ducks aboard Carnival Breeze. People started posting their finds online, and the game grew fast. Today, thousands of ducks travel on ships worldwide. Each one typically includes a small tag with the hider’s details. It’s a simple, kind gesture that turns an ordinary cruise into a shared adventure across decks and continents. The tradition isn’t run by cruise lines—it’s powered entirely by passengers who love spreading joy. Many collectors even use officially licensed ducks like TUBBZ, adding a recognizable, themed twist to the fun.
2. Where can I hide cruising ducks on a cruise ship?
Great hiding spots for rubber ducks on cruise ships are public, visible, and safe. Lounges, libraries, stairwell corners, window ledges, and promenade areas are popular. Some hiders even match duck themes to locations — like music ducks near the piano bar. But there are clear no-go zones: no pools, hot tubs, retail shops, or crew-only areas. Keep safety in mind. Hides should be easy to spot and grab without causing accidents or extra work for staff. Good hiding etiquette keeps the tradition alive for everyone—and ensures your ducks make people smile, not frown.
3. How many cruising ducks should I bring on my trip?
For most travelers, 10–20 cruising ducks are perfect for a 7-day voyage. That’s enough to hide a few each day without overpacking. Enthusiasts might bring more—especially if they’re theming ducks for different ship areas. The key is thoughtful placement, not quantity. Each duck should have a tag with your name, ship, and sail date. You’ll be surprised how fun it is to see your ducks pop up in online groups during the cruise. Quality hides make lasting memories.
4. Can I use collectible TUBBZ ducks when hiding cruising ducks?
Yes! TUBBZ ducks are a fan favorite for cruising duck games. They’re officially licensed vinyl collectibles featuring characters from franchises like Star Trek, Ghostbusters, and The Lord of the Rings. Their detailed designs make them fun for both hiders and finders. Since they’re collectibles, not bath toys, they should be hidden in safe, dry spots. A waterproof tag ensures they hold up well on the ship. Many collectors like hiding one or two TUBBZ ducks as “special finds” among their regular ducks.
5. Are cruising ducks allowed on all cruise lines?
Most major cruise lines—Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian—tolerate cruising ducks when done respectfully. Hiding ducks in public areas is generally fine, but rules vary by ship. Avoid off-limits zones, shops, and safety-sensitive areas. If a crew member moves or removes your duck, it usually means the hiding spot wasn’t appropriate—not that the game is banned. Always double-check community groups or guest services before you start hiding ducks on cruises, especially on smaller or luxury lines with stricter policies.