When did the Rubber Duck Cruise Ships Trend Start? The Story of a Global Cruise Trend
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Have you ever spotted a tiny yellow rubber duck hiding on a cruise ship? At first glance, it might look like a random bath toy — but behind this playful surprise is a global tradition that has captured the hearts of cruisers around the world. Known as “cruising ducks,” these little companions are more than just plastic novelties; they’ve become a beloved part of the cruise experience. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating cruising ducks story — from how it all began to why it continues to delight travelers of every age.
How did Cruising Ducks Start? The Origin Cruising Ducks Story
The tradition of rubber duck cruise ships began in March 2018 aboard a Carnival cruise. The cruising ducks story says a young girl named Abby Davis and her father, Ashley Davis, brought along 50 rubber ducks to hide around the ship for other passengers to discover. What started as a family activity quickly became a sensation.
Cruisers who found the ducks were encouraged to “keep or re-hide” them, creating a joyful ripple effect. As photos and stories spread through Facebook groups like Cruising Ducks Original, the idea traveled from one rubber duck cruise ship to another, eventually reaching thousands of passengers worldwide.
What made this simple game go viral wasn’t just the toy — it was the shared sense of surprise, fun, and connection. Within a few years, what started as a single act of kindness had become a beloved cruising tradition.
What Makes Cruising Ducks So Popular?
Part of the magic of cruising ducks lies in their charming simplicity. You don’t need special equipment, complicated rules, or even prior experience to participate. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for a little adventure or a family seeking to add extra fun to the voyage, anyone can join in.
Passengers decorate their ducks — sometimes with outfits, accessories, or colorful stickers — and place them in common areas around the ship. Each duck carries a short message tag, often including the hider’s name, sailing date, or a lighthearted note like “Keep or Re-hide me!” This simple gesture transforms an ordinary object into a moment of connection.
Why It Works
- It’s unexpected.
Cruise ships are full of routines — meals, entertainment, poolside lounging — but spotting a tiny duck tucked away turns an ordinary moment into a mini scavenger hunt. The surprise element creates a sense of childlike wonder, even for adults.
- It brings strangers together.
Two people who have never met might stop to talk because one found a duck, the other hid. Families often share their discoveries with other passengers, creating spontaneous, friendly interactions that make the cruise feel more personal.
- It creates lasting cruise memories.
Many cruisers say finding a duck is one of the most memorable parts of their trip. A small discovery can turn into a keepsake, a story to share, or even a photo posted online that reaches thousands of fellow duck hunters.
- It’s social-media friendly.
The bright colors and playful nature of rubber ducks make them perfect for Instagram and Facebook posts. People love sharing their finds, tagging the ship, or posting in cruising duck groups, which in turn inspires more people to join the tradition.
Just like classic bath-time ducks have charmed generations in homes around the world, cruising ducks now charm travelers across the seas. Their appeal lies not in the object itself, but in the shared joy it creates. A single duck can spark a smile, start a conversation, or become part of someone’s favorite travel memory — proof that sometimes, the smallest surprises make the biggest impact.
How to Hide and Find Ducks on a Cruise?
Hiding rubber ducks on a cruise ship is part art, part strategy. The fun lies in creating little moments of surprise without making the ducks too difficult to find. Over time, seasoned cruisers have developed favorite spots that balance creativity, visibility, and courtesy. This playful tradition is now part of the larger cruising ducks story, adding a touch of unexpected joy to every voyage.
Lounges and Seating Areas
Lounges are prime hiding locations because they’re comfortable spaces where passengers naturally relax and look around. A crusing duck moment often happens here—a duck perched on a coffee table or nestled near decorative pieces like lamps or plants can brighten someone’s day. Many cruisers love this area because it’s easily accessible to everyone, including families with children who enjoy the thrill of discovery.
Library Nooks
Libraries onboard offer a quieter, more thoughtful hiding spot. Between books, on ledge corners, or near table displays, these cozy spaces are perfect for subtle but rewarding finds. For those who know how cruising ducks started, these kinds of locations echo the original intention: creating little connections between travelers through shared surprise.
Window Sills and Railings
Window sills, balcony edges, and safe indoor railings are classic hiding places for rubber ducks on cruises. The natural light shining in makes each duck stand out just enough for an unsuspecting cruiser to notice. These spots feel playful and welcoming—ideal for spreading smiles throughout the day.
Near Art Installations or Piano Areas
Art pieces, sculptures, and piano areas on a cruise ship offer an elegant backdrop for themed ducks. Because people linger here, these spots often become part of a traveler’s cruising ducks story—a cute photo, a laugh with a stranger, or the start of a mini treasure hunt across the decks.
Hallways and Stairwells
Sometimes the simplest hiding places are the most memorable. Tucking ducks into hallway corners or along stairwell railings creates a high chance of discovery, since these are spaces passengers pass multiple times a day. Whether it’s your first time joining the tradition or you’ve known how cruising ducks started, these classic hiding spots guarantee a little magic at sea.
Rubber Ducks and Cruises Do’s and Don’ts
Although the cruising ducks tradition is informal and built on fun, it thrives because the community shares a few unspoken rules. These simple guidelines ensure that everyone — from first-time cruisers to seasoned travelers — can enjoy the experience without creating problems for fellow guests or the crew. Following good etiquette keeps the rubber duck cruise ship tradition safe, respectful, and delightful for everyone on board.
Do’s: How to Spread Joy the Right Way
- Attach a tag with your name, ship, and sailing date.
A clear tag is one of the most important parts of a cruising duck. It tells the finder where the duck came from and invites them to be part of the tradition. Many people add their first name, the ship’s name, and the date of sailing. Some even include a fun message, quote, or social media handle (if they want to track where the duck ends up). This small detail connects travelers and strengthens the cruising ducks' tradition.
- Include a “Keep or Re-hide” message.
This simple phrase has become a signature of the cruising duck tradition. It gives the finder two choices: keep the duck as a souvenir or re-hide it for someone else to discover. This flexibility is what allows the game to continue long after one person’s vacation ends, keeping the rubber ducks and cruises connection alive across voyages.
- Respect cruise line policies.
Every cruise line has its own approach to cruising ducks. While many encourage or quietly allow the practice, others have limitations on where ducks can be hidden. Checking ahead and respecting the ship’s rules keeps the game from being shut down — and ensures the crew views it positively. This shared respect is why and how cruising ducks started to become a global tradition.
- Keep your messages family-friendly.
Cruises are full of families, children, and people of all ages. That’s why tags, decorations, and messages should be appropriate for everyone. Light-hearted jokes, fun sayings, or cheerful notes make for the best finds and keep the cruising ducks tradition positive and inclusive.
- Use quality, waterproof materials.
Cruise ships can be humid, breezy, and occasionally wet. To make sure your ducks don’t get damaged or create litter, use waterproof tags and sturdy materials. This keeps the ducks looking good and makes them safe to handle for the next person.
Don’ts: What to Avoid When Hiding Ducks
- Don’t overwhelm the ship with hundreds of ducks.
A few well-placed ducks create surprise and excitement. Too many can make the game feel forced, cause clutter, or create extra work for the crew. Most experienced cruisers bring 10–30 ducks — enough to spread joy without going overboard.
- Don’t hide ducks where they could cause a mess or hazards.
Avoid placing ducks in areas where they might block pathways, get wet, or interfere with operations. Pool decks, hot tubs, food service areas, and crew-only zones are off limits. A good rule of thumb: if it’s a high-traffic or safety area, skip it.
- Don’t use the game for advertising or promotions.
Cruising ducks are meant to be a fun, community activity, not a marketing tool. Attaching business cards or promotional materials goes against the spirit of the game and may lead to the removal of your ducks by staff.
- Don’t leave ducks in dangerous or unsanitary locations.
Ducks shouldn’t be hidden where they could fall overboard, get stuck in machinery, or end up in trash or food zones. Always choose clean, visible, and safe spots that anyone — including kids — can access easily.
Following these simple guidelines keeps the community positive and inclusive — the same spirit that started the tradition in the first place.
A Global Community Built on a rubber duck cruise ship
What began as one family’s fun has become a worldwide cruising ducks story. Today:
- Facebook groups have hundreds of thousands of members.
- Travelers customize ducks with themes, outfits, or pirate hats.
- Families make duck hunting a cruise tradition year after year.
Like the classic rubber duck that turned bath time into playtime, cruising ducks have turned vacations into shared adventures — proof that joy can travel far when it starts small. The simplicity of how cruising ducks started is what continues to make it special years later.
Montreal Joins the Cruising Ducks Story
In recent years, Montreal has also become an exciting destination for cruise lovers joining the cruising ducks tradition. The city’s Grand Quay Cruise Terminal, originally upgraded in June 2017 and renovated in 2018, now welcomes travelers with an observation tower added in 2021 — offering stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
Just a short distance from the terminal, visitors can find Le Petit Duck Shoppe, Canada’s largest rubber duck store, making Montreal a must-visit spot for cruisers and duck hunters alike. Whether you’re starting your voyage or making a stopover, this charming city adds a playful twist to your cruising ducks story.
For more info about the terminal: Grand Quay Cruise Terminal Map – Port of Montreal.
Le Petit Duck Shoppe: Your Destination for Cruising Ducks
If you’re planning your next rubber duck cruise ship adventure, Le Petit Duck Shoppe is your go-to source for everything ducky. From classic yellow ducks to themed collectibles, we offer quality designs perfect for both hiding and collecting.
Why shop here:
- Wide variety — from traditional yellow ducks to seasonal and custom designs.
- High-quality materials built to last through multiple cruises
- Perfect gifts for friends, family, or fellow travelers
Joining the cruising ducks tradition has never been easier — or cuter. You can access a large group of ducks in Le Petit Duck Shoppe collections.
Conclusion
The cruising ducks story shows that sometimes the simplest ideas create the most lasting memories. What began with a handful of rubber ducks on one ship has grown into a global maritime tradition embraced by thousands. These cheerful little toys connect strangers, spark smiles, and remind us that joy can float — even at sea.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, bringing a duck or two aboard can make your trip a little brighter. And if you’re ready to join the fun rubber duck cruise ship tradition, Le Petit Duck Shoppe has the perfect duck waiting for you.
FAQ
When did the cruising ducks tradition begin?
The cruising ducks story began in 2018, when a young girl named Abby Davis and her father decided to hide 50 small rubber ducks on a cruise ship — the Carnival Breeze. Their simple idea was to surprise fellow passengers with a playful treasure hunt at sea. As people found the ducks, they shared their discoveries online, and the tradition quickly spread. What started as one family’s fun became a global phenomenon. Today, thousands of rubber ducks and cruises are part of this joyful game, connecting travelers through shared smiles, surprise, and adventure.
How many ducks should I bring on a cruise?
For most travelers, bringing 10 to 30 cruising ducks is the perfect balance between fun and practicality. This number allows you to participate without overwhelming the crew or cluttering shared spaces. Each rubber duck should include a small tag with your name, ship, and sail date, plus a friendly note like “Keep or re-hide!” to keep the game going. Some cruisers use themed ducks for creative hiding spots, while others love the classic yellow look. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, a well-prepared stash ensures a memorable experience.
Are cruising ducks allowed on all cruise lines?
Most major cruise lines — including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess — welcome the cruising ducks tradition. Guests can hide ducks in public, safe, and easy-to-access areas of the ship. Some lines, like Disney and Norwegian, may have restrictions, so it’s always smart to check the policy before boarding. Even on stricter ships, respectful hiding is usually allowed. These unspoken rules and good etiquette are part of how cruising ducks started and why the tradition has remained a positive, community-driven experience enjoyed by travelers and appreciated by crew.
Where are the best places to hide cruising ducks?
The best hiding spots for rubber ducks on cruises are public, visible, and safe. Favorite areas include lounges, library nooks, stairwell corners, piano bars, or promenade decks where people naturally walk by. Many hiders love to match themed ducks to their surroundings—for example, a music-themed duck near the piano bar. Avoid restricted areas, restaurants, pools, or shops to keep the game respectful and safe. A good hiding spot strikes the perfect balance between clever placement and easy discovery, ensuring every crusing rubber duck moment brings joy, not inconvenience.
Why do people love cruising ducks so much?
People love cruising ducks because they bring a simple, heartwarming kind of magic to the open sea. These tiny rubber ducks turn an ordinary vacation into a shared adventure, sparking joy and surprise between strangers. Finding a duck is like stumbling upon a small, unexpected gift. For hiders, it’s a chance to spread kindness; for finders, it’s a fun connection that often leads to smiles and conversations. Since the cruising ducks story began, the tradition has grown into a beloved part of cruise culture, making voyages more playful and memorable for everyone.