Cruise Ducks: Everything You Need to Know About the Popular Cruise Ship Tradition
One of the most unexpected traditions you’ll find aboard modern cruise ships has nothing to do with formal dinners, poolside contests, or Broadway-style entertainment. Instead, it involves small rubber ducks hidden throughout the ship by fellow passengers.
Known simply as “Cruise Ducks,” this lighthearted activity has become a favorite among cruisers of all ages. Families, couples, solo travelers, and even cruise veterans participate in the fun by hiding decorated rubber ducks for others to discover throughout their voyage.
If you’ve seen social media posts about cruise ducks and wondered what all the excitement is about, here’s everything you need to know before your next sailing.
RELATED TRAVEL ARTICLE: 7 things first-time cruises should know before you go
What Are Cruise Ducks?
Cruise Ducks are small ducks that passengers hide throughout a cruise ship for other guests to find. They can be rubber ducks, small plastic ducks, 3-D printed ducks, etc.
The concept is simple. Before a cruise, participants purchase ducks and attach tags containing information about the duck and its creator. They then hide the ducks in public areas around the ship for other passengers to discover.
The person who finds a duck can choose to:
- Keep it as a souvenir
- Re-hide it somewhere else on the ship
- Take a photo and share it online
- Start collecting ducks throughout their cruise
What began as a small hobby among cruise enthusiasts has grown into a worldwide cruise tradition found on ships from many major cruise lines.
Why Are Cruise Ducks So Popular?
Part of the appeal is that cruise ducks create an unexpected sense of community among passengers.
Finding a hidden duck feels a little like discovering a tiny treasure. For children, it’s an exciting scavenger hunt. For adults, it’s a fun way to add an extra layer of entertainment to a vacation.
I’ve spoken with cruisers who bring dozens of ducks on every sailing. Some decorate them around a holiday theme, while others create custom designs featuring their hometown, cruise ship, or travel interests.
During our first cruise, we saw a young boy looking through a planter. We struck up a conversation with him and he excitedly pulled out a pocket full of ducks. He was a little sad when he learned that I didn’t have another one of my astronaut ducks for him.
Many cruisers enjoy hiding ducks just as much as finding them.
How Did the Cruise Duck Tradition Start?
The cruise duck trend is generally believed to have started with a young cruise passenger named Abby Davis, whose family began hiding ducks on cruise ships as a way to spread kindness and create fun experiences for fellow travelers.
Over time, social media helped the idea gain traction. Today, thousands of cruise passengers participate across the industry.
Numerous Facebook groups and cruise communities are dedicated entirely to sharing photos of found ducks and creative duck designs.
How Do Cruise Ducks Work?
If you’re interested in participating, the process is easy.
Step 1: Buy Ducks
Purchase a collection of small rubber ducks before your cruise. For our first cruise, I brought four 3-D printed astronaut ducks. Someone online thought that was “cute”, because they usually bring 100 ducks to hide on their multi-day cruise. I would recommend about 10-20 ducks per day of your cruise.
Many cruisers order them online in bulk packages. We bought a box of 100 rubber ducks from Amazon and handed out 50 of them during our 3-night cruise with our kids. My 3-D printed astronaut ducks were also bought on Amazon, though they were a little more expensive. Ducks come in countless themes, including:
- Pirates
- Superheroes
- Sports teams
- Animals
- Holiday designs
- Tropical themes
- Patriotic designs
- Occupation-themed ducks
Some cruisers even customize ducks using paint, accessories, stickers, or miniature costumes.
Step 2: Attach a Cruise Duck Tag
Most cruise ducks include a small tag attached with a rubber band, string, or zip tie.
The tag typically contains:
- The name of the cruiser who hid it
- The cruise ship name
- The sailing date
- A short message
- Instructions for the finder
Many tags also encourage people to share photos on social media.
Need a tag for your cruise ducks? Download my free cruise duck printable tags.
Step 3: Hide the Duck
Once onboard, hide the duck somewhere in a public area where another passenger can discover it.
Popular hiding spots include:
- Stairwells
- Public lounges
- Library areas
- Promenade decks
- Mini golf courses
- Sports courts
- Pool deck seating areas
- Observation decks
The goal is for somebody else to enjoy finding it.
Step 4: Enjoy the Fun
Whether you hide one duck or fifty, participating can become a memorable part of your cruise experience.
Many cruisers report that finding ducks becomes a daily activity throughout the voyage.
Cruise Duck Rules and Etiquette
While cruise ducks are meant to be fun, there are several unwritten rules that participants generally follow.
Don’t Hide Ducks in Stores
Avoid placing ducks inside onboard shops or retail displays.
This can create confusion for staff and interfere with merchandise.
Don’t Hide Ducks in Pools or Hot Tubs
Ducks should never be placed in:
- Swimming pools
- Hot tubs
- Water slides
- Splash pads
These areas can present maintenance and safety concerns.
Avoid Elevators
While technically public spaces, elevators are often considered too obvious and can create congestion if people stop to examine hidden ducks.
Don’t Hide Ducks in Restricted Areas
Never place ducks in:
- Crew-only areas
- Emergency equipment locations
- Areas marked as restricted
- Safety stations
Cruise safety should always come first.
Respect Cruise Line Policies
Although many cruise lines allow cruise ducks, policies can vary. It’s always a good idea to verify any current guidelines before sailing.
If a crew member asks you not to place ducks in a specific area, follow their instructions.
Where Should You Hide Cruise Ducks?
The best hiding spots balance visibility with creativity.
Good duck hiding locations include:
- Bookshelves
- Near artwork
- Window ledges in public areas
- Card rooms
- Walking tracks
- Observation lounges
- Public seating areas
- Atriums
A good rule is that the duck should be discoverable without requiring someone to move objects, climb, or enter prohibited spaces.
Where Can You Buy Cruise Ducks?
The good news is that you don’t need anything fancy.
Popular sources include:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Hobby stores
- Party supply stores
- Dollar stores
- Oriental Trading
- Local toy stores
Many cruisers buy assorted packs containing 25 to 100 ducks, especially when traveling with large families or groups.
For first-time participants, a pack of 25 ducks is usually more than enough.
What Should You Put on a Cruise Duck Tag?
A cruise duck tag can be simple or elaborate.
At a minimum, consider including:
- “You’ve Found a Cruise Duck!”
- Your first name or family nickname
- Home state or country
- Cruise ship name
- Sailing date
- Instructions to keep or re-hide the duck
Need a tag for your cruise ducks? Download my free cruise duck printable tags.
Creative Cruise Duck Ideas
Experienced cruisers often get creative with their ducks.
Some popular themes include:
Destination-Themed Ducks
Create ducks representing:
- Alaska
- Caribbean islands
- Mexico
- Hawaii
- Europe
Holiday Ducks
Perfect for seasonal sailings:
- Halloween
- Christmas
- Easter
- Fourth of July
- Valentine’s Day
Family Cruise Ducks
Many families personalize their ducks with:
- Family names
- Cruise dates
- Vacation themes
- Matching accessories
Milestone Cruise Ducks
Celebrate:
- First cruises
- Honeymoons
- Anniversaries
- Retirement cruises
- Birthday cruises
Are Cruise Ducks Only for Kids?
Not at all.
One of the biggest misconceptions about cruise ducks is that they’re only intended for children.
In reality, adults participate just as enthusiastically. My wife literally jumps for joy when she finds a duck. Especially if it’s a pink one.
You’ll often find retirees, couples, solo travelers, and multi-generational families all taking part in the activity.
The tradition appeals to people because it adds an element of surprise and kindness to the cruise experience.
Should You Keep or Re-Hide a Cruise Duck?
Either option is perfectly acceptable.
Many people enjoy bringing found ducks home as souvenirs from their travels.
Others prefer to re-hide them so another guest can experience the excitement of finding them.
There is no right or wrong choice.
Tips for First-Time Cruise Duck Participants
If you’re planning to join the fun for the first time, keep these tips in mind:
- Start with a small number of ducks.
- Attach durable tags before boarding.
- Bring extra zip ties or rubber bands.
- Hide ducks gradually throughout the cruise.
- Follow all ship rules and crew instructions.
- Have fun with creative themes.
- Take photos of your favorite hides.
Most importantly, remember that cruise ducks are meant to spread joy and create positive interactions among fellow passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Ducks
What are cruise ducks?
Cruise ducks are small rubber ducks hidden by passengers throughout a cruise ship for others to find.
Are cruise ducks allowed on cruise ships?
Generally, yes. However, policies may vary by cruise line and ship. Always follow crew instructions and any posted guidelines.
Do all cruise lines have cruise ducks?
While not officially sponsored by most cruise lines, the activity is common on many ships across various cruise lines.
Where can I buy cruise ducks?
Cruise ducks can be purchased online, at party stores, dollar stores, toy stores, and many major retailers.
What do you write on a cruise duck tag?
Most tags include a short greeting, the cruise ship name, sailing date, and instructions encouraging the finder to keep or re-hide the duck.
Are cruise ducks just for children?
No. Passengers of all ages participate in the cruise duck tradition.
Can I hide cruise ducks on my first cruise?
Absolutely. Many first-time cruisers enjoy participating because it’s easy, inexpensive, and a fun way to engage with fellow passengers.
Final Thoughts
Cruise ducks may seem like a simple idea, but they’ve become one of the most beloved traditions at sea. Whether you’re traveling with children, sailing as a couple, or embarking on a solo adventure, hiding and finding ducks adds an extra layer of fun to your vacation.
If you’re preparing for your first cruise, consider packing a few ducks alongside your sunscreen and travel documents. You might be surprised by how much enjoyment they bring, both for you and for the fellow cruisers who discover them.
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