If you’ve cruised lately, you may have found a hidden little gift somewhere on the cruise ship. In recent years, cruise passengers have taken to hiding little rubber ducks in various spots around the ships. This fun game is entirely unofficial, but finding and hiding ducks on cruise ships can be a fun activity during your next cruise, especially for kids.
Why do people hide rubber ducks on cruise ships?
I’ve read various stories about who started this tradition and when it started. According to many reports, it was started by a 10-year-old girl named Abby in 2018. However, other stories state that it started earlier on the Carnival Cruise Line. Regardless of its origins, this tradition has become even more popular since the cruise restart in 2021. Cruise ducks can be found on almost every cruise line.
What types of ducks should you hide?
The most common kind of cruise duck is a traditional rubber duck. I’ve also seen keychains, tiny ducks, fabric ducks, refrigerator magnets, and crocheted ducks. Because it’s an unofficial activity, there are no real rules about what to give away. You’ll just add your own tag to whatever you choose to hide.
Where to get rubber ducks and tags?
There are so many places to get the ducks and cruise duck tags – you can even make the tags yourself. I found a huge variety of choices online, including some really cute sets that make everything so easy. You can see some options in this post.
Where to hide rubber ducks?
The widely accepted rules state that you shouldn’t hide them in gift shops, hot tubs, or pools and stick with public areas. I’d probably avoid public restrooms to prevent the spread of germs. Beyond that, you have the flexibility to be as creative as possible. Because of the ducks’ bright yellow color, they stick out if you leave them somewhere open. I hid mine in public seating (usually above or below so they wouldn’t be obvious), around the edges of open doors, under a deck chair, behind trash cans, near statues, under tables, and in theaters.
Searching for rubber ducks? Where should you look?
If you are specifically looking for rubber ducks, you’ll want to look in these same places. Look down on the ground, behind tables, statues, and trash cans. Just be sure you are looking for a peek of bright yellow, although I’ve also found pink ducks. Don’t be disruptive or take anything down from the wall. While cruise ducks are an unofficial activity, the cruise lines would probably be more concerned about the activity if it resulted in something that could damage property or cause harm in any way.
Some cruise lines are discouraging hiding ducks
Note that the Disney Cruise Line has recently discouraged hiding ducks. Check with your cruise line before hiding ducks to see the latest policies. Read our blog post for more information about cruise ducks.