Everything You Need to Know About Cruising Ducks (and How to Join the Fun!)
- D Siesta House
- May 29
- 6 min read
Updated: 17 minutes ago
If you've ever been on a cruise and spotted a small rubber duck tucked away in a nook or perched on a railing, you’ve just discovered one of the most delightful cruising trends — cruising ducks! This playful activity has taken the cruise world by storm, bringing smiles to passengers of all ages. But what exactly are cruising ducks, and how can you join in on the fun? We’re here to explain it all!
On my Icon of the Seas cruise this year, I had a blast finding and hiding cruising ducks with my little boy. It was our first time participating, and it turned out to be a fun activity for the entire family — even the grandparents got in on the action! It was a simple way to add a little extra magic to our cruise experience.
What Are Cruising Ducks?
Cruising ducks are small rubber ducks that cruise passengers hide around the ship for other guests to find. Each duck often comes with a tag that shares the name of the hider, the cruise ship, and sometimes a message encouraging the finder to keep it or hide it again. It’s a scavenger hunt that adds an extra layer of joy to your cruise adventure.
The trend started in 2018 when a woman named Ashley Davis hid 50 ducks on a Carnival cruise. Since then, it’s grown into a global cruising tradition that kids, adults, and families love to participate in.
Cruising Duck Favorites: Check Out The Most Adorable Duck Finds
These adorable ducks are guaranteed to make someone's cruise day!
1. 😂 Floaty Rubber Ducks
Make cruisers laugh with silly duck designs like mustaches, silly faces, or quirky outfits.
2. 🎓 Graduate Rubber Ducks
Perfect for celebrating grads on board or gifting during graduation cruise trips.
3. 🌈 Colorful Rubber Ducks
Bright, rainbow-hued ducks that stand out and look great in hiding spots around the ship!
4. 🏖️ Beach-Themed Rubber Ducks
Ducks in sunglasses, bikinis, or floaties—perfectly on theme for tropical cruises.
5. 🌟 Glow-in-the-Dark Rubber Ducks
Magical ducks that glow! Ideal for kids to find at night or leave on a cabin door.
6. 🧁 Birthday Cupcake Rubber Ducks
Great for cruise birthdays or to leave a smile on someone’s special day.
7. 💘 Valentine’s Day Rubber Ducks
Dressed in hearts, cupid wings, or red and pink—perfect for February sailings.
8. 🤠 Cowboy Rubber Ducks
Yee-haw! Western-themed ducks are fun and unique finds on any cruise ship.
9. 🏈 Football Rubber Ducks
Show off team spirit or theme your duck drops for game-day cruises.
10. 🦈 Baby Shark Rubber Ducks (My Personal Favorite!)
Baby Shark doo-doo-doo... Kids LOVE these! A hit with toddler cruisers.
How to Participate in the Cruising Ducks Trend
If you want to join the cruising ducks craze on your next cruise, it’s simple! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Get Your Ducks
You can find rubber ducks online or at local stores. Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for your ducks:
Size: Mini ducks (2-3 inches) are ideal since they’re small enough to hide but big enough to spot.
Variety: Pick fun, themed ducks like pirates, mermaids, or holiday-themed designs to make them more memorable.
Quantity: Most cruisers bring 10-20 ducks, but you can bring as many as you’d like.
2. Create Your Tags
Every duck needs a tag that explains its purpose. Your tag can include:
Your name or cruise nickname (optional)
The cruise ship name and date
Instructions: Something like "You Found a Cruising Duck! Keep it or hide it again to keep the fun going!"
You can handwrite tags or use printable templates from Etsy or online cruising duck groups. Attach the tag with string, ribbon, or a small rubber band around the duck's neck.
3. Hide Your Ducks
Once you’re on board, the real fun begins! Hide your ducks in creative places around the ship. Here are a few ideas:
On bookshelves in the ship’s library
Behind signs or planters
Near stairwells, elevators, or seating areas
Tucked into nooks at restaurants or lounges (but avoid hiding them in stores or near pools for safety reasons)
On our Icon of the Seas cruise, my little boy had so much fun running around the ship looking for places to hide his ducks. It became a mini adventure at every stop, and even the grandparents got excited about finding clever hiding spots. It was such a great way to keep the whole family entertained!
4. Look for Ducks!
Once you’ve hidden your own ducks, you can search for others. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the ship. If you find one, you can:
Keep it as a souvenir
Re-hide it for someone else to find
Some cruisers love collecting the ducks they find, while others prefer to "pay it forward" by re-hiding them. During our cruise, my little boy loved finding the ducks almost as much as hiding them. It’s like a mini scavenger hunt every day!
Tips for First-Time Duck Hiders
If you’re new to cruising ducks, here are some pro tips to make the experience even more fun:
Join a Cruising Duck Facebook Group: Connect with other duck hiders, share your duck finds, and see where others are hiding them.
Get Your Kids Involved: Kids love hiding ducks as part of their onboard adventure! It keeps them engaged during downtime.
Be Respectful: Avoid hiding ducks in places that could disrupt the crew's duties or create extra cleaning work.
Take Photos: Snap a picture of your duck before you hide it, and if you find one, share a photo in cruising duck Facebook groups to celebrate your find.
Why Cruising Ducks Are So Popular
Cruising ducks bring joy, surprise, and a sense of adventure to a cruise. Here’s why so many people love them:
It’s a Fun Activity for Kids: It keeps kids entertained as they explore the ship, and they love the thrill of discovering a hidden duck.
It Builds Community: Finding a duck connects you to other passengers. It’s like a friendly “hello” from a stranger.
It’s a Unique Souvenir: Instead of buying souvenirs from the gift shop, you might just stumble upon a special duck to take home.
For our family, cruising ducks added an extra layer of excitement to our trip. It’s such a simple concept, but it created lasting memories. Watching my little boy’s face light up when he found a duck was priceless!
Where to Buy Cruising Duck Supplies
Here’s where you can find rubber ducks, tags, and supplies:
Amazon: Buy rubber ducks in bulk and save money. Look for themed ducks to make them extra fun. This is a link to super cute a Cruising Duck kit that comes with 60 Pcs and the pe-made tags.
Etsy: Purchase printable cruising duck tags, or buy custom-made tags for a personalized touch.
Party Stores: Stores like Party City often have rubber ducks in their party favor section.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruising Ducks
1. Can anyone participate in cruising ducks, or do you need to be part of a special group?Anyone can participate! You don’t need to register or join a group — just start hiding and looking for ducks.
2. Can I keep a duck if I find one?Yes! You can keep it as a souvenir or re-hide it for someone else to find.
3. Can I hide ducks anywhere on the ship?Almost anywhere — avoid pools, hot tubs, and areas where they could be seen as clutter. Be mindful of where you place them so they aren’t mistaken for trash.
4. Do all cruise lines allow cruising ducks?Most cruise lines allow cruising ducks as long as they don’t create a mess or interfere with ship operations. If you’re unsure, check with your cruise line beforehand.
5. Do I need to put my name on the tag?No, it’s optional. Many people like to include a cruise hashtag, their name, or a message to add a personal touch.
Join the Fun on Your Next Cruise!
Cruising ducks add an extra layer of magic to your cruise adventure. Whether you’re hiding ducks, searching for them, or collecting them as keepsakes, it’s a simple, fun way to connect with other passengers and create unforgettable memories.
After experiencing it firsthand on our Icon of the Seas cruise, I can’t recommend it enough. Our family had a blast hiding and finding ducks together, and it became one of the highlights of our trip. It’s an activity that kids, parents, and even grandparents can enjoy together.
So, what are you waiting for? Stock up on rubber ducks, print your tags, and get ready to spread some joy on your next cruise. And who knows — you just might find a duck or two yourself!
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