Posted on June 25th, 2025

There's a certain magic to stepping aboard a cruise ship. The ocean breeze, the excitement of exploration, and the thrill of being disconnected from the everyday hustle all combine to create unforgettable memories. But in recent years, a tiny traveler has joined the cruise experience—and its name is not on the passenger list. It's the humble rubber duck. Specifically, cruising ducks.

What began as a sweet gesture from one cruiser has transformed into a global phenomenon that’s swept across decks from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean. Welcome to the world of cruising ducks: a grassroots movement of joy, kindness, and playful surprise.

What Are Cruising Ducks?

Cruising ducks are small rubber duckies hidden by passengers throughout cruise ships for others to find. Each duck usually comes with a tag explaining the tradition, along with a fun message, name, and sometimes even a social media hashtag or group invite.

When someone finds a duck, they have a choice: keep it as a souvenir or re-hide it somewhere new on the ship. The goal isn’t just to collect ducks—it's to spread happiness, encourage community, and brighten someone’s day.

The Origin of the Cruising Duck Trend

The movement was started in 2018 by a young girl named Abby aboard the Carnival Breeze. Her simple wish? To spread a little joy on vacation. With her family’s help, she began hiding rubber ducks around the ship with kind messages attached.

The idea took off faster than a cruise liner at full throttle. Within a few years, entire Facebook groups, Etsy stores, and even custom duck printing businesses were supporting the cause. As of today, there are thousands of cruising ducks sailing the seas each week.

Why People Love Cruising Ducks

The magic of cruising ducks lies in their simplicity:

• Surprise & Delight: Passengers love the unexpected thrill of finding a cheerful duck while heading to breakfast or lounging by the pool.
• Connection: Duck tags often include hometowns, social handles, and cruise details, encouraging interaction between strangers.
• Creativity: Duckers go above and beyond with decorated ducks, themed costumes, personalized tags, and even mini accessories.
• Kindness Movement: In a world that can often feel heavy, a silly duck with a smiley face reminds us that joy is in the small things.

How to Join the Fun

Want to get in on the action during your next cruise? It’s simple—and fun!

1. Buy Your Ducks

You can use classic yellow rubber ducks or buy customized ones from specialty shops like Quacker Packs. Think pirate ducks, cruise-themed ducks, or even military ducks!

2. Make a Duck Tag

Each duck should come with a small tag that includes:

• Your name or alias
• The ship’s name and sail date
• A message like "You found me! Keep or hide me again!"
• A social hashtag like #CruisingDucks or #FoundADuck

Some cruisers include QR codes that link to Instagram or Facebook cruise groups!

3. Hide (Don’t Litter!)

Be thoughtful about where you hide your ducks. Never place them in pools, food areas, or places that crew will need to clean. Great spots include:

• Inside bookshelves or lounge chairs
• On top of cabin doorframes
• Near elevators or signage
• Tucked in a towel animal on your bed (with permission)

Ducking Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

To keep the joy going and avoid issues with cruise staff, follow these general rules:

DO:

• Attach a clear, waterproof tag
• Respect the ship’s cleanliness standards
• Hide ducks discreetly but visibly
• Keep it positive and kid-friendly

DON’T:

• Hide ducks in food service areas
• Use live tracking devices (yes, some tried!)
• Place ducks in ways that may damage ship property

Cruise lines generally tolerate (and even enjoy!) the trend, as long as it's done respectfully.

Fun Ways to Personalize Your Duck Drop

Want your duck to stand out? Here are a few creative ideas:

• Mini costumes: Dress your duck as a pirate, chef, or lifeguard
• Name tags: Give each duck a fun punny name like "Captain Quackers" or "Sailor Beak"
• Mini accessories: Add hats, glasses, or tiny luggage
• Theme drops: Hide ducks that match the theme of the night or destination

Real Stories: Duck Joy Around the World

“I found a duck in the elevator with a note that said ‘You’re doing great!’ I was having a rough day—and it turned everything around.” —Rachel, Carnival Cruiser

“Our kids spent hours searching for ducks. It made the cruise 10x more exciting for them. We ended up making our own to hide on the last day.” —Tyler, Royal Caribbean passenger

“I started hiding ducks with inspirational quotes for fun. It’s brought me more joy than I could’ve imagined.” —Jen, Duck Duck Jeep & cruise fan

Where to Share the Fun

Join the growing ducking community online!

• Cruising Ducks Facebook Group
• Use hashtags like #CruisingDucks or #CruiseDuckAdventure
• Share photos with fellow duckers and inspire the next generation of duck hiders!

The Future of Cruising Ducks

With more cruisers joining in every year, ducking has become a full-blown cruise tradition. As long as there are people willing to spread kindness, surprise, and joy—these little rubber travelers will keep floating around.

Some cruise lines have even started unofficial “Duck Hunts” for kids and families. What began with a girl’s simple idea to make people smile is now a movement embraced across the globe.

So whether you’re sailing through the Caribbean or cruising the fjords of Alaska, don’t forget to pack a few ducks. You never know whose day you’ll brighten—or who might brighten yours.

🦆 Ready to start your own duck adventure at sea?

Explore our cruise-ready ducks and start spreading smiles on your next voyage!
👉 Shop Cruising Ducks

Let’s keep the kindness floating.