Cruise Ducks BANNED? The Surprising Truth About This Cruise Trend
If you’ve ever been on a cruise and spotted a tiny rubber duck tucked away in a corner, you probably thought…what’s the deal with these little guys? Welcome to the world of cruise ducks! This simple tradition has become one of the most talked about and smile-inducing activities at sea. Let’s break it down.
What are cruise ducks and why are they so popular? Vlog explores everything you need to know.
🐤 What Are Cruise Ducks?
Cruise ducks are small rubber ducks that passengers hide around cruise ships for other guests to find. The idea started back in 2018 when a young cruiser named Abby brought 50 ducks on a Carnival ship to spread joy. From that one trip, the trend caught on like wildfire, and now there are groups with hundreds of thousands of members who love hiding and finding these ducks.
❓ Why Do People Hide Cruise Ducks?
Because it’s fun! Finding a duck feels like winning a little prize on your vacation. Most ducks have a tag with the hider’s name, cruise details, or even a social media handle. When you find one, you can:
Keep the duck as a souvenir
Rehide it so someone else gets the surprise
The saying is simple: keep it or hide it, you decide.
📍 Where Can You Hide Cruise Ducks?
You can hide ducks in lots of places on board, but there are some rules to follow:
✔️ Hide ducks in public spots that are easy to find, like lounges, hallways, arcade rooms, or near cool displays.
✔️ Place them at heights kids can reach, since little ones love this game too.
❌ Don’t hide ducks in crew-only areas, pools, hot tubs, or spots with live plants like Central Park on Royal Caribbean.
❌ Don’t go overboard and bring hundreds of ducks. A few is plenty and keeps the fun manageable.
🚢 Which Cruise Lines Allow Cruise Ducks?
This is one of the most common questions, and here’s the scoop:
Carnival Cruise Line: The home of cruise ducks and still the biggest supporter.
Royal Caribbean: Very duck-friendly, even selling them in arcades.
Disney Cruise Line: Not a fan. They’ve discouraged the activity because too many people were breaking the rules.
Other cruise lines: It depends, so always check with guest services or cruise forums before you start hiding.
🌊 Why Are Cruise Ducks So Popular?
Because they make people happy. It’s a random act of kindness that adds a scavenger hunt vibe to your vacation. Kids love it, adults love it, and it’s a simple way to feel connected to other cruisers.
📝 Tips for Cruise Duck Fun
Add a cute tag with your name or socials so people can share their find.
Pick bright or themed ducks that stand out.
Be respectful to the crew and the ship so this tradition can keep going.
❓ Cruise Ducks FAQ
What are cruise ducks?
They’re rubber ducks hidden on cruise ships by passengers for others to find.
When did cruise ducks start?
In 2018, when a girl named Abby brought 50 ducks on a Carnival cruise.
Are cruise ducks allowed?
Yes on Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Disney discourages it, and other lines vary, so check before you bring ducks onboard.
Where can I hide cruise ducks?
Public areas like lounges, arcades, and hallways. Never in pools, hot tubs, crew-only zones, or areas with live plants.
Do I keep the duck or rehide it?
That’s up to you! The tradition is “keep or hide—you decide.”
🎉 The Bottom Line
Cruise ducks are a small but joyful tradition that can make a big impact on your vacation. Whether you’re hiding them or finding them, it’s all about sharing smiles with your fellow cruisers.
So next time you’re sailing on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or another line, keep your eyes open. A little duck might be waiting just for you.