I recently learned about the cruise duck trend as I was getting ready for a cruise. I stumbled upon it while researching my upcoming trip. In my cruise preparation, I found a Facebook Group for passengers booked on the same cruise I was taking. Naturally, I joined the group to connect with fellow travelers and share insights.
As I scrolled through the posts, I noticed a recurring theme: cruise ducks. I read a few to get a sense of what the trend was about, but I didn’t dwell on it while packing for the trip. However, my perspective quickly changed once I spotted my first cruise duck on the ship. It was genuinely exciting. We eventually found four cruise ducks. And each discovery brought a sense of delight and surprise.
The cruise duck trend has taken the cruise world by storm, but its origins remain shrouded in mystery. Many attribute it to a young girl who brought 50 rubber ducks on a cruise to “spread joy to as many people as possible.” Regardless of its origins, one thing is clear: cruise ducks have become an integral part of the cruise experience. If you’re curious about the ins and outs of being a “quackerjack cruiser” and participating in this charming tradition, keep reading to explore the cruise duck rules.
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So what are the Cruise Duck Rules?
1. Don’t hide ducks in pools or hot tubs
Cruise ducks are vibrant and captivating toys that can delight any child. Observing a child spotting one is an enjoyable experience for everyone nearby. However, it’s important to be cautious, especially with small children who might try to get the duck. A cruise ship can be very busy with lots of activity, and accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. It’s vital that you avoid hiding ducks in or around pools.
2. Avoid the ship’s gift shops
Concealing your ducks in a ship store might sound like a brilliant plan. After all, what could be more cunning than placing a duck amidst various souvenirs? However, this rule is in place to avoid potentially awkward situations. If you happen upon a rubber duck perched on a shelf amid other items, one might assume it’s a cruise duck. But what if it’s actually merchandise that the cruise line is selling? You may end up spending a significant portion of your day discussing the matter with ship security. Keep things simple for yourself and others; don’t hide cruise ducks in retail spaces.
3. Avoid Crew-Only Spaces
Even though the crew may also have fun discovering cruise ducks, it’s not suitable to leave one behind if you have the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship.
This practice is discouraged because behind-the-scenes tours of a cruise ship are considered a privilege, providing passengers with a unique and exclusive glimpse into the ship’s operations. Leaving a cruise duck in such areas may disrupt the professional environment or be seen as inconsiderate to the crew members who maintain the ship’s functionality, particularly when they’re focused on their duties during these tours.
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4. Be Respectful of the Ship and Other Passengers
Always adhere to the rules and policies of the cruise line. This includes not placing ducks in prohibited areas, ensuring your duck decorations are not offensive or inappropriate, and avoid causing a disruption or safety hazard. Do not damage or deface any property, including the ship itself or other passengers’ belongings. The goal of cruise duck activities is to spread joy, not cause harm or inconvenience.
5. Hide Your Ducks in Safe Places
Ensure that your duck is placed securely and safely to avoid creating obstacles that could cause people to trip or impede the ship’s activities. Remember that many passengers are consuming a lot of alcohol since they’re on vacation and don’t have to drive. Don’t put a duck somewhere that seems fine when you’re sober but could be overlooked when you’re not.
Also, remember not to hide ducks around or near the ship’s pools or hot tubs, as this could lead to severe injuries for young children attempting to reach them.
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6. Be Mindful of the Environment
Cruise ducks are typically crafted from plastic materials, so it’s essential to be mindful of the environment. Do not discard them in the ocean or any other location where they could potentially harm the natural surroundings. Additionally, be cautious not to conceal your ducks in areas where they might accidentally blow into the ocean.
7. Hashtag Your Experience
Engage with the cruise duck community by sharing your duck’s escapades on social media with the hashtags #cruisingducks and #ducksonboard. Additionally, you can join cruise forums to provide inspiration and entertainment for fellow cruise enthusiasts. Don’t forget about social media groups where you can share your cruise duck stories.
It’s vital to remember that the rules regarding cruise ducks are designed to promote a positive and inclusive experience for everyone. Demonstrating consideration, adhering to the ship’s regulations, and applying common sense ensures that your cruise duck activities are not only enjoyable for yourself but also enhance the experience for those around you.
8. Don’t Be the Cruise Duck Rules Police
Building connections with fellow passengers and fostering a sense of camaraderie is a positive practice. However, it’s not advisable to assume the role of the cruise duck police. Even if someone appears to be wholly dedicated to collecting ducks, rather than enjoying the ship, it’s best to allow others the freedom to cruise in their own way. While it’s certainly appropriate to intervene if you spot someone hiding a cruise duck in a hazardous or restricted area, there’s no need to pass judgment on others for their cruise duck preferences.
9. Don’t Hide Ducks in Ports of Call
Mainstream cruise lines are aware of the cruise duck trend but have not officially endorsed or opposed it. However, it’s crucial to recognize that cruise ducks may not be familiar in many ports of call. It’s not just essential to refrain from hiding cruise ducks in stores on land, but also to avoid concealing any ducks while you’re at a port of call. Local customs and regulations could outright ban this activity, or you might find yourself in an uncomfortable situation trying to explain cruise ducks through a language barrier at best.
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The final word on cruise duck rules
In conclusion, the cruise duck trend adds an exciting dimension to cruise vacations, bringing joy to passengers of all ages. While the exact origin of this trend remains a mystery, it’s clear that cruise ducks have found a permanent home on cruise ships. As you prepare for your next cruise adventure, keep in mind the cruise duck rules that have emerged within the community of cruisers who love this delightful tradition.
These rules encompass various aspects, from safety considerations to maintaining courtesy and respect for fellow passengers and the ship’s crew. They guide where you should and shouldn’t hide cruise ducks. They also emphasize the importance of being considerate of the ship and the environment.
Moreover, it’s essential to understand that mainstream cruise lines haven’t officially taken a stance on the cruise duck trend, and the familiarity with cruise ducks can vary in different ports of call. Therefore, always abide by local customs and regulations, refraining from hiding ducks in shops on land and ensuring you don’t unintentionally breach local laws during your shore excursions.
Share your thoughts on our list of cruise duck rules in the comments below. If you believe we’ve overlooked some crucial rules, we’d love to hear your insights. And, don’t miss our article on where to buy 10 distinct cruise ducks today.
