As I was preparing for my last cruise, I decided to do something I’ve never done before; I registered for my cruise sailing’s Facebook page. And wow, did this group provide a lot of information. In no time at all, I started seeing all kinds of posts about my cruise. And there was one topic that came up over and over again: cruise ducks.
What exactly are Cruise Ducks?
Cruise ducks have become the whimsical and unofficial mascots of seafaring adventures, transforming the way travelers connect and engage with one another on the open sea. This peculiar phenomenon has taken the cruising world by storm, creating a unique subculture that thrives on a combination of spontaneous acts of kindness, creativity, and a touch of mystery.
Cruise ducks are typically small rubber ducks, similar in appearance to the classic yellow rubber ducky you’d put into a child’s bath. But that’s where the differences end.
Cruise ducks come in various shapes and sizes, with some wearing unique and fun and outfits. The duck is hidden with a tag around it’s neck that will tell whoever finds it a bit about the person or family who hid the duck. These rubber duckies have become a fun keepsake for the lucky passengers and crew who find them. But cruise ducks aren’t just fun for the person who finds them. These small toys are a unique way for travelers to connect with one another, share in the joy of cruising, and leave a small, memorable mark on their voyage.
How To Participate in the Cruise Duck Craze
Participating in the cruise duck game during your vacation is a breeze. There are three basic ways you can play along.
1. Buy and Hide Cruise Ducks
The entire game starts with future cruisers buying rubber ducks to hide around their cruise ship. There are many place where you can buy rubber ducks and duck tags. While a basic rubber duck is perfectly fine, ambitious players will seek out ducks that show off their personality or reflect their hobbies and interests.
Once onboard, you can begin hiding ducks as you explore the ship. But you should be careful about where you place them to avoid causing safety issues or offending other guests. We have a handy list of cruise duck rules that will help you avoid any problems with this game.
You may be tempted to hide all of your ducks as soon as you board the ships, but it’s usually better to hide them throughout your vacation. It’s much easier to grab one or two as you’re leaving your cabin, than to lug a bag of 20 around with you. And, by pacing yourself, you’ll continue to spread joy to other guests throughout your journey.
2. Search for Cruise Ducks On Your Ship
A great thing about this hide-and-seek game, is that you don’t have to hide ducks to enjoy the pleasure of finding one. Because cruise ducks are hidden in public areas, they are available for anyone to claim. A good practice is to take a photo of the duck you’ve found and post a picture on social media using the hashtag #cruisingducks or #ducksonboard. Not only does it inspire other cruisers, but the original hider may spot your post bring them additional joy.
If you aren’t interested in keeping your new ducky friend, you can return the duck to the spot where you found it. This gives another guest the opportunity to find the duck. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can re-hide it in a completely new onboard spot extended the game even further.
3. Follow the Fun on Social Media
Even if you’re not onboard a cruise ship now, you can join in the fun on social media. There are Facebook groups dedicated to cruise ducks with multiple posts per day. And the hashtag #cruisingducks is used on multiple platforms. In addition to the groups and hashtags, each cruise ship sailing usually has a Facebook group solely for people who will be onboard that particular sailing. And if you decide to join your cruise’s group, you will definitely hear about plans around cruise ducks during your vacation.
So, How Can You Get Started with Cruise Ducks?
1. Join a Cruise Duck Facebook Group
2. Buy and hide ducks on your next cruise vacation
3. Follow the fun by watching the hashtag #cruisingducks on your favorite social media platform
4. Try to spot a cruising duck or two on your next cruise vacation
5. Post pictures of your ducks on social media
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