Cruing Ducks: A Hidden Treasure Hunt at Sea
Beneath the sunshine and laughter of cruise ship decks, a unique tradition ducks its way into unsuspecting hands: Cruising Ducks.
These intrepid rubber adventurers embark on voyages not for sunbathing, but for mischievous hide-and-seek games that spark delightful surprises for curious travelers.
Here at Gallivanting Souls, we’re all about helping new cruisers navigate their first voyage and beyond with confidence.
From what to expect on your first sea day: to choosing the perfect excursion. Ship Excursions and booking tour on your own.
Budget-friendly tips for elegant nights like: How to dress for elegant nights on a cruise
But beyond the logistics, we also celebrate the simple joys of cruising.
One such tradition is “Cruise Ducks,” where tiny rubber adventurers embark on mischievous hide-and-seek games, spreading smiles and surprises throughout the ship.
Super-Simplified Cruise Ducks Guide
1. Gather your ducks: Buy rubber ducks or other small duck-themed items online, at dollar stores, or party supply shops.
2. Personalize (optional): Add tags with your name, date, and “Keep or hide!” message. Consider stickers or decorations.
3. Pack light: Choose a few ducks to maximize space in your luggage.
4. Seek and hide: Look for creative hiding spots in public areas (avoid crew-only areas, pools, and shops).
5. Spread joy: Watch the excitement as others discover your hidden ducks!
Bonus: Re-hide found ducks or gift them to other passengers.
How cruising ducks became big fun on the high seas
While rumors of hidden seafaring ducks linger from decades past, the modern Cruising Ducks phenomenon traces its roots back to 2018.
A young adventurer, fueled by imagination, convinced her mother to stock their upcoming cruise with a stash of rubber ducks.
These feathered stowaways, strategically hidden throughout the ship, brought unexpected joy to fellow passengers and launched a playful tradition that continues to delight ocean voyagers today.
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Unofficial Rules of the Cruising Ducks
The premise is very simple: hide a rubber duck (or alternative treasure) anywhere (in public areas) on the ship – on a towel dispenser, nestled in a potted plant, perhaps even within a deckchair’s cushion.
- Do not place in pools or spas.
- Do not throw ducks overboard.
- Do not place anywhere that will put someone in danger trying to retrieve.
Then, let the hunt begin!
Keen observation and a detective’s spirit are all you need to crack the code of these feathered stowaways.
As of today, February, 2024, only Disney Cruise Line has discouraged the “Cruising Ducks” tradition. They do not officially ban ducks onboard, but they have requested that guests refrain from hiding them in public areas and staterooms. Check with your cruise line before bringing your cruise duck.
Good news: Cruise ducks are very popular on Carnival Cruises
The Thrill of finding a duck:
Imagine uncovering a hidden gem amidst the ordinary.
A flash of color peeks out from a stack of pool towels, and there it is: a grinning ducky waiting to be found.
The satisfaction of handing this tiny treasure to a surprised child, their eyes sparkling with delight, is truly rewarding.
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Where to Find Your Cruise Duck Friends
Ready to unleash some quacktastic joy on your next cruise? Finding the perfect ducks to hide is easier than you think! Here’s your guide to various ducky destinations:
Big-Box Stores:
- Walmart and Target: These retail giants offer a variety of affordable rubber ducks, perfect for budget-conscious duck enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for seasonal or nautical-themed options.
Online Storefronts:
- Amazon: Dive into a vast selection of ducks, from classic yellow duckies to themed sets and mini duck collections. You’ll also find tags, stickers, and other duck-related accessories.
- Temu: This online marketplace offers budget-friendly duck finds, perfect for those who want to spread joy without breaking the bank.
- Oriental Trading Company: Their party supply haven extends to ducks! Explore their bulk options and themed duck sets for a playful touch.
Etsy’s:
- For a truly unique touch, set sail to Etsy! Here, you’ll find handcrafted ducks, personalized tags, and creative duck-themed accessories to make your gifts truly special.
Beyond the Usual Suspects:
- Consider checking your local dollar stores or party supply shops for hidden duck gems.
- Remember, craft stores often have blank tags and craft supplies you can use to personalize your ducks.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try thrift stores or flea markets for vintage duck finds.
Pro Tip: Think about your target audience when choosing ducks. Mini ducks are great for little hands, while larger ones might appeal to older children or adults.
Beyond the Feathered Footprint:
While rubber ducks remain the classic choice, the possibilities extend far beyond.
Think Duck stickers, stuffed animal ducks, or even wooden ducks.
Remember, the true aim is spreading joy, not simply filling backpacks with plastic.
Fun with Cruising Ducks on Carnival Panorama
Packing Light, Spreading Joy
Excited to join the “Cruising Ducks” tradition, we aimed to pack light for our Carnival Panorama Cruise. There was no way I was hauling an entire suitcase with duck, so I gave myself a limit.
Top tip: Bringing lots of ducks to share? Pack them in a cardboard box for easy carrying and recycling once you’re done hiding them.”
Prepping for cruise duck Hide-and-Seek
To save time onboard, I prepped 20 tags with stickers showcasing the ship name, date, and my Facebook contact.
Each tag included a rubber band, and I bundled them in a zip bag. I chose not to attach tags to the ducks pre-cruise to maximize space in our luggage. I found these colorful duck tags on Amazon: Cruising Duck Tag
Spreading Smiles With cruise ducks
With everything efficiently packed, our ducks were ready to embark on their Carnival Panorama adventure!
Little ducks bring Joy to Every Deck
Once onboard, we had fun assembling the ducks with their personalized tags. We kept the stickers separate, ready for spontaneous gift-giving.
As we explored the decks, we’d grab a few ducks and stickers, aiming to brighten a child’s day.
Cruising ducks: A Smile for Everyone
For our cruise duck experience,we focused on the youngest cruisers, under five years old, politely asking parents/caregivers for permission before gifting a duck.
Every response was a resounding “yes!” Witnessing the children’s pure joy, their infectious laughter and bright smiles, made our entire duck-hiding adventure incredibly worthwhile.
Cruise Duck Spotting Tips
Do you have a target duck hunter in mind? Even before this Carnival Panorama Cruise we were seeing ducks hidden here and there. But no cruise did we see so many or find so many cruisers excited as this one.
Our Facebook roll call fellow cruisers shared how they had ordered their ducks.
Crafty cruising ducks hiders
Crafty cruisers were showing how they made wooden cruising ducks into key chains.
Others were painting cruise ducks and using epoxy. One cruising ducks was even hand painted with pink cherry blossoms.
Much fancier than in the past. We also noticed that they would either hide them so well they would not be found.
And then there’s the cruise duck hiders that did like we did, just handed them out.
Sly cruising duck hiders
We noticed many hidden ducks aboard, often in high places or overly concealed.
- At Ocean Plaza, we found a small cruise duck inside the drink menu stands.
- Several times the Mr pulled ducks from above the frame of the elevator.
Remember, the magic of Cruising Ducks lies in creating a fun and engaging experience for everyone onboard.
While some clever hiding spots might be challenging for younger cruisers, consider incorporating a mix of locations.
Here’s how you can ensure everyone gets a chance to join the fun:
- Hide at various heights: Place some ducks lower for easier grabbing while keeping others strategically hidden for older children and adults to discover.
- Leave subtle clues: Consider leaving a small, discreet clue near a hidden duck, such as a feather or a footprint, to guide younger treasure hunters.
- Offer help: If you see a child struggling to find a duck, offer a gentle hint or point them towards another location with easier-to-spot ducks.
Spreading Joy to the Crew
It wasn’t just the children whose faces lit up with our ducky surprises!
We even spotted crew members beaming as we hid or gifted ducks.
With a smile as bright as the sun, one crew member caught my eye while I was discreetly placing a cruise duck.
After snapping a photo of the duckie, I surprised myself by simply handing it over!
The crew member’s genuine delight at receiving the gift warmed my heart even more than the tropical sun.
It was a heart-warming reminder that small gestures can spark joy in everyone, regardless of age or role on the ship.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your duck-hiding adventure is inclusive and enjoyable for all ages, making it a truly heartwarming experience for the entire cruise community.
Cruise ducks: A Smile-Filled Tradition
Our Carnival Panorama duck-hiding experience brought countless smiles, not just to the children but also to ourselves.
We’ll continue this tradition on future cruises, spreading joy one hidden duck at a time! We loved our Carnival Cruise duck experience!
Conclusion: Join the “Cruising Ducks” fun
A Smile in Every Corner: The Joy of Cruising Ducks
Whether you’re crafting a treasure hunt for junior adventurers or leaving delightful surprises for adult cruisers joining the Cruising Ducks tradition is a guaranteed way to spread joy and connect with fellow passengers.
So, pack your creativity, grab some rubber ducky friends, and set sail on a voyage of hidden smiles!
You might just become the reason someone’s cruise becomes an unforgettable adventure of discovery.
Share your cruise ducks experiences with our Facebook community – let’s spread joy one hidden duck at a time!
Bon voyage and happy duck hunting!
Quack Your Way to Fun: Unveiling the Magic of Cruising Ducks!✨
📌Pin this post to unleash a wave of joy on your next cruise!
No more ordinary voyages! Discover the playful “Cruising Ducks” tradition and embark on a mission to spread smiles and surprises. From hiding adorable ducks in clever spots to witnessing the joy of discovery, unlock a treasure trove of tips and tricks to make your cruise unforgettable.
#CruisingDucks #HiddenDelights #SpreadJoyAtSea #FamilyFun #DuckTalesAhoy
Cruising Ducks FAQs: Quacking Your Way to Fun!
Thinking of joining the “Cruising Ducks” craze on your next cruise? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help you dive in with confidence:
Q: What are cruising ducks?
A: Cruising ducks are small rubber ducks (or other duck-themed items) hidden throughout the ship by passengers for others to find. It’s a fun and playful tradition that brings smiles and surprises to fellow cruisers.
Q: Where can I hide my ducks?
A: Be creative! Popular spots include public areas like railings, hallways, artwork, or potted plants. Remember to avoid hiding them in crew-only areas, restrooms, pools, hot tubs, or shops to avoid confusion or safety hazards.
Q: What should I put on my duck tags?
A: Include your name, the date hidden, and instructions like “Keep or hide!” or “Post a photo on Facebook group [group name].” You can also add a fun message or personalize it with your contact information.
Q: Who can play?
A: Everyone! Cruising ducks are perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. It’s a great way to connect with other passengers and spread some joy.
Q: Do I need to bring my own ducks?
A: Not necessarily! You can often find hidden ducks onboard to re-hide, or buy them at ports, souvenir shops, or online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, or cruise line gift shops.
Q: Are there any rules?
A: Yes, each cruise line might have specific guidelines. Generally, respect other passengers’ property and avoid hiding ducks in sensitive areas. Check with your cruise line for their official policy.
Q: What cruise lines ban cruise ducks?
As of today, February 28, 2024, only Disney Cruise Line has explicitly discouraged the “Cruising Ducks” tradition. They do not officially ban ducks onboard, but they have requested that guests refrain from hiding them in public areas and staterooms.
Q: What if I find a duck?
A: Congratulations! You can keep it, re-hide it, or gift it to another passenger. If there’s a contact on the tag, consider taking a photo and posting it online (if allowed).
Q: Why should I participate?
A: It’s a simple act that can bring unexpected joy to others. It’s a fun way to connect with the community, add a touch of magic to your cruise, and create lasting memories.
Q: How can I transport many ducks to my cruise ship?
A: Pack your cruise ducks and supplies in a cardboard box. It can be shipped as luggage. ($ fees may apply). Recycle your cardboard box when you’ve handed out all your duck.
Bonus Tip: Pack a few extra ducks to spread the joy throughout your voyage!