Rubber ducks might not seem controversial, but on cruise ships, they’ve become the center of an unexpected debate. What began as a simple game—passengers hiding tiny ducks for others to find—has grown into a full-blown trend.
While many cruisers love the fun and connection it brings, others feel it’s becoming a nuisance. Some cruise lines have even stepped in to manage how and where ducks are hidden. As the trend grows, so does the debate around whether cruise ducks belong at sea.
So what’s behind all the excitement—and all the eye rolls? Read on to see why this trend is charming some and frustrating others.
What Are Cruise Ducks? (And Why They’re Suddenly Everywhere)
Cruise ducks are small rubber ducks that passengers hide throughout cruise ships for others to discover. What began as a lighthearted gesture has grown into a viral game embraced by cruisers around the world. Most ducks come with a tag showing the hider’s name, ship, sail date, and a playful message.
The tradition started in 2018 when 10-year-old Abby Davis decided to hide a few rubber ducks during her Carnival cruise. What began as a sweet gesture quickly exploded into a global trend, thanks to Facebook groups, hashtags on Instagram, and TikTok videos of excited finders.
These days, you’ll find ducks in all kinds of creative costumes—from pirate hats to tutus—and some families bring dozens to share the fun.
The Appeal: Why Cruisers Are Obsessed With It
For many cruisers, the appeal of cruise ducks lies in the simple joy of surprise. Stumbling upon a tiny rubber duck in an unexpected corner of the ship adds a lighthearted spark to the day, especially for families.
Best of all, it doesn’t require a schedule, a sign-up sheet, or a single extra dollar—just curiosity. Whether it’s a child spotting one on the pool deck or an adult finding one tucked behind a lounge chair, the delight is shared by everyone.
Many families also discover that duck hunting gives kids a sense of purpose on board. Kids love the sense of mission it brings—scanning hallways, exploring new ship areas, and checking odd spots in hopes of finding a duck. It keeps them busy on sea days and gives them something to look forward to.
Creativity is also a huge part of the appeal. Some passengers go all out decorating their ducks with costumes, themes, or cruise-specific tags. From pirate hats to tutus, glow-in-the-dark versions to custom-made tags, the creativity is endless.
The trend has also exploded on social media, where cruisers proudly post photos of their finds and share where ducks were hidden. Entire Facebook groups are dedicated to duck-spotting, and some passengers even track their ducks as they “travel” from ship to ship, cruise to cruise.
What really makes the trend stick is how inclusive it is. Anyone can join in—regardless of cruise experience, budget, or status. There’s no right or wrong way to play—just hide, seek, and smile.
Over time, that simple idea has brought cruisers together. It’s created a global community of duck hiders and finders who swap stories, share photos, and celebrate the fun across ships and sailings.
Curious what all the buzz is about with cruise ducks? Dive into this article.
The Duck Drama: Why Some Cruisers and Staff Are Over It
While many passengers enjoy the cruise duck trend, not everyone is on board with it. A small number of cruisers—and some crew members—have shared concerns about how the activity plays out on certain ships.
One concern is where ducks are being placed. Some cruisers have reported finding them behind emergency equipment, near buffet lines, or in spots that raise safety or hygiene concerns. Others feel the trend seems out of place on more upscale or adult-focused ships, where it can disrupt the intended atmosphere.
The number of ducks is another issue. Some guests bring hundreds to scatter around the ship, which can clutter shared spaces and feel disruptive. Crew members have noted needing to remove ducks from off-limits areas, adding to their daily tasks.
Environmental concerns have also come up. Some cruisers worry that ducks left behind in ports or lost at sea could contribute to litter. While most participants are mindful, others feel the trend’s rapid growth makes it harder to manage.
While cruise ducks bring joy to many, these points show why it’s worth thinking about how and where they’re used.
What Cruisers Are Saying (Unfiltered Opinions)
The cruise duck trend has sparked lively conversations across Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Cruise Critic forums. Some cruisers share heartwarming stories and creative ideas, while others debate whether the trend has gone too far.
“Ducks were my favorite part of the whole cruise,” one commenter shared. Another recalled a crew member asking for a duck—not for himself, but to hide for a child with a disability. Moments like these have led many to see the trend as more than just a game. “My mother-in-law was in early dementia,” one cruiser wrote. “Hiding ducks made her smile—those memories mean everything to me now.”
Others point to the community spirit the ducks foster. Many cruisers create themed ducks, crochet them by hand, or personalize tags with special messages. “Before every cruise we ask the group if there are any current or former Wish Kids—those kids get personalized ducks,” said one family.
Even crew members seem to enjoy the trend. “The buffet attendant found one and beamed when he was told to keep it. That kind of smile? Worth it,” one guest posted. Another cruiser said, “If the crew gets joy from them, why would anyone want to take that away?”
That said, not everyone is enthusiastic. Some passengers have called the trend “childish” or “tacky,” especially on upscale or adult-oriented cruises. One commenter wrote, “What are you, 9 years old?” while another complained about ducks being left in plants or public areas.
Environmental concerns have also been raised—critics point out that bringing hundreds of ducks onboard can result in waste or accidental littering, especially if ducks are left in ports or fall overboard.
“It’s an American thing,” one passenger said. “If everyone brought 300 ducks, the result would be mountains of plastic.” Some also feel the trend disrupts the experience, calling it a distraction or even a nuisance.
Still, most debates circle back to a familiar message: if it doesn’t affect you, just let others enjoy it. “People complain about everything. Just walk past the duck and move on,” one person said. Others shared the same thought: “Leave them if you don’t like them, no one’s forcing you to participate.”
How Cruise Lines Are Responding
Most cruise lines remain neutral on the duck-hiding trend, allowing it to exist quietly as long as it doesn’t interfere with operations. There are generally no written policies for or against it, and the activity remains largely community-driven.
As long as ducks don’t pose safety concerns or create disruptions, they’re often left alone. This informal approach has allowed the tradition to grow organically, with each sailing developing its own quiet set of expectations.
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the few that has fully embraced the trend, even introducing a duck mascot called “Ducky the Duck” and selling duck-themed merchandise onboard. Ducks are commonly spotted across Carnival ships, and the tradition is especially popular in Carnival-focused Facebook groups.
On the other hand, Disney Cruise Line discourages the practice entirely, asking guests not to hide ducks in staterooms or public areas. Crew members are instructed to remove them when found, citing both safety concerns for young passengers and potential environmental impacts.
Meanwhile, some ships across different cruise lines have begun posting signs reminding passengers not to hide items near safety equipment, pools, or stairwells. Some believe it’s a subtle nod to the duck-hiding trend, even if the signs don’t mention it directly.
Not everyone’s thrilled that Carnival joined the cruise duck trend—here’s why.
How to Do It Right
If you’re planning to join in on the cruise duck fun, a little etiquette goes a long way. The general rule is simple: hide ducks in places where they’re easy and safe to spot. That means avoiding restricted areas, safety equipment, food stations, and anything that could interfere with crew duties.
Good hiding spots include lounge chairs, behind decorative plants, or near signs—places that spark surprise, not confusion. And don’t forget the tag! Most cruisers include their name, the ship, sail date, and a message like “Keep me or hide me again!”
It’s also important to keep things reasonable. Bringing a few dozen ducks to share is part of the fun—but bringing hundreds can overwhelm public spaces and staff. Cruisers are encouraged to avoid hoarding or hiding all their ducks in one area.
Remember, the goal isn’t to win or out-hide everyone—it’s to spread a little joy, one duck at a time. If you’re hiding with kids, it’s a great teaching moment about respect and sharing too.
Lastly, keep in mind that while most cruise lines tolerate the trend, few officially endorse it. Some have even asked passengers not to hide ducks at all, or to avoid certain areas entirely.
Before you start hiding, it’s worth checking your cruise line’s policies or any notices posted onboard. As long as you keep it thoughtful and fun, you’ll be helping the trend stay welcome for future sailings.
Should Cruise Ducks Be Regulated?
As the cruise duck trend continues to grow, some cruisers have started asking whether it’s time for cruise lines to step in with clearer guidelines—or even set limits. Some see value in having a bit of structure, suggesting that clear rules could help prevent safety issues, reduce clutter, and ease the load on crew members.
Others worry that formal regulation would take the fun out of it. The appeal of cruise ducks lies in their spontaneity and lightheartedness. For many cruisers, the ducks represent connection, creativity, and community—things that don’t always translate well into official policies.
Rather than banning ducks altogether, some suggest a more balanced approach. Cruise lines could offer reminders in daily newsletters about where not to hide items or designate informal “duck-friendly zones” where the activity is encouraged and safe.
This kind of moderation could preserve the spirit of the trend while addressing the most common concerns. At its heart, the cruise duck tradition works best when guided by courtesy and common sense—rules or not.
Final Thoughts: Cute Trend or Cruise Clutter?
Cruise ducks have brought smiles to cruisers of all ages, adding a playful and unexpected layer to the cruise experience. For many, they’re harmless fun—a way to connect with fellow passengers and spark a little joy between ports, buffets, and sea days.
But the trend hasn’t come without its critics. Some see it as a symbol of how cruise culture can sometimes take things a little too far. The tension usually boils down to how the ducks are hidden, how many are brought on board, and whether participants are being considerate of others and the space they share.
Like most cruise traditions, the key is balance. One duck can brighten someone’s day—but a hundred scattered throughout the ship might be pushing it. Some cruise lines are leaning into the fun, while others are quietly putting up reminders or encouraging moderation.
What started as a sweet gesture from a 10-year-old has since become a global cruising phenomenon, complete with viral posts and duck-themed merch. Whether you love it, roll your eyes at it, or wish it would stay out of your cabin plants, there’s no denying that cruise ducks have left their mark.
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