What’s the scoop? Discover why people are hiding these rubber ducks on cruises—and how you can join in the fun!

Throughout many cruises, you'll spot rubber ducks peeking out from unexpected corners, enticing passengers to grab them and check out their info tags. You might stumble upon one tucked behind a plant by the Doe family from Springfield or another carefully positioned in the buffet by the Smiths from Greenville.

You might be asking, what’s the story behind hiding ducks on cruise ships?

As an enthusiastic duck hider, I’m here to share the scoop on this popular onboard activity. Whether you're looking to hide ducks yourself or want to send your kids on a cruise duck hunt, it's essential to have your ducks in a row before you embark.

An overview of cruise ship rubber ducks, unraveled

Cruisers often take rubber ducks on their voyages for a bit of fun, hiding them around the ship. These ducks typically come with information cards that reveal the names of their hiders and their hometowns.

What started in 2018 as a sweet gesture by a 10-year-old named Abby, who wanted to bring smiles to fellow passengers, has now blossomed into several Facebook groups with hundreds of thousands of members. In these communities, cruisers discuss the ducks they've acquired, ideal hiding spots after setting sail, and tips for attaching the information tags.

The largest group I've discovered—yes, I'm a member—is Cruising Ducks – Original, which invites members to share pictures of the ducks they plan to hide and those they've spotted on board. Think of it as geocaching, but easier—and with ducks.

What to do when you discover ducks on a cruise ship

If you spot a duck, your next move is easy. Snap a selfie with the duck you've discovered and share it in the Cruising Ducks – Original Facebook group. Be sure to mention the name of the person who hid it. You can also thank them if their contact info is included on the attached card.

After that, you can either keep your new buddy as a keepsake or rehide it following the guidelines below.

Guidelines for hiding ducks during a cruise

It may sound quirky, but there are guidelines for hiding rubber ducks on cruises. The first rule is to never place them in a pool or hot tub. You wouldn't want an eager child or tipsy passenger to fall in while trying to retrieve it, which could lead to accidents.

Secondly, avoid hiding ducks in onboard shops. If someone discovers one there and tries to take it, it might look like they're stealing something.

Third, don’t hide ducks in places where they could fall overboard. Tossing anything into the ocean, even by mistake, is a definite no-go.

When it comes to selecting ducks, the options are endless. I've spotted everything from tiny ducks to massive ones that stand a foot tall. You can find classic yellow ducks in bulk online or go for custom designs that reflect your personality. Alternatively, you could buy plain ducks and personalize them with feathers, glitter, or paint—basically, anything that matches your theme is fair game.

Some participants like to mix things up by hiding various duck-themed items or toys, including duck keychains, hand-crocheted ducks, duck-shaped Hot Wheels cars, or small LEGO duck kits.

During a few of my recent trips, I snagged some cute mini ducks from a claw machine in the onboard arcade, using spare hair ties to attach my business card. It was a spontaneous idea, but it turned out to be a blast! Plus, it kept the young daughter of one of my travel companions entertained for a whole afternoon.

When creating your tags, be sure to include your name and location, along with instructions for those who discover your little quackers. A typical message might look something like this:

"Congratulations! You found a duck! Keep it or hide it — the choice is yours. This cruising duck was hidden by [name] from [city, state, country]. Please hide it in public spots only — no pools, hot tubs, or stores. Snap a photo and share it in the Facebook group Cruising Ducks — Original."

At the very least, the tag should inform the duck's discoverers that they can either keep or rehide the duck, while also highlighting places where hiding is prohibited. It's a great idea to encourage them to share their finds online. You might also want to include extra details, like a QR code or your email address.

Cruise lines that prohibit duck hiding

For reasons not entirely clear, a few cruise lines have recently tightened restrictions on hiding ducks. Notably, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line have requested that passengers avoid hiding rubber ducks during their voyages. While hiding them may not lead to harsh repercussions, it's wise to be informed about these policies.

Key takeaway

If you're planning to hide ducks, make sure to follow the rules. If you come across a duck, whether you choose to keep it or rehide it, remember to share a photo according to the provided instructions.

Hiding rubber ducks on cruise ships is a delightful way to connect with fellow travelers during your voyage, providing a fun activity on sea days. Whether you discover a duck and reach out to its hider or set free your own flock for others to find, it’s a wonderful opportunity to make friends from around the world.