Hiding Rubber Ducks On Cruise Ships

The History & Tradition of Cruising Ducks: A Fun-Loving Tradition

If you’ve ever taken a cruise and stumbled upon a small rubber duck tucked away in an unexpected spot, you may have wondered what it’s all about. What began as a simple act of joy has grown into a charming cruise ship tradition that brings smiles to passengers worldwide. This playful practice—hiding and finding rubber ducks on cruise ships—has become a delightful way for travelers to connect while adding a touch of adventure to their voyage.

So, how did this whimsical tradition start, and why has it become such a hit? Let’s take a deeper dive into its origins and see why these little rubber ducks have become such beloved passengers themselves.

The Origins: How It All Began

The cruising duck tradition is relatively new, but its popularity has spread quickly. It all started in 2018 when Ashley Davis, cruising with her family on the Carnival Breeze, decided to bring along rubber ducks to hide around the ship. Inspired by her love for travel and a desire to spread joy, Ashley and her family tucked away these ducks as a way to spark happiness and connection among fellow cruisers.

To her surprise, this small gesture caught on rapidly. Passengers began sharing photos of ducks they found on social media, tagging each other, and even taking ducks along on future adventures. The “cruising ducks” tradition soon spread across cruise lines, and now ducks can be found on ships all over the world.

How the Tradition Works

The rules are simple—find a duck, keep it, or hide it again! Some cruisers even personalize their ducks with handwritten notes or tags that include their family name, sailing date, or hashtags like #CruisingDucks. This turns the ducks into keepsakes that track adventures, connect strangers, and create shared memories.

It’s common to find ducks in creative hiding spots: nestled between pool chairs, perched on railings, or tucked inside elevators. Some passengers keep them as souvenirs, while others re-hide them so the fun continues throughout the cruise.

Why Do People Love Hiding Rubber Ducks?

There’s something magical about a small, unexpected surprise. Finding or hiding a rubber duck on a cruise ship taps into childlike wonder. For many, it’s a way to spread kindness and brighten a stranger’s day. For families, it’s a bonding activity that turns a vacation into a treasure hunt. The simplicity makes it fun for all ages, and some cruisers even plan trips around how many ducks they can hide or collect.

A Symbol of Joy and Connection

Though small, rubber ducks have made a big splash in cruise culture. They’ve become symbols of joy, spontaneity, and shared experiences. Every time a duck is found, it sparks a moment of connection, proving that sometimes the littlest things leave the biggest impact.

How to Join the Tradition on Your Next Cruise

• Pick Your Ducks: Many cruisers buy rubber ducks in bulk from Amazon or dollar stores. But if you want your duck to stand out, consider hiding a Duck Duck Surprise! blind box duck charm. Choose from Dessert Ducks™ for something sweet or Magical Ducks™ for a whimsical touch.
• Add a Personal Touch: Attach a small note or tag with your name, sailing date, or social media info. (Tip: join our VIP email list for free printable tags!)
• Find Creative Hiding Spots: Be clever but considerate—look for fun places that won’t create safety issues or extra work for the crew.
• Join the Community: Use hashtags like #CruisingDucks to follow along with your ducks’ journeys and connect with other cruisers.

Next time you sail, keep your eyes open for these little companions. Whether hiding, finding, or passing them on, rubber ducks are now an unforgettable part of cruise culture—a quirky tradition that continues to float into the hearts of adventurers everywhere.

Duck Duck Surprise! – A New Chapter in Duck History

Rubber ducks have always sparked joy, and today Duck Duck Surprise! is carrying that legacy forward in a fresh way. Instead of plain yellow ducks, our charms each have a name, personality, and story you can connect with. From Finn the Dragon Duck, fiery yet sweet, to Stevie Swirl, the green lollipop duck who lives for fun—each one feels like a character you know and love.

Every Duck Duck Surprise! mystery blind box comes mystery-packaged in water-resistant wrapping with a protective storage bag, making them travel-ready. They’re not designed to float, but they can handle a splash—and most importantly, they’re made to go on adventures with you. Think of them as fashion-forward, collectible rubber duck charms—perfect for keepsakes, gifts for new cruisers, or as a fresh take on a century-old icon.

And if you choose to hide one, you’ll add something extra special to the tradition: the thrill of unboxing. Unlike a duck left in the open, our blind-box packaging makes each find a true surprise, creating even more joy for the person who discovers it.

Duck Duck Surprise! isn’t just about collecting—it’s about connection, kindness, and carrying joy wherever life takes you. Shop Duck Duck Surprise! or explore our Blog for ideas, styling tips, and free printable cruising duck tags.