The History & Tradition of Cruising Ducks

The Quirky Tradition of Hiding Rubber Ducks on Cruise Ships: A Fun-Loving History

If you've ever taken a cruise and found a small rubber duck tucked away in an unexpected place, you might have wondered what it's all about. What started as a simple act of joy has blossomed into a charming cruise ship tradition that now brings smiles to passengers worldwide. This playful practice—hiding and finding rubber ducks on cruise ships—is a delightful way for travelers to connect with one another while adding an extra layer of fun to their seafaring adventure.

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

The Origins: How It All Began

The tradition of hiding rubber ducks on cruise ships is relatively new, but its rise in popularity has been rapid. It all started in 2018 when a woman named Ashley Davis, cruising with her family on the Carnival Breeze, decided to bring along some rubber ducks to hide around the ship for fellow passengers to find. Inspired by her love for travel and a desire to spread joy, Davis and her family hid these rubber ducks as a way of sparking happiness and connection between cruisers.

To her surprise, the simple act of tucking away these colorful little ducks into nooks and crannies took off. Fellow passengers began posting pictures of the ducks they found on social media, tagging each other, and even taking the ducks along on their own adventures. Before long, the "cruising ducks" tradition spread like wildfire across cruise lines, and now you’ll find ducks hiding on ships all over the world!

How the Tradition Works

The rules of cruising ducks are simple—find a duck, keep it, or hide it again! Some cruisers even personalize their ducks by writing messages on them or adding tags that include the name of their family, their sailing date, or even social media hashtags like #CruisingDucks. This way, the ducks become a way to track your shipmates’ adventures, connect with other cruisers, and create memories that span the globe.

It’s not uncommon for people to find ducks in a variety of creative locations on board, like nestled between poolside lounge chairs, on railings, or inside elevators. Some people choose to keep the ducks as souvenirs of their voyage, while others re-hide them, allowing the game to continue throughout the cruise.

Why Do People Love Hiding Rubber Ducks?

There’s something magical about a small, unexpected surprise, and hiding or finding a rubber duck on a cruise ship captures that sense of childlike wonder. For many, this tradition is a way to pay it forward with a random act of kindness that brightens someone’s day. It’s also a fun bonding experience for families and groups, turning a leisurely vacation into a treasure hunt across the ship.

The simplicity of the activity makes it accessible for cruisers of all ages, and the tradition has grown so much that some people now plan entire trips around how many ducks they can hide or find!

A Symbol of Joy and Connection

Rubber ducks may be small, but they’ve created big waves in cruise culture. At their core, they represent something much deeper than just a cute toy; they’ve become symbols of joy, spontaneity, and shared experiences between travelers from all walks of life. Each time a duck is found, it brings a little spark of happiness, showing that it’s often the little things that make the biggest impact on our adventures.

For many, hiding ducks is more than just a game—it’s a way to connect with others, leave behind a little piece of themselves, and spread kindness in a world where simple gestures can go a long way.

How to Join the Tradition on Your Next Cruise

Ready to become part of this growing community of duck-loving cruisers? Here’s how to get started:

• Pick Your Ducks: Order your rubber duck keychains and bag charms from our Duck Duck Surprise! online shop.
• Add a Personal Touch: Many cruisers like to label their ducks with a note or tag, including details like their name, sailing date, or social media handles. This way, people who find your duck can share it online or pass it along.
• Find Creative Hiding Spots: Once on board, look for clever and hidden spots where your duck can surprise another passenger. But remember to be considerate—avoid areas that might cause safety concerns or disrupt staff.
• Join the Community: Use hashtags like #CruisingDucks to join the online conversation, and follow along as your ducks (or the ones you find) travel the seas!

Next time you set sail, keep your eyes peeled for these adorable cruising companions. Whether you’re hiding them, finding them, or passing them on, rubber ducks have become an unforgettable part of modern cruise culture—a quirky tradition that continues to float its way into the hearts of seafaring adventurers everywhere.

So, what do you think—are you ready to bring a little Duck Duck Surprise! on your next cruise?