Cruise vacations are an excellent opportunity to unwind and enjoy yourself on the high seas. From the luxurious accommodations to the endless activities, there is something for everyone to indulge in while onboard. And while there are plenty of things to keep yourself busy with on a cruise ship, like swimming, spa treatments, and formal dinners, there is a little-known treasure that has gained popularity over time. That treasure is Cruise Ducks! So, what are they? How did they start? And where can you find them? Keep reading to find out!
You remember the little bathtub rubber duckies???? These have became popular, and its for cruise ships now. Cruise Ducks are tiny rubber ducks that have been found on cruise ships around the globe. They have become a hidden gem within the cruising community and have grown in popularity over time. These tiny rubber ducks come in all colors and sizes and can be found hidden in various locations around the ship, such as the elevators, on deck chairs, or even hidden in plain sight on top of a casino slot machine! In my life. I thought I had grown up and would never be playing with rubber duckies. Boy was I wrong. lol
The origin of Cruise Ducks is unclear, but the story goes that they were started by an avid cruiser who wanted to spread joy and excitement to others onboard. So, they left a few ducks around the ship, and thus began a new tradition. Over time, other cruisers caught on, and the trend grew, becoming an unofficial game of sorts. Passengers began to compete with one another as to how many ducks they could find and how creatively they could hide them. You can purchase these ducks for amazing prices on Amazon. I was shocked at how cheap, the types of ducks and how many you can buy. You can buy ducks in bulk!!!!!
If you're wondering how to participate in this fun game, don't worry! It's easy. All you have to do is bring your own duck or ducks on board and hide them where you wish, but don't forget to put a note that encourages others to find it and continue the fun. All that is requested is do not hide in the shops on the cruise ship, do not hide in pools or hot tubs, and also, don't hide where it could fall overboard and become litter in the ocean. Not only is finding the ducks a fun mini game, but it’s also a chance to connect with other cruisers and build relationships while on board.
Some cruisers take the game so seriously, making badges and even trading rare ducks! But if you're just in it for the fun, hiding an inexpensive duck can bring joy to everyone on board. It's also a fun activity that can be done with your entire family, young or old. It's a fun way to bond and explore the ship together. Even the crew on the ships love to see these ducks.
You can look for and hide these ducks on any cruise ship. It may be more popular on some like Carnival, and Norwegian, but they are even popping up on luxury cruises and river cruises like Viking also. So, no matter what ship you are on, try looking for ducks or bring some with you to hide.
If you would like to join groups to plan a cruise duck exchange or scavenger hunt for your cruise. Check out Cruise Critic forum's and search for or create a forum with the name of ship and date the ship sets sail for your cruise. You can also join Facebook groups the same way by searching or creating a group just for your cruise. If you would like to join other Cruise Duck fans from around the world there are several Cruise Duck Facebook groups available. (Cruising Ducks Original Group) That group was started by Ashley, who when she was 11 years old, cruising on a Carnival ship from Galveston Texas started hiding Ducks on the ship in 2018. Many people claim her to be the first to start this tradition.
Cruise Ducks are just one of the many ways that people have found to enjoy their time on cruise ships. They add a little excitement and fun, providing a chance for passengers to connect and engage with one another. Have you ever seen a Cruise Duck on your cruise vacation? Now's a great time to start looking for them or maybe even bring one yourself to hide on your next trip. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or planning your first vacation on the high seas, remember, there is always something new to discover, and a little rubber duck could be it!
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Sounds like fun!!