If you've been on a cruise recently or are planning one, you might have heard about the quirky and delightful trend of cruising ducks. But what exactly are they, and why are cruisers so excited about them? Here's everything you need to know about this fun cruising tradition!
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What Are Cruising Ducks?
Cruising ducks are small rubber duck toys that passengers hide around a cruise ship for other guests to find. It’s a playful and lighthearted game that has become increasingly popular among cruisers of all ages. The idea is simple: hide a duck, leave a little note or tag, and bring smiles to your fellow passengers.
The History of Cruising Ducks
The tradition is believed to have started in 2018 when a young cruiser named Abby hid 50 ducks aboard her family’s cruise ship. Her goal? To spread happiness to fellow travelers. The idea caught on quickly, with cruisers worldwide adopting the fun trend.
How Does the Cruising Ducks Game Work?
Purchase Rubber Ducks: Grab small rubber ducks from dollar stores, party supply shops, or online retailers.
Add Tags or Notes: Attach a tag to each duck with a fun message, your name, or your cruise details. Many cruisers include hashtags like #CruisingDucks so others can share their finds online. Cruising duck tags can be purchased in packs online or you can find free printable cruising duck tags such as this one:
Click here to download Hide the Ducks: Place the ducks in clever, family-friendly hiding spots around the ship—just make sure it’s in public areas (not in pools or dangerous spaces).
Find Ducks and Re-hide or Keep Them: If you find a duck, you can choose to keep it as a souvenir or re-hide it for others to discover.
Creative Alternatives to Traditional Cruising Ducks:
While rubber ducks are the classic choice for the #CruisingDuck trend, many cruisers are getting creative with unique alternatives. Here are some fun options to consider:
Croc Charms – Small, colorful shoe charms that fit perfectly into Crocs and make for a fun and collectible surprise.
Duck Paintings – Mini hand-painted duck-themed artworks or wooden duck cutouts for a personalized touch.
3D-Printed Ducks – Custom-designed rubber ducks made with a 3D printer, offering endless possibilities for creativity.
Mini Plush Ducks – Soft, tiny stuffed ducks that add an extra layer of fun to the hunt.
Keychains – Duck-themed keychains or travel-related charms for a useful keepsake.
Handmade Clay Ducks – Sculpted and painted miniature ducks made from polymer clay.
Themed Stickers – Custom duck stickers with fun cruise-related sayings or designs.
No matter what you choose to hide, the fun is in the surprise! These creative alternatives keep the cruising tradition fresh and exciting for everyone on board.
Why Do People Love Cruising Ducks?
Adds Fun to the Trip: It’s like a scavenger hunt that turns the ship into a playground for everyone.
Fosters Community: The trend connects passengers of all ages and encourages conversation.
Creates Lasting Memories: Guests often keep ducks they’ve found as mementos of their trip.
Tips for Participating in Cruising Ducks
Respect Ship Rules: Avoid hiding ducks in safety equipment, pools, or crew-only areas.
Get Creative: Choose ducks in unique colors or designs to stand out. You can even DIY your cruising ducks, I have seen people buy miniature duck figures to make cute little friendship bracelets and pass them out! Some have even crocheted big ducks or made handpainted duck art to hide around the ship.
Don’t Overdo It: Hide a reasonable number of ducks to ensure the activity remains fun and not overwhelming for the crew.
Should You Participate in Cruising Ducks?
Absolutely! Whether you’re cruising with kids, friends, or as a couple, this trend adds a dash of whimsy to your vacation. It’s a simple way to spread kindness and engage with other passengers, all while enjoying the beauty of the sea.
So, the next time you’re packing for a cruise, consider throwing a bag of rubber ducks into your suitcase. You might just brighten someone’s day—and make some unique memories along the way!
Happy Travels!
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