Rubber Duck Tradition Takes the High Seas by Storm
Travelers onboard cruise ships around the world are taking a new approach to souvenirs by bringing — and leaving — rubber ducks around boats.
The trend has people purchasing rubber ducks and hiding them in spots around cruise ships. Over the last year alone, TikTok videos garnering thousands of views show users hiding and finding ducks like it’s a game.
Embracing spontaneity and delight, cruise ship enthusiasts have embraced a quirky new tradition that elevates the joy of travel. This playful practice of hiding rubber ducks has become a charming ritual among those who sail the high seas. With a community flourishing on platforms like TikTok, travelers have turned this whimsical activity into an adventure, bringing smiles not only to themselves but to fellow guests as well. In fact, one Facebook group called “Cruising Ducks,” boasting over 284,000 members, captures the spirit of this lighthearted trend, promoting it as a “cute and entertaining way to have a blast on cruises and to brighten others’ days.”
Reports reveal that this delightful phenomenon began with a young girl named Abby Davis, who sparked an Easter-egg-like movement now thriving on ships worldwide.
Cruising Ducks summarizes its mission as follows: “Our goal is to see how far our ducks will travel and where their journey might take them. Keep or hide, you decide, but please post your ducks’ travels here so everyone can enjoy.” Members share their adventures, posting photos of the rubber ducks they find and specifying their cruising line, fostering a sense of connection among participants.
In the past month alone, the group has featured around 3,500 posts, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of rubber duck tales.
One proud parent shared a heartwarming story about their children’s treasure hunt: “Kids came back with 20ish ducks. They loved finding them! Carnival Dream, September 21-29.” Meanwhile, another post detailed a remarkable count of 113 ducks found aboard the Carnival Cruise Line’s Jubilee, where a group of enthusiastic “active hunters” had hidden over 400 ducks throughout their journey.
As the trend captures attention across social media, Reddit users are also joining the excitement. One traveler recounted a humorous twist, sharing in the “r/royalcaribbean” subreddit that they even paid for an additional carry-on just for their rubber ducks!
Responses to this offbeat tradition vary. Some skeptics remark, “I hate to be a killjoy, but there’s really no reason for it. Just go on the cruise and enjoy what’s already there.” Others, however, recognize the special moments created during sea days — particularly when ports are rare. A user shared a touching sentiment, stating, “My daughter works on the Utopia of the Seas and loves finding these! When her contract finishes, she plans to hide all the ducks she has collected around the ship.”
Cruising Ducks has even introduced its own line of delightful rubber ducks, available for purchase to accompany adventurers on their journeys. Priced between $14 to $26, customers can choose from an array of themed ducks, from iconic figures like Dorothy and Glinda the Good Witch to eccentric characters such as “The Godfather” and Donald Trump. Each choice adds a unique touch to the cruise experience.
However, the rubber duck phenomenon hasn’t escaped scrutiny. Certain online discussions hint that some cruise lines may discourage the hiding of these beloved toys on board, stirring debate among enthusiasts. Yet, for many, the rubber duck’s playful charm and the stories it weaves remain an irreplaceable part of their voyages, creating a legacy of laughter and connection across the oceans.
