The Adorable Tradition of Cruising Ducks... How a Tiny Toy Became a Big Deal at Sea

There are a few things you expect on a cruise… ocean views, sunsets on the deck, endless buffets, and that feeling of total freedom when you're far from your daily routine.

But tiny rubber ducks?

That one caught me off guard.

Until 2022, I had never heard of the Cruising Ducks tradition. We were sailing on the Carnival Horizon, and I kept seeing these cute little ducks tucked in the most unexpected places… beside the elevators, perched on a planter, nestled into a lounge chair. At first, I assumed it was something the ship did for kids. I had no idea it was part of a larger, joyful tradition sweeping through the cruise world.

Fast Forward to My First Duck

Then came January 2023… we boarded the brand-new Carnival Celebration, full of excitement for a fresh adventure. That’s when I found it. My very first cruising duck.

I remember spotting it near a piece of art in one of the ship’s corridors. It had a sweet little tag, a name, a message... and a story. I couldn’t help but smile. I held it in my hand and thought, this is the kind of travel magic I love.

I brought it home, and to this day, that little duck sits proudly on my desk—a sweet reminder of joy, surprise, and the simple things that make travel feel magical.

Where Did This All Begin?

The Cruising Ducks tradition started back in 2018 when a young girl named Abby Davis decided to bring some rubber ducks on her Carnival cruise. She and her family tagged them and hid them around the ship just for fun. No agenda. No expectations. Just kindness and a little creativity.

Since then, the idea has taken off. There are Facebook groups with tens of thousands of members, cruisers packing entire bags of dressed-up ducks, and families who now cruise just for the fun of finding or hiding them. It’s gone from a one-off idea to a global, floating community.

Not Everyone's Quacking About It...

Now, in full transparency, not everyone loves the trend. Some people see the ducks as clutter or worry about where they end up. And I get it—anything popular always has a few critics. But most cruise lines embrace it with a little common sense: don’t leave them in food areas, keep them visible and safe, and be respectful of the crew.

But for most people—especially families—Cruising Ducks is a highlight of the trip. It's spontaneous, sweet, and adds a little unexpected delight to the day. And isn't that what travel is about?

Styled Surprises at Sea

As a travel stylist, I’m always looking for ways to turn travel dreams into memories. For me, that includes small, meaningful details that make a trip feel special.

Since finding that duck, I’ve made it a personal tradition. Now, whenever I work with a family heading out to sea—especially those with junior cruisers—I include a duck and the full story behind the tradition. Sometimes it's their first cruise… sometimes it’s their tenth. But no matter how many times they’ve sailed, this little extra surprise always brings big smiles.

I’ve had clients tell me their kids squealed when they found their first duck… or how they spent the whole cruise duck-hunting as a family. These moments turn into stories they’ll talk about for years.

And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a bit of whimsy with their wake-up call?

Want to Join In?

If you’re packing for your next cruise and want to add your own duck or two to the tradition, it’s easy. Grab a few rubber ducks (bonus points if you dress them up!), add a tag with your name, sailing date, or a fun message… and then find a clever place to hide them once you’re on board. You’ll be part of something fun, feel-good, and surprisingly meaningful.

Or… just keep your eyes peeled. You never know when a little duck will show up, quietly waiting to make your day.

It’s a small gesture. But like so many things in travel… the littlest surprises often leave the biggest impressions.