Cruise Ship Passengers Engage in Bizarre Bath Toy Hide-and-Seek: One Line Issues a “Please Don’t” Warning

Are these individuals on quack?

Forget about swingers taking over the cruise lines. According to cruisers, the real secret of the seas lies in the treasure troves of rubber ducks that passengers hide onboard the vacation ships for others to discover — and this quirky tradition isn’t being received well by all, with one cruise line even prohibiting the unusual practice.

Reportedly initiated as a whimsical, Easter egg-like concept by a young girl named Abby Davis, the tradition has evolved into a rite of passage on the ships — and has even become a profitable venture, with these plastic toys being sold for up to $25 each.

There are YouTube tutorials available that showcase the best hiding spots — along with private Facebook groups for enthusiasts of these bath time buddies as well.

“Our aim is to track the journey of our Ducks and discover the destinations they reach,” stated the Facebook group Cruising Ducks on their page.

“Whether to keep or hide them is up to you, but please share your Ducks’ adventures here so everyone can appreciate them.”

Some critics argue that the tradition has taken a peculiar turn recently — with one individual disclosing they purchased a carry-on specifically for their ducks, as highlighted in a Reddit post.

“You’ve definitely got a ducking issue,” retorted one commenter.

In a recent showcase of creativity, a dedicated fan posted a video demonstrating their skill in 3D printing an entire collection of ducks in preparation for their upcoming cruise.

“Please don’t do it,” a fellow cruiser interjected.

“I hate to be a wet blanket, but there’s really no need for that. Just take the cruise and appreciate what’s already available,” they suggested.

“We frequently encounter them on Royal ships. They tend to appear in various spots where surfaces are flat or nearly flat. You can find them near elevators, outside the theater, and mostly in high-traffic areas, rather than inside venues or lounges,” they elaborated in a follow-up discussion.

Concerns arose regarding the littering problem, particularly the notion of purchasing numerous inexpensive toys and scattering them around.

While certain cruise companies may turn a blind eye to this behavior — a representative from Carnival mentioned to Thrillist that the trend of duck hunting is driven by the guests themselves — others have expressed discontent with this peculiar fad.

The Disney Cruise Line, for instance, is not very fond of these imitation Donald Ducks and has even implemented a rule that restricts their placement on the ships, as reported by Thrillist.

According to the guidelines, “Guests cannot hide items like rubber ducks in staterooms or public areas onboard.”

Nonetheless, they have the freedom to take them along.

---

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.