The Joy of Hiding Ducks on Royal Caribbean Cruises: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, you might notice a delightful trend popping up all over the ship: tiny rubber ducks tucked into unexpected places. This guest-organized activity, often called "cruise duck hiding," has become a fun way for passengers to connect,

, and share a little joy on board. While it’s not officially affiliated with Royal Caribbean, it’s an exciting tradition embraced by many cruisers. Here's everything you need to know about participating in this cheerful game, including where you can (and can’t) hide these little treasures.

What Is Duck Hiding?

The concept is simple: guests bring small rubber ducks, usually labeled with a tag explaining the game. These tags often include a fun message, the name of the hider. Sometimes a hashtag so finders can share their discovery on social media. The idea is to hide the ducks in clever but visible places for fellow cruisers to find and enjoy.

Whether you’re hiding or hunting, this playful activity adds an extra layer of adventure to your cruise experience.

Where Can You Hide Ducks?

Hiding spots should be creative but considerate. Here are some great places to hide your ducks:

Public Lounges and Communal Areas: Tuck a duck behind a cushion or on a bookshelf in the ship’s library or lounge areas.
Outdoor Decks: Place ducks near planters, by the poolside chairs, or on railing ledges (as long as they’re secure and won’t blow away!).
Game Rooms and Play Areas: Hide them near board games or arcade machines for a fun surprise.
Elevator Banks: Set one on a ledge or behind a decorative feature near the elevators.
Theater and Entertainment Venues: Before or after a show, leave a duck near the entrance or seating areas.
Stateroom Hallways: Place ducks on the carpeted handrails or near door markers (but never inside someone’s cabin!).

The key is to make the ducks accessible and safe while still adding a sense of discovery for the finder.

Where NOT to Hide Ducks

While hiding ducks is all about fun, it’s essential to follow a few rules to ensure the activity doesn’t disrupt the ship’s operations or guests’ experiences. Here are the no-go zones:

Crew-Only Areas: These spaces are off-limits to passengers and should never be used for duck hiding.
Restaurants and Buffets: Food service areas must remain clean and sanitary, so avoid hiding ducks here.
Pools and Hot Tubs: For safety reasons, don’t hide ducks in the water or on equipment like pool ladders.
Restricted or Safety-Critical Areas: Lifeboats, fire extinguishers, and emergency equipment must remain unobstructed and accessible.
Spas and Fitness Centers: Keep ducks out of these relaxation and workout spaces to maintain the atmosphere.

Being mindful of these rules ensures that everyone can enjoy the game without inconveniencing others or creating unnecessary work for the crew.

Why It’s So Much Fun

Hiding and finding ducks is more than just a game; it’s a way to connect with fellow cruisers and bring unexpected moments of joy to someone’s day. Whether you’re watching a child’s face light up when they discover a duck or seeing someone post a photo of their find on social media, the activity fosters a sense of community and adds a touch of whimsy to your vacation.
This quirky tradition adds to your vacation, making it even more memorable.

How to Join the Fun

If you want to participate, start by purchasing small rubber ducks and attaching tags with your message or hashtag. When hiding your ducks, remember to respect the ship’s spaces, follow the rules, and most importantly, have fun. Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or setting sail for the first time, this quirky tradition is a wonderful way to enhance your Royal Caribbean adventure.

So, pack your ducks and get ready to spread some smiles on the high seas. Happy hiding and hunting!

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When you find a hidden duck on a cruise, share your experience in the comments!