What began as a simple, fun family game on a spring break cruise in 2018 has now turned into one of the most recognizable traditions in modern cruising. Cruising ducks—small, plastic toy ducks hidden around cruise ships—have become a global pastime, driven by social media, community spirit, and the pure joy of surprise.
And it all started with 11-year-old Abby Davis and her family from Southeast Texas.
The Birth of the Duck Craze
In 2018, Abby’s dad, Ashley Davis, brought 50 plastic ducks aboard the Carnival Breeze, intending to hide seven ducks each day during their seven-day cruise out of Galveston. They watched as passengers of all ages eagerly searched for and discovered the ducks.
One duck hidden on the Blue Iguana Cantina sign wasn’t found for three days.
That simple activity of hiding ducks—and the thrill of finding them—caught on. Davis later shared their experience on their website, cruisingducks.com, and a movement was born.
From Family Fun to Worldwide Trend
Fast forward to today, and cruising ducks are everywhere—and not just on Carnival ships. The concept has gone viral thanks to Facebook, TikTok, and other social platforms:
The Cruising Ducks Facebook public group has 90,000 members, while a private group with the same name boasts 319,000.
A dedicated Carnival-specific group has over 71,000 members.
Groups now exist for virtually every major cruise line.
These ducks often come tagged with cards that include instructions for finders to post a photo, note the ship and the date, and sometimes re-hide the duck for someone else to enjoy.
Creative Ducks and Community Fun
The cruising duck community has grown incredibly creative:
Ducks dressed like Buffalo Bills fans
Flamingos replacing ducks in one family’s home-based prank
A mop bucket disguised as a duck
Tips for using magnets to attach ducks to ship walls, shared on TikTok
Full duck costumes worn by passengers playing along with the trend
Even more incredible: posts like “Has anyone found our duck inside the ceiling lamp from our anniversary cruise?” often get actual responses—and found ducks!
Rules, Etiquette, and Retail Duck Sources
Along with growth comes guidance. The community has adopted etiquette rules like:
No ducks filled with money, food, or liquids
Be respectful of ship decor and avoid disruptive hiding places
Avoid safety hazards
Need ducks? The top sources include Dollar Tree, Target, Five Below, Hobby Lobby, and Etsy.
Not All Cruise Lines Are Duck-Friendly
While many cruise lines tolerate (or even embrace) the duck craze, some are pushing back:
Disney Cruise Line has reportedly banned duck hiding in public spaces and staterooms, citing cleanliness concerns.
Royal Caribbean has designated duck-free zones, especially in Central Park areas where plant damage was reported.
MSC Cruises, on the other hand, expressed no official objection, stating they are happy as long as the ducks aren’t disruptive.
Where Are the Davises Now?
Despite launching a global trend, the Davis family has faded quietly into the background. Their website is still live, but messages have gone unanswered. Their Facebook page hasn’t posted since September 2023. Abby, now around 18, may have moved on to other interests—but her legacy sails on.
What started as a light-hearted activity for one young cruiser is now a beloved part of cruise ship culture. For many passengers, finding a duck is more than a game—it’s a moment of joy and connection in the middle of the ocean.
From a single girl’s clever spring break idea to a social media-fueled tradition with tens of thousands of followers, cruising ducks have become part of the cruise experience.
Whether you’re hiding them or hunting them, these little toys have brought strangers together, sparked creativity, and created memories for families around the world. As long as there are cruise ships and curious passengers, it’s safe to say the cruising duck craze is here to stay.
