If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you might have stumbled upon a peculiar little game that’s been floating around for about a decade: hiding ducks. Yes, you read that right—tiny rubber ducks are stealthily tucked away in all sorts of nooks and crannies on cruise ships, ready to brighten someone’s day.
The Origin of the Cruising Ducks Game
The cruising ducks game is delightfully simple. Passengers hide rubber ducks around the ship, hoping to surprise and delight fellow cruisers. These ducks often come with a note explaining whether the finder should keep or re-hide the duck and a bit about the duck’s original owner. It’s a whimsical way to spread joy and connect with other passengers.
Cruise Lines’ Mixed Reactions
While this game has been a hit among cruisers, not all cruise lines are entirely on board. For instance, Disney Cruise Line released a statement in early 2024, somewhat discouraging the activity. Despite this, no cruise line has outright banned the game, and rubber ducks aren’t on any prohibited items lists.
The Latest Debate: Crew Members Joining the Fun
The cruising ducks have sparked another lively debate: Should crew members be allowed to participate in the game and keep the ducks they find, or is this playful pastime exclusively for guests?
Carnival Cruise Line’s official ambassador, John Heald, posed this question on his Facebook page after receiving a complaint from an unidentified guest. He asked his followers whether they minded if crew members “stole” the hidden ducks, providing three multiple-choice options:
- A. The crew should take them if it brings them happiness.
- B. Crew should not be allowed to take them.
- C. I couldn’t give a duck.
One user cheekily commented, “I say let them join in on the fun. I mean, why shouldn’t they get to? Anyone who thinks otherwise can just duck off! Lol.” Another added, “The crew should get to participate too. They become like family for those few days on the ship.”
Out of over 7,000 replies, the consensus was clear: crew members should definitely join in the fun.
Life of a Cruise Ship Crew Member
To understand why many support crew participation, it’s essential to know what life is like for those working on cruise ships. Crew members work long hours, often without days off, for contracts that can last anywhere from four to ten months. They’re far from family and friends, working tirelessly to ensure passengers have an enjoyable experience.
Depending on their rank and the specific cruise line, crew members might have limited access to certain areas of the ship and restricted participation in activities during their scarce free time. For instance, lower-ranking staff, such as waitstaff and housekeepers, might be barred from guest areas while off duty. It’s a tough job with few perks, making any small joy, like finding a hidden duck, even more meaningful.
Guests’ Heartwarming Stories
Many passengers have shared heartwarming stories of gifting ducks to crew members. One former passenger recounted, “On my last cruise, I was up late hiding my ducks. A young crew member saw me. I offered him one, and he was so excited. He told me he had been hoping for months to find one but never had. The smile and gratitude he gave me made my whole cruise even better.”
Another guest shared, “I’ve given ducks to crew at times. Once, while talking to our room steward, she mentioned her two small kids back home. My husband gave her two ducks for her kids. She was so excited. It’s nice to be nice.”
Yet another passenger added, “We like to hide them on their carts in the hallway. We always give ducks to them. They do so much for our cruises.”
Why Crew Participation Matters
Including crew members in the cruising ducks game is a fantastic way to acknowledge their hard work and bring a bit of joy into their demanding schedules. Given the limitations they face onboard, allowing them to partake in this playful activity can be a small but significant gesture of appreciation.
So, the next time you’re on a cruise and you find a rubber duck, consider leaving it for a crew member to discover. It’s a small act of kindness that can make a big difference in their day. After all, cruising is about creating happy memories—for everyone on board.
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