Ducking Around: My DIY Cruising Ducks Adventure

I first learned about #CruisingDucks after our first cruise. Yup, sayang because it was not before, not during, but after! And only a few days before our next one. 

I didn’t have time to order ducks online, and I haven’t seen any store in Al Hofuf that sells those little rubber duckies either. So, being the crafter that I am (and with my Cricut always within reach), I decided to make my own version—flat paper ducks! They’re cute, easy to pack, and scrapbook-friendly for whoever finds them. Total win for last minute duckies!

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What are Cruising Ducks anyway?

If you’ve never cruised or are new to the whole scene, Cruising Ducks is this fun little thing where people hide rubber ducks around the ship. Other passengers can find them, take a photo, and either keep them or hide them again for someone else to find. It’s a game that spreads a little happiness and good vibes to total strangers — and who doesn’t want that while on vacation?

The official motto is:

Keep or hide, you decide.

And if you post it on social media, don’t forget the tag: #CruisingDucks.

So simple, but so fun. There’s just something about finding a surprise duck in the middle of your cruise that makes you smile.

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My First Duck Hunt 

Our cruise last May (May 11–18, 2024) was on the Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas, sailing the Eastern Mediterranean. I brought a bunch of my handmade paper ducks with little tags and hid them around the ship throughout the week.

We also went duck hunting ourselves, but we weren’t very lucky… until the last night. I was walking to the casino when I spotted a tiny duck sitting on top of a display on our deck, the same bust display where I also left a duck from the previous day. I had just passed by that spot five minutes earlier and it wasn’t there — so someone had just left it! It didn’t have a tag, so I couldn’t post or thank whoever left it, but it totally made my night. 

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Spotted: My Ducks Out in the Wild 🥰

A few people from our cruise posted on Facebook that they found some of the ducks I hid! One lady even messaged to ask if she could have one, so I left some outside her stateroom door. Here are a few of my favorite moments from that cruise:

The timing of leaving ducks for that sweet lady who messaged me couldn’t have been more perfect. As I was placing a few outside her stateroom door, I randomly ran into an old colleague I hadn’t seen in over 10 years—turns out, he’s now working on that very ship! Total small-world moment! I probably wouldn’t have bumped into him if I hadn’t gone to leave those ducks right then and there. Just another reason I love how these little things create the most unexpected and happy moments on board. 

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For Our Next Cruise: I’m Going BIGGER 🫣

We’re heading out on another cruise this August, and this time I’m more prepared as I started collecting ducks last March! hehehe! I’ve been collecting all sorts of duck-y things (and more!) to hide. Here’s what’s in my stash so far:

Handmade Friendship Bracelets with a Duck Charm

Because why not combine crafting + friendship + ducks?

Mini Chip Bags with a Duck Inside

The chip bags even have “Nutrition Facts” at the back: 100% Daily Value of Fun, Adventure, Love, Happiness, and Care.

Glitter Rubber Ducks

Ducks but very extraaaaa - with cute round tags. Because sparkle makes everything better!

Pokémon Blind Bags ( Let's make #CruisingPokemons happen!)

Our friend who loves Pokémon gave me this idea, so I made little chip bags with random mini Pokémon figures inside. Each one says:

“Here’s a little something as you enjoy the cruise — a wild Pokémon just for you! Gotta catch ’em all!”

…Or so I thought. Turns out, I accidentally wrote “Gotcha catch them all” and only noticed it after printing and packing everything - while editing a reel to show the Pokémons! Total facepalm moment. But hey, blessing in disguise: I was able to include it under project fails for my Bee Happy Weeklies. Don’t worry—I’ve now covered the typo with a sticker that says the correct GOTTA. Crisis (mostly) averted! 

Sea Creature Surprise Bags

Another version of the blind bag idea, but this time with random sea critters inside. I’m calling this one #CruisingCritters!

 

Duck Earrings

Okay… these were for me, but I realized I might not even wear them (#OOTD decisions are tough! hahah), so I’m adding them to the du k stash too!

Slightly Smaller Rubber Ducks

Still super cute, just a little tinier than the regular ones! I’ve tagged them with my round duck tags and they’re ready to be hidden.

Squishy Ducks!

I only have a few of these and honestly… I kind of want to keep them for myself. They’re so satisfying to squish! 😂 But I’ve decided to save them for the cruise and share the squishy joy. You’re welcome, fellow cruisers!

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Tips if You’re Planning to Join the Fun:

• Hide ducks in public areas only — no pools, hot tubs, shops, or dining areas.

• Add a tag with your name, cruise ship, and sail date.

• Keep it simple and fun. No advertisements, please!

• You don’t need to bring a hundred ducks. A little goes a long way!

• If you’d like to join the fun and need tag templates, you can download a copy of my round duck tag template here and rectangle tags are available here. The rectangular tag has a QR code linked to the Original Cruising Ducks group. I’ll try my best to update this blog soon and upload the printable chip bag designs too—so you can just print, fill, and hide! Hope you can tag my Instagram or Facebook account and use #MyCatAndCrafts when posting using these!

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I love that something as simple as hiding a little duck (or Pokémon 😜) can make someone’s cruise more special. It’s such a fun way to spread happiness, connect with strangers, and bring a crafty twist to traveling - plus, I had lots of fun making these the past few months too.

If you find one of mine, I’d love to see it! Tag me at @my.cat.and.crafts on Instagram and don’t forget to use #CruisingDucks.

Happy cruising—and happy hiding! 

—Ana