Crew comes first
The crew is working, not playing the game. If asked to move a duck or stop hiding them, comply immediately and kindly. Don't create extra work for housekeeping.
THE UNOFFICIAL CAPTAIN'S CODE
Ship Etiquette
Fun for the finder. Respectful to the crew. Safe for the ship and the sea.
First rule: your cruise line has the final say.
Cruise duck hunting is a guest-created pastime, not a ship-sponsored activity. Not every line allows ducks to be hidden. Rules can change by cruise line, ship, sailing or instruction from crew. Check official guidance before hiding anything.
Disney Cruise Line: Disney's published guidance says guests may not hide rubber ducks in staterooms or public areas. Finding one does not mean you should re-hide it. Read Disney's guidance ↗
THE GOOD DUCK RULES
Keep the magic. Skip the mess.
Use these guidelines only where duck hiding is permitted. When in doubt, ask a crew member.
Do make someone smile
- Check your cruise line's current policy before your sailing.
- Use a clean, clearly tagged duck in an ordinary guest-accessible space, if allowed.
- Choose a stable, easy-to-reach spot that won't block movement, access or cleaning.
- Attach a clear QR tag and invite the finder to keep or share its journey.
- Respect the crew, other guests, and anyone who would rather not participate.
- Make sure any children take part with appropriate adult supervision.
Don't create a safety hazard
- Never hide ducks in pools, hot tubs, splash zones, or near railings where they might go overboard.
- Keep clear of life-saving equipment, fire alarms, exits, stairs, walkways and accessibility routes.
- Avoid food-service areas, medical spaces, shops, planters and cleaning equipment.
- Never enter cabins, crew-only or restricted areas to place or retrieve ducks.
- Don't climb, reach into machinery, move ship fixtures or damage decorations.
- Don't use the game to advertise, pressure anyone, or generate litter.
Protect the ocean
A duck should never become waste. Keep ducks away from open decks where they could fall overboard. Bring unwanted ducks home or give them directly to someone who wants one.
Share with respect
Take photos of your duck, not other passengers without permission. Don't publish cabin numbers, guest details, crew IDs or exact private locations.
Keep means keep
It's fine to take your duck home. If you choose to release it later, make sure your next hiding location is actually permitted and safely accessible.
Rules aren't the same on every ship.
🚫 Disney Cruise Line
Disney states that guests may not hide rubber ducks in staterooms or public areas. Please don't use Cruise Duck Hunt to encourage hiding aboard Disney ships.
Disney's published answer ↗🛳️ Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean describes cruise ducks as a guest-led tradition and offers safety and etiquette suggestions. This is not a guarantee that every location or sailing permits hiding.
Read Royal Caribbean's guide ↗⚓ Other cruise lines and ships
Don't assume a similar policy. Consult the line's current guest conduct rules and ask Guest Services if permission is unclear. Crew directions always take priority over this website.
Guidance reviewed October 28, 2026. Policies may change without notice. Cruise Duck Hunt is independent and not affiliated with any cruise line.
Here’s what to do next.
1
Scan the tag
Open the unique duck page and enjoy its travel diary.
2
Share your find
Add your ship, a general location, and an optional photo.
3
Choose its future
Keep it, or re-hide only where your cruise line permits.
Track a duck →