Frequently Asked Questions

What are cruising ducks?

Cruising ducks are rubber ducks that passengers hide around cruise ships for other travelers to find. It's become one of the most popular unofficial traditions in cruising — families, couples, and solo travelers all get in on the fun. You hide a duck somewhere on the ship, and when someone finds it, they can keep it, rehide it, or pass it along. At Cruising Ducks Plus, we take the tradition a step further by giving every duck a QR code that connects it to a digital game, so the fun keeps going long after someone picks it up.

How do the QR code tags work?

Every duck we sell comes with a tag that has a unique QR code printed on it. When someone finds your duck and scans the code with their phone camera, it opens the Cruising Ducks Plus web app and "hatches" that duck's digital twin. Each digital duck has its own name, birthday, rarity level, and experience points. Every time your duck gets scanned — whether it's been found, rehidden, or challenged to a battle — it earns XP and levels up. You can check in on your ducks anytime through the app to see where they've been and how they're doing.

Where should I hide ducks on a cruise ship?

The best spots are places where people will stumble on them and smile. Some of our favorites include stairwell railings, elevator corners, potted plants in the atrium, on top of signs or artwork frames, tucked into lounge chairs, next to the towel animals in hallways, and on window ledges near busy walkways. The more creative the hiding spot, the more fun it is for the person who finds it. Just make sure your duck is visible enough that someone will actually spot it — the goal is to be found!

Where should I NOT hide ducks?

There are a few spots to avoid. Never place ducks in pools, hot tubs, or water features someone could slip or fall trying to grab one. Don't hide them in onboard shops, because it could look like someone is shoplifting if they pick one up. Avoid anywhere a duck could fall overboard tossing anything into the ocean, even accidentally, is a big no-no. And steer clear of restricted crew areas or anywhere that could create a safety concern. Use common sense: if it seems like a bad idea, it probably is.

Can I use my own rubber ducks?

Absolutely! That's exactly why we created the Bring Your Own Duck Kit. If you already have a collection of rubber ducks — themed ones, dressed-up ones, or classics you've picked up over the years — you can use our QR code tags to connect them to the Cruising Ducks Plus game. Just attach a tag to your duck, and it gets its own digital profile with a name, rarity level, and XP tracking. It's a great option for repeat cruisers who already have a duck stash and want to join the game without buying new ones.

How does the web app and battle system work?

The Cruising Ducks Plus web app is where all the digital action happens. Once you scan a duck's QR code, you can see its profile, track its journey, and jump into the game. The battle system lets you challenge other passengers' ducks — your duck's XP level and rarity come into play, so the more your duck has been hidden and found, the stronger it gets. There's a leaderboard where you can see how your ducks stack up against others on the ship. It's all browser-based, so there's nothing to download — just scan and play.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship to most countries worldwide. Shipping times and costs vary depending on your location. You'll see the available shipping options and estimated delivery times at checkout. If you're ordering from outside the United States, keep in mind that international orders may be subject to customs duties or import fees, which are the responsibility of the buyer. We recommend ordering early to make sure your ducks arrive well before your cruise.

Will my order arrive before my cruise?

We do our best to get your ducks to you on time! Domestic orders within the United States typically ship within 1–3 business days. For the best chance of getting your order before you sail, we recommend placing your order at least two weeks before your departure date. If your cruise is coming up soon, check the shipping options at checkout — expedited shipping may be available. If you're cutting it close, feel free to reach out to us and we'll do what we can to help.