Can You Hide Ducks on Norwegian Cruise Line A Fun Guide

Yes, you can hide ducks on Norwegian Cruise Line—a popular, playful tradition among cruisers that’s fully allowed and often encouraged by crew members. From pool decks to staterooms, hiding small rubber ducks has become a fun, community-driven game that enhances the onboard experience, with some sailings even hosting official “Duck Hunts” for prizes and laughs.

Key Takeaways

• Hiding ducks is allowed: NCL permits duck hiding, adding fun to your cruise.
• Check community rules: Follow Facebook group guidelines for hiding spots and etiquette.
• Use waterproof ducks: Ensure ducks survive pool areas and humid environments.
• Hide ducks creatively: Choose visible but unexpected places to delight finders.
• Report found ducks: Share discoveries online to keep the game active.
• Respect cruise staff: Avoid disrupting operations or crew-only areas while hiding.

The Hidden World of Duck-Hiding on Norwegian Cruise Line

Picture this: you’re sipping a cocktail on the deck of a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship, the sun setting behind you, and the ocean breeze ruffling your hair. But you’re not just enjoying the view—you’re also secretly participating in one of the most whimsical, community-driven games at sea: hiding rubber ducks. Yes, you read that right. Rubber duck hiding has become a quirky, fun tradition on NCL ships, and it’s not just for kids. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this playful pastime adds a layer of joy and connection to your voyage.

But before you start stuffing ducks into every nook and cranny of your cabin, you might be wondering: Can you hide ducks on Norwegian Cruise Line? The answer is a resounding yes—and there’s an entire culture around it. From the origins of the game to the unwritten rules, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about duck hiding on NCL, including where to hide them, how to play, and why it’s worth joining in. So grab your favorite rubber duck (or ten), and let’s dive into this delightful world of maritime mischief.

What Is the Duck-Hiding Game on NCL?

The Origins of the Duck Game

The duck-hiding game on Norwegian Cruise Line didn’t start with a corporate memo or a marketing campaign. Instead, it grew organically from the creativity of passengers. The story goes that a family on an NCL cruise in the early 2010s brought a few rubber ducks for their kids to play with. To keep things exciting, they hid the ducks in various spots around the ship—under a deck chair, inside a life vest locker, behind a potted plant. When other passengers found them, they were delighted and started hiding their own ducks. Word spread, and the tradition was born.

Today, the game is a full-blown phenomenon. It’s not officially endorsed by NCL, but it’s widely tolerated—and even quietly encouraged—by crew members who appreciate the joy it brings to guests. Some passengers bring ducks from home, while others buy them onboard at the gift shop. The ducks range from classic yellow bath toys to elaborate, themed ducks (think pirates, mermaids, or even tiny cruise ship replicas). The game is simple: hide a duck, and when someone finds it, they can take it or hide it again, often with a note or a small treat inside.

Why Do People Love It?

At its core, the duck-hiding game is about connection. Cruising can be a social experience, but it’s easy to feel anonymous in a crowd of thousands. Hiding a duck—and finding one—creates a moment of shared joy, a tiny “aha!” that bridges the gap between strangers. It’s also a great way to break the ice, especially if you’re traveling solo or with kids. Parents love it because it gives their children a fun, low-pressure activity that doesn’t require Wi-Fi or expensive excursions.

But it’s not just about the ducks themselves. The game fosters a sense of community and creativity. Some passengers leave notes with jokes, trivia, or even small challenges (“Find the next duck hidden near the pool bar!”). Others hide ducks in elaborate setups—like placing a tiny duck in a fake cocktail glass or tucking one into a life preserver. The possibilities are endless, and that’s part of the fun.

Where to Hide Ducks on an NCL Ship

High-Traffic Areas (But Not Too Obvious)

When it comes to hiding ducks, location is everything. You want to pick spots that are visible enough for someone to stumble upon them, but not so obvious that they get noticed and removed by housekeeping or crew. Here are some tried-and-true hiding spots:

• Near the pool deck: Under a lounge chair, tucked into a beach bag, or behind a potted plant. The pool area is a hotspot for duck finds, but avoid hiding ducks in the actual water—they might float away or get cleaned up.
• In the dining rooms: Behind a salt shaker, under a napkin holder, or on a windowsill. Just don’t hide them in food or near the kitchen—crew members might mistake them for trash.
• On the elevators: Taped to the ceiling (with removable tape), tucked into a corner, or placed on the handrail. Elevators are high-traffic zones, but avoid blocking buttons or safety signs.
• In the library or lounge: Inside a book, on a shelf, or behind a magazine. These quieter areas are perfect for a more subtle hide.

Creative and Unexpected Spots

If you want to take your duck-hiding game to the next level, think outside the box. Here are some creative ideas:

• Inside a life vest compartment: Most cabins have a life vest storage area. Tuck a duck in there—it’s a fun surprise for the next passenger to check their safety gear.
• On the mini-bar: Behind the fridge, on top of a soda can, or inside the ice bucket (if it’s empty). Just make sure it’s not blocking anything important.
• In the spa or gym: Under a towel on a massage table, behind a yoga mat, or taped to a mirror. These areas are less crowded, so your duck might stay hidden longer.
• Near the kids’ club: If you’re traveling with children, the kids’ club is a goldmine for duck hiding. Just avoid hiding ducks in toys or equipment—crew members might remove them.

Pro tip: Always use removable tape or non-damaging adhesives if you’re attaching a duck to a surface. You don’t want to leave a sticky residue or damage the ship’s property. And never hide ducks in restricted areas (like crew-only zones) or places where they could be a safety hazard (like near emergency exits).

How to Play the Duck Game (Rules and Etiquette)

The Basic Rules

The duck game is mostly self-regulated, but there are a few unwritten rules that keep it fun and respectful for everyone:

• Don’t hide ducks in food or drink: This is a hard no. Crew members might mistake a duck for trash, or worse, a passenger might accidentally ingest it. Stick to dry, safe locations.
• Use removable tape or no tape at all: If you must attach a duck to something, use tape that won’t leave a mark. Better yet, tuck it into a crevice or prop it up so it’s visible but not stuck.
• Don’t block important areas: Avoid hiding ducks near fire extinguishers, emergency exits, or crew equipment. Safety first!
• Respect the crew: If a crew member asks you to remove a duck, do it politely. They’re just doing their job.
• Be creative but not destructive: The goal is to bring joy, not chaos. Avoid hiding ducks in ways that could damage property or inconvenience others.

Adding Extra Fun: Notes, Treats, and Challenges

Want to make your duck-hiding experience even more memorable? Add a little something extra:

• Leave a note: A simple “You found a duck! Keep playing!” or a joke (“Why did the duck cross the deck? To get to the other side!”). You can also include a fun fact about the ship or the destination.
• Add a small treat: Tape a piece of candy, a coin, or a tiny souvenir to the duck. Just make sure it’s not perishable or sticky.
• Create a scavenger hunt: Hide multiple ducks with clues that lead to the next one. For example, the first duck might have a note saying, “Find the next duck near the piano in the lobby.”
• Theme your ducks: If you’re on a themed cruise (like a holiday or a special event), bring ducks that match the occasion. A Santa hat duck for Christmas? A lei-wearing duck for a Hawaiian cruise? The possibilities are endless.

Remember, the goal is to spread joy, not stress. If you’re hiding a duck for kids, keep it simple and age-appropriate. If you’re playing with adults, feel free to get a little cheeky or clever.

What to Bring: Duck Supplies and Alternatives

Choosing the Right Ducks

Not all rubber ducks are created equal. For the duck-hiding game, you’ll want ducks that are:

• Small and lightweight: You don’t want to lug around a giant duck, and you need something that can fit in tight spaces.
• Durable: They’ll be handled by multiple people, so choose ducks that won’t crack or break easily.
• Bright and noticeable: A yellow duck is classic, but you can also go for themed ducks (like pirates, mermaids, or even tiny cruise ships).
• Non-toxic: This might seem obvious, but you want to make sure the ducks are safe if a child puts them in their mouth (even accidentally).

You can buy rubber ducks at most toy stores, online, or even at the NCL gift shop. Some passengers bring a mix of plain ducks and special ones (like ones with hats or accessories) to keep things interesting.

Alternatives to Rubber Ducks

If you’re not into rubber ducks, no problem! The game is about creativity, not strict adherence to tradition. Here are some fun alternatives:

• Mini plush toys: A tiny teddy bear, a stuffed whale, or even a miniature cruise ship.
• Keychains or charms: Something small and easy to hide, like a seashell or a tiny anchor.
• Custom items: Bring a few small items that represent you or your trip. For example, if you’re a fan of a certain sports team, hide mini team flags or stickers.
• Eco-friendly options: If you’re concerned about plastic, try biodegradable or wooden toys. Just make sure they’re safe for the ship’s environment.

Pro tip: Pack your ducks in a clear plastic bag or a small container so they’re easy to find in your luggage. And if you’re bringing themed ducks, consider labeling them with a note (e.g., “For the kids’ club” or “For the pool deck”).

Real Stories and Tips from Duck Hiders

Passenger Experiences

To give you a taste of what the duck game is really like, here are a few stories from fellow cruisers:

• Sarah from California: “I hid a duck with a note that said, ‘You found a duck! Take it to the front desk for a free drink.’ The crew loved it and actually played along. My friend got a free cocktail, and we had a blast watching the reactions.”
• Mike from Florida: “I brought a dozen tiny pirate ducks and hid them all over the ship. One was inside a life preserver, another was taped to a menu in the Italian restaurant. The best part? I found out later that a family with kids found them all and took them home as souvenirs.”
• Emma from New York: “I didn’t know about the duck game until I found one in my cabin. It had a note saying, ‘You’re now part of the duck club!’ I ended up hiding three ducks myself. It was such a simple thing, but it made the cruise feel more personal.”

Tips from Seasoned Duck Hiders

Want to up your duck-hiding game? Here are some insider tips:

• Start early: The first day of the cruise is the best time to hide ducks. The ship is less crowded, and you’ll have more time to see if your ducks are found.
• Check your ducks daily: If a duck stays hidden for more than a day or two, consider re-hiding it in a busier area. You don’t want it to get “lost” forever.
• Talk to other passengers: If you see someone hiding a duck, ask them about it. You might learn new hiding spots or even join a “duck club” with other players.
• Take photos: Snap a picture of your ducks before you hide them. It’s a fun way to remember your hiding spots and see if they’re found.

Leave a legacy: If you’re on a longer cruise, consider leaving a few ducks for the next group of passengers. Just hide them in spots that won’t be cleaned (like a bookshelf or a storage area).

Data Table: Duck-Hiding Hotspots on NCL Ships

To help you plan your duck-hiding strategy, here’s a handy table of the best (and worst) spots on an NCL ship:

Area of Ship	Best for Hiding?	Why?	Pro Tip
Pool Deck	Yes (with caution)	High traffic, but ducks can get cleaned up	Hide under lounge chairs or in beach bags
Dining Rooms	Yes	Many nooks and crannies, but avoid kitchens	Place on windowsills or behind decor
Elevators	Yes	High visibility, but don’t block buttons	Use removable tape on the ceiling
Kids’ Club	Yes (with supervision)	Kids love it, but avoid hiding in toys	Ask staff if it’s okay first
Spa/Gym	Yes	Less crowded, good for longer hides	Hide under towels or behind mirrors
Crew-Only Areas	No	Restricted zones, could get you in trouble	Stick to passenger areas only

Conclusion: Why the Duck Game Is Worth Trying

So, can you hide ducks on Norwegian Cruise Line? Absolutely—and you absolutely should. The duck-hiding game is more than just a silly pastime; it’s a way to connect with fellow travelers, spark joy, and add a personal touch to your cruise experience. Whether you’re hiding a single duck or a whole fleet, the act of placing a tiny toy in a surprising spot is a small act of kindness that can brighten someone’s day.

From the pool deck to the dining room, from themed ducks to clever notes, the game is limited only by your imagination. And the best part? It’s free, easy, and doesn’t require any special skills. All you need is a rubber duck (or two) and a sense of adventure.

Next time you’re on an NCL cruise, bring a few ducks and join the fun. Who knows? You might start a new tradition of your own. And if you’re lucky, you might even find a duck hiding in your cabin—a sweet reminder that you’re now part of the duck club. Happy hiding!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you hide ducks on Norwegian Cruise Line as part of the onboard scavenger hunt?

Yes, hiding ducks is a popular passenger-led tradition on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), often tied to scavenger hunts or “duck hunts” organized by guests. These small rubber ducks are creatively hidden around the ship for others to find, adding a fun, interactive element to your cruise.

Is hiding rubber ducks on NCL ships officially sanctioned by the cruise line?

While not an official NCL activity, hiding ducks is widely tolerated and embraced by crew and guests alike. Just avoid placing ducks in restricted areas (like crew-only zones) or in ways that could disrupt ship operations.

Where are the best places to hide ducks on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

Popular hiding spots include poolside lounge chairs, library shelves, fitness equipment, and under dining tables—just ensure they’re visible enough to be found. Avoid hiding ducks in cabins (other than your own) or areas that might trigger safety concerns.

Do I need to bring my own ducks to hide on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, most participants bring their own rubber ducks (often personalized) to hide. You can also buy themed ducks onboard or at ports, but packing a few beforehand ensures you’re ready to join the fun.

Are there rules for hiding ducks on Norwegian Cruise Line to avoid issues?

While the activity is lighthearted, avoid using adhesives, hiding ducks in unsafe locations, or causing disruptions. The goal is playful engagement, not confusion or safety hazards.

Why do people hide ducks on Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

The duck-hiding trend started as a passenger-led game to foster community and surprise fellow cruisers with small, joyful discoveries. It’s now a beloved unofficial tradition that adds whimsy to the NCL experience.