The duck craze on cruises has become extremely popular over the years. To embrace this trend, Carnival Cruise Line has introduced a duck character dressed in a captain’s uniform.
The cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, announced the new character on Facebook. “I would like to introduce you to a brilliant and fun addition to the ships. Coming soon to your cruise you’re going to see the continuation of the duck phenomenon,” he began.
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“Here with Carnival Jubilee Hotel Director Pierre and Hotel Director and Director of Guest Operations Greg please meet ummmm… Ducky the Duck,” Heald added, sharing a picture of the furry crew member.
Carnival told Cruise Radio, “The duck character introduced by our photo team is one of many characters available for guests to take fun photos with and is not an official mascot.”
Ducky recently debuted aboard Carnival’s newest ship, Carnival Jubilee, and will eventually join other ships in the fleet.
Netizens Give Ducky a Warm Welcome
A few naysayers didn’t love the idea, but the online reception was mostly positive.
A Facebook user responded, “I don’t hide or look for ducks myself, but I know a lot of people, especially kids, love it. I think the duck mascot is a great idea, and I’d like to get my picture taken with it.”
Another wrote, “It is great to see Carnival embracing something else that brings joy to its passengers and crew. LOVE IT.”
What Is Cruise Ducking or Duck Hiding?
Cruise duck hiding is exactly what it sounds like—hiding and finding ducks onboard.
Since 2018, passengers have been playing a game where they hide yellow rubber ducks or look for the ones other guests have carefully concealed in vessels’ public areas.
If vacationers find a duck, they’re encouraged to keep it or hide it again to keep the festivities going. Many have tags that read, “Keep or hide—you decide!” Others are decorated with stickers, tags, and ribbons that share the sailing dates and ship names where they were hidden.
It’s become quite the phenomenon, with countless cruising ducks-themed Facebook pages. These are where cruise duckers share their duck-related activities.
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“When posting ‘Hide,’ include a pic and which ship you started it’s journey on,” says Cruising Ducks Facebook page, instructing its more than 290,000 members.
Carnival’s latest furry friend joins many other onboard characters, past and present, like Fun Ship Freddy, Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, a Towel Animal Elephant, and Mr. Potato Head.
While Carnival has embraced the trend, the same can’t be said for other cruise brands. Last January, Disney Cruise Line explicitly stated that guests are discourage ed from hiding yellow rubber ducks on its vessels.
