Royal Caribbean Bans Ducks in a Beloved Hiding Spot

If you’ve ever stumbled across a rubber duck peeking out from behind a plant pot or tucked between deck chairs, you’ve witnessed one of cruising’s most wholesome trends. What started as a bit of fun has turned into a full-blown social media movement, with cruisers hiding and hunting these little ducks all over the ship.

But now, Royal Caribbean has officially drawn the line. One of the most popular duck-hiding spots is now off-limits, and not everyone’s happy about it.

What Are Cruising Ducks, Anyway?

Cruising ducks are exactly what they sound like – small rubber ducks hidden around the ship for fellow passengers to find. Often decorated or labelled with a tag saying who hid them and where they’re from, these little treasures are meant to bring a smile (and maybe a bit of competitive spirit) to your day at sea.

Some cruisers collect them, others re-hide them, and many share their finds in dedicated Facebook groups. It’s a simple, feel-good tradition that’s taken on a life of its own, especially among families and frequent cruisers.

Related reading: People Are Hiding Rubber Ducks All Over Cruise Ships, But Not Everyone’s Loving It

The New Rule: Central Park is Now a Duck-Free Zone

If you’re sailing on one of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis or Icon Class ships, you might spot a new sign in the lush Central Park neighbourhood, and it’s got a clear message: “This is a duck-free zone. Please don’t hide ducks in Central Park.”

These signs have been seen on ships like Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, and they’re popping up in cruising Facebook groups faster than you can say “quack.” While Royal Caribbean hasn’t issued an official statement, the message is loud and clear: Ducks and delicate greenery don’t mix.

Why the Ban? It’s About the Plants, Not the Ducks

Central Park is home to tens of thousands of real plants, cared for by a team of onboard horticulturalists. On Icon of the Seas alone, there are over 33,000 living plants, supported by a complex system of lighting, drainage, and irrigation to keep them thriving at sea.

The problem? Eager duck hunters have been reaching into planters, pushing through bushes, and even trampling flower beds to find the hidden treasures. Crew members say the damage caused by these enthusiastic searches adds hours of extra maintenance, and in some cases, plants have had to be completely replaced.

Cruiser Reactions: Divided Opinions Online

The new rule has sparked a wave of debate among cruisers. Some are cheering it on, saying they’ve seen firsthand the damage caused by duck hunters tearing through Central Park’s carefully tended greenery. “I’ve watched people rip up plants just to grab a duck,” one guest posted. “It’s about time they did something.”

Others, however, aren’t so sure. While most agree the plants should be protected, some feel the problem lies more with poor behaviour than with the ducks themselves. “Don’t blame the ducks,” one commenter wrote. “Blame the parents letting their kids stomp through the flowers.”

What This Means for Duck Hunters

If you’re a fan of the cruising ducks tradition, don’t panic, it hasn’t been banned completely. Central Park is now off-limits, but there are still plenty of fun and respectful places to hide your ducks. Think stairwells, elevator nooks, lounge areas, or even among the ship’s fake plants.

The key is using common sense. Avoid any spot that could be damaged or pose a safety risk, and remember that the goal is to make someone’s day, not to send them diving into the hydrangeas. If cruisers don’t play by the rules, Royal Caribbean (and other lines) might take things even further.

Right now, Central Park is the only area with an official duck ban, but some cruisers worry this could be the start of a wider crackdown. Other cruise lines, like Disney, already discourage the practice, and Royal Caribbean’s guest conduct policy prohibits placing items around the ship without permission.

If the damage or disruption continues, it’s not unthinkable that ducks could be removed by the crew, or that the activity could be banned altogether. That would be a shame, considering how much joy this simple tradition brings. But as with most things at sea, a little courtesy goes a long way.

Final Thoughts: Can the Ducks and the Gardens Coexist?

Cruising ducks have become a fun, community-driven tradition, but like all good things, they only work when everyone plays nice. Central Park is a peaceful, living space that takes a lot of care to maintain, and it deserves a little respect.

The good news? There are still plenty of great places onboard to hide your ducks and keep the tradition alive. So go ahead and get creative, just leave the shrubbery out of it.

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