Carnival Cruise Line Makes Duck Hiding Trend Official With Creation of Duck Mascot

Image: Carnival Splendor has emerged from dry dock with a new look (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 2:25 PM ET, Tue November 5, 2024

There’s all manner of fun to be had on cruises, including (for those in the know) hiding small rubber ducks around cruise ships for kids to find.

It’s a phenomenon that’s been going on for quite some time now across various family-friendly cruise lines. There are even social media pages and websites dedicated to the activity, but it was never officially recognized or sanctioned by cruise lines.

Now however, Carnival Cruise Line has decided join the passenger-led activity. That’s right, the cruise line is getting in on the fun with the announcement of a duck mascot, according to Yahoo News.

The cruise line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, recently revealed the mascot on his Facebook page, stating:

"I would like to introduce you to a brilliant and fun addition to the ships," he posted. "Coming soon to your cruise you’re going to see the continuation of the duck phenomenon. Here with Carnival Jubilee Hotel Director Pierre and Hotel Director and Director of Guest Operations Greg please meet ummmm…Ducky the Duck."

No details were released on how Carnival’s new duck mascot will be used. But Heald did respond to one cruise passenger who posted what was apparently a mean-spirited comment about the new duck mascot, stating that he had deleted the individual’s comment.

"A very hateful comment, Amy. I understand not everybody is going to like this, but to say those words and to chastise the crew in such a way, sorry that’s why I deleted your comment," he wrote.

"This duck is not going to be chasing you around the ship, it’s not going to be in your cabin. It’s not going to affect your cruise at all. So to threaten removal of gratuities because of this is quite honestly nonsense. My advice is enjoy your cruise and if you don’t want to have anything to do with the duck, don’t and instead going to do something that brings you fun and happiness.”

Meanwhile, several other social media users expressed their support and excitement for the new duck mascot.

"We LOVE the duck!" posted a Facebook user named Bonnie Erskine Johnson. "My granddaughters and I (my sister, too) adore finding and hiding ducks. Unfortunately, some people derive joy from being hateful…the ducks aren’t hurting anything and the new 'mascot' is great! We’re on the Vista on the 30th and hope to see Ducky."