Door magnets and ducks

[Dina]

Why do I see people talking about bringing door magnets? Also I’ve seen a few mentions of bringing “ducks” to hide? Anyone know what either of these items are used or needed for?

[SpeedNoodles]

There is a small population of cruisers who like to bring toy ducks (plastic or plush) and hide them around ships.  They are usually tagged with a cute message about being lucky to have found a duck, and sometimes a website or Facebook page where you can report where you found the duck.  It is then left to the finder to either keep the duck or rehide it for someone else to find.  Are ducks necessary? Cruise ducks are not.   It's totally your choice whether or not to participate in this game.

Same with decorative door magnets.  Some people love to decorate their doors.  It can also help some people to find their cabins easier.  I did it once and half of it was stolen in the first 3 hours, so I personally don't bother.  But, again, this is just a personal thing whether or not you want to participate in it.

Most first-time cruisers don't participate in either activity.  There's no wrong decision.

Enjoy your sailing!

[DoomSlayer]

Both are just for fun.  We brought St. Patrick's Day magnets I found for cheap on Amazon for our last trip in March for our doors.  Kids had a blast putting them on the doors and everyone that walked by commented that they were cute and wished they thought of doing it too.  None of them were stolen from our doors.  Also, on the same trip, my kids had a blast going on "Duck Hunts" looking for the little rubber ducks.  They found five in total and put them on their bedroom shelves when we got home.

[She Sails Away]

Both are things some people really enjoy adding to their cruise.

 

For various reasons, both of these things are polarizing and can lead to some forceful comments.

 

I don't do magnets--I can't imagine messing with it-but some people really put a lot of work into it and it appears to bring them added enjoyment to their cruise.

I sometimes bring a few ducks. I've seen both kids and adults find them and react with glee. And crew, as well!

 

[deButler]

My wife brought so many ducks on our last TA cruise last month on Symphony that they would not fit in her luggage so we shipped them to the hotel in Miami ahead of time. My Mom (83) and her sister (80) who joined us on the trip had so much FUN hiding them and then watching people find them that it was one the primary highlights of their trip. For my wife her joy started long before our trip as she was customizing each of her ducks. She spent our trip handing out her ducks to very young children and to crew members who we interacted with in the Casino, bars, and dining areas all over the boat. Every person (especially crew members) was exceptionally excited about receiving their own duck. It’s just a fun addition to the cruising life that brings joy to those that hide / give or find / receive. 
 

 

[Gilley]

Those ducks are adorable. Love how beautifully they are decorated.  I hope to find some of those on my cruise on Icon May 18th 2024.

[deButler]

These are all headed to Explorer on Sunday for our TA to Rome.