Love ’em or hate ’em, cruising ducks are here to stay. But who should enjoy the game? Once again, a guest-versus-crew controversy has arisen, with one traveler reaching out to Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, for clarification.
This controversy doesn’t necessarily center around the guest-led scavenger hunt of simple rubber ducks, but rather on the Effy ducks that offer outstanding prizes for whichever guests might find them.
“As you may or may not know Effy has several ducks they place around the ship, providing complimentary prizes or discounts,” the guest explained. “Most of the crew has no idea, taking this away from the passengers by collecting them.”
It is true that the iconic Effy Jewelry company has several bling-tastic ducks aboard Carnival ships, and guests who might find these treasure troves can win amazing prizes or substantial discounts on an Effy purchase.
“Try your luck, find an EFFY Duck!” the contest notice reads with sample ducks on display at the jewelry shop. “Search the ship for the Effy Cruising Ducks and if you’re lucky enough to find one, return it to the Effy store on board for a prize.”
This clever giveaway actually is known to the crew, however, and they are not permitted to collect those specific prize ducks.
“The crew have been informed not to remove the special ducks,” Heald confirmed. “They absolutely know not to do this.”
Some confusion might result because very enthusiastic guests may bring their own bejeweled and bedazzled ducks onboard, which could at first look similar to the Effy ducks. The official prize ducks, however, are clearly marked with the Effy logo for easy identification.
Should Crew Members Be Collecting ANY Ducks at All?
The idea of whether or not crew members should, in fact, be participating in cruising ducks at all tends to be a controversial aspect of what is supposed to be a fun game.
“Do you think it is appropriate for a crew staff to be taking and collecting the ducks, which the passengers have brought on to share with other passengers?” the guest asked Heald.
This is an issue that Carnival Cruise Line has addressed before, noting that crew members are welcome to enjoy the ducks if they wish.
It is true that guests bring the small toys onboard and leave them for others to find, but if the intention is to spread joy with the fun, why not include crew members in that joy?
Rather than answer that question again himself, Heald included it in his daily poll for his more than 600,000 Facebook followers to answer.
“I have no problem with the crew taking the ducks,” was by far the most popular answer, with 30% of the more than 56,800 votes cast – approximately 17,000 votes.
Read Also: Cruise Ducks – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know!
Just 5% (roughly 2,800 votes) feel that the ducks should be “for guests only” with the crew not permitted to participate in the random scavenger hunt.
While I’ve both collected and hidden ducks on several cruises, I tend more toward the third option, with 7% (approximately 4,000 votes) – “I really don’t care either way.”
That third option does note that “ducks are pointless to my cruise experience” – which isn’t quite how I feel – but I wouldn’t be bothered if any cruise line made stricter guidelines. Frankly, I find it largely harmless and if it adds more fun for everyone aboard – guests and crew – so much the better.
