Marella Cruises asks guests to stop hiding rubber ducks
The cruise line says novelty items and cabin-door decorations may create hazards, undermine waste-reduction efforts or be removed by crew.
Marella Cruises has asked passengers not to hide rubber ducks, toys or other personal items aboard its ships or leave them at destinations. The company said that although the activity is intended in good spirit, abandoned items can become hazards and are generally discarded by crew members.
The cruise line also connected the request to its efforts to reduce plastic waste, saying that leaving objects behind does not align with that goal.
Guests were additionally asked to avoid decorating public spaces and cabin doors with flags, banners, posters, stickers, magnets or similar items. Marella said leaving those areas unchanged helps maintain the ships’ appearance and supports safety. Crew members may remove objects placed where they should not be, according to the company.
Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have also asked passengers not to leave rubber ducks around their ships. Neither cruise line has formally banned the practice.