Why a Rubber Duck? In researching the backstories for why rubber ducks became a connected symbol for cruise fans and Jeepers, we found that each connection appears to have a source story. Abby came up with a plan to hide 50 tagged rubber ducks on a cruise ship that she and her family were taking on a trip. Photo by Thomas Underwood on Unsplash Several colorful, decorated rubber ducks displayed outdoors. The Rubber Duck Jeep connection appears to have its origins in Canada in 2020.