If you spot an upside-down pineapple on a cruise, there’s a good chance it’s a quiet little wink between couples who swing. Of course, for some, it’s nothing more than simple décor or a playful accessory.

But knowing what it can mean could save you from some awkward encounters while traveling. And trust me, nobody wants that kind of surprise on vacation. 

The Hidden Meaning Behind Upside-Down Pineapples on Cruise Ships 

Have you ever seen an upside-down pineapple sign on someone’s cabin door during a cruise?

If so, you might’ve seen someone (or two someones!) indicating that they are open to swinging with other couples. But there’s also a chance you saw nothing more than a tropical decoration meant to be a friendly greeting to other passengers.

So how do you tell the difference? Honestly, you usually can’t. There’s a chance you’ll never know for sure unless you participate in an alternative lifestyle and/or you’re willing to ask the passenger in question.

The point is to discreetly signal to others who participate in consensual non-monogamy (CNM), so unless you’re interested in pursuing that experience, it’s better not to comment.

Where Did the Upside-Down Pineapple Symbol Come From?

Traditionally, pineapples are a welcome sign. They’re a sign of friendliness and hospitality. This is often still the case when a pineapple is right-side-up.

However, if the pineapple is upside down, chances are you’re seeing a secret code being communicated to those in the swinging community.

The upside-down pineapple popped up online in the early internet days and was found on message boards and forums used by swingers. It was around the 2010s when people outside of the community learned about its meaning via social media.

And now that the symbol is widely recognized, some cruise lines have banned passengers from displaying upside-down pineapples on their cabin doors.

Where You Might See Upside-Down Pineapples on a Cruise

The most common display of the upside-down pineapple on a cruise is on the cabin door. However, you might also see them on clothing or jewelry. Some people even go so far as to get a pineapple tattoo.

In addition to understanding the secret code when you’re on a cruise, it’s also a good idea to be careful not to accidentally communicate an invitation by wearing anything pineapple-themed, especially if the print is upside down.

Do People Actually Use the Pineapple Symbol on Cruises?

Yes, people really do use it.

However, if you’re going on a cruise and you expect to see upside-down pineapples all over the ship, you’ll likely be disappointed.

The use of the pineapple is usually discreet and often only appears on adults-only cruises or cruises specifically designed for swingers, depending on the cruise line.

If you’re taking your family on a cruise and would prefer not to have to explain the symbol to your children (or your grandma!), don’t worry. You’re probably not going to see a single upside-down pineapple, so don’t stress.

Cruisers who are still uncomfortable with the idea can opt for more family-friendly cruises where people are discouraged or “banned” from communicating with the pineapple symbol, and crew members will remove them from your door if you display them.

Other Cruise Symbols with Hidden Meanings

Pineapples aren’t the only little hints or subtle invites you can expect to see associated with the CNM lifestyle on a cruise. Other ways a couple might signal to others that they are interested in swinging include displaying or wearing clothing items with flamingoes, wearing a black ring and/or wedding ring on the right hand, and displaying pampas grass.

Anklets and toe rings can also be a message to other passengers that you’re open to being approached, but it isn’t necessarily tied to swinging.

There are also several non-sexual items or symbols you might see on cruises that are usually fun, family-friendly games. This includes hidden rubber ducks, gnomes, and door décor like magnets, birthday signs, passenger names, and more.

In most cases, symbols and door décor are all in good fun. Unfortunately, even when things are family-friendly, they can cause a stir. Some passengers have expressed frustration over stolen door décor.

Your best bet, if you’re interested in expressing yourself with symbols and door décor while cruising, is to understand the various symbols and not use anything of value if you plan to leave the items unsupervised.

Should You Avoid Wearing Pineapples on a Cruise?

Remember, none of these things automatically means someone is interested in swinging.

In some cases, the person likes the print. It’s easy to understand why tropical-themed items like flamingoes and pineapples would be popular for cruise passengers, especially those sailing to destinations like Hawaii.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to this topic: context matters. People use cabin door decorations and symbols for a variety of reasons.

If you’re new to swinging or curious about it, seeing a symbol like a pineapple can be a way to broach the subject, as long as you’re discreet and respectful.

If you’re not into it, no worries. And if you see one, just walk on by. And if you’re new to cruising and want to know what you’re getting into before embarking, we have plenty of resources to help you learn the ropes before you set sail.