Amusingly (or mortifyingly, depending on where you find yourself on the spectrum), there are not only secret symbols on a cruise line that indicate those who are interested in swinging, but the same principles apply to clothing as well. If you know the meaning behind an upside-down pineapple on a door, you may also want to discover the Pink Flamingo meaning on a cruise.

According to the New York Post, 15 million swingers exist in the United States. They comprise 4.5% of the total population. Swinging isn’t just reserved for group sex or changing partners. It is also wife-swapping as well. 

When going on a cruise ship (or even at home), there are certain symbols you will want to avoid if you aren’t into swinging. Some are obvious or becoming more obvious, while others are just beginning to emerge. This doesn’t only extend to a symbol on a door anymore. It also incorporates clothing choices. Items to avoid or use, depending on where you stand, are:

• Upside-down pineapples (or any pineapple-related clothing as it means the same thing)
• Unicorns (seen as couples looking for other couples to swing with)
• Pink flamingos (plastic lawn flamingos and on cruises)
• Garden gnomes (more on the lawn)
• White rocks around a mailbox
• Wearing a black ring on the right hand
• Wearing a red ball cap
• Thumb rings
• Toe rings
• Wedding ring worn on your right hand
• Metal star
• Yin-Yang tattoo

If you aren’t into swinging, you might want to avoid wearing any of these items. For cruisers, as more people are finding out, it doesn’t just extend to symbols displayed on the door, but clothing as well.  Here is the truth of the matter.

The Secret Signals Exposed

Swingers display one of these secret symbols to send a message to others who engage in the same lifestyle. This doesn’t just extend to a cabin room but clothing and grocery shopping.

If a symbol is displayed on your cruise cabin door, it means that you are open to the experience and other swingers are welcome. Worn on your clothing (pineapples, pink flamingos, and a black ring), it says that you are “secretly” looking. It acts as a subtle signal most casual glances wouldn’t pick up on.

A black ring worn on the right hand, despite being a common way to accessorize, is what a person uses as a conversation starter. It initiates a discussion regarding alternative lifestyles. It is a signal that you are looking to meet other people who are interested in swinging. People will note the ring and may subtly attempt to begin a conversation on swinging.

On a shopping cart, a cabin door, or in the front of a home (white rocks, pink plastic flamingo lawn ornament, and garden gnomes) indicates a swinging party is in progress, or you are looking to attend one. Unicorns are more of an emoji feature, presently, to indicate a swinger, found mostly on dating apps.

Why Do Couples Resort to Secret Signals?

Secret signals are a subtle way of saying “hello” to others interested in this type of experience. It is not something that is “open” publicly, so those interested often resort to signals to attract others looking for similar experiences. If you are unsure what being a “swinger” means, here is a brief history.

The History of Swinging

Most people think swinging began in the seventies and died off from there. However, while swinging may have decreased, it is now gaining popularity again. Many people don’t know that it originated in the 1950s when California Air Force officers began swapping their wives. What started as a private, taboo home activity now dominates clubs, websites, and cruises.

Swinging is commonly found in middle-aged couples who have grown bored with their sex life. They thought they could revitalize it by engaging in sexual exploration with other couples. Now, 20- to 30-year-olds are using it to destress after an intense work week. Also, interpretations of monogamy are changing with Millennials and Gen Xers.

What Do Pink Flamingos Mean on a Cruise?

Upside-down pineapples are the most common symbol on a cruise to indicate couples are interested in swinging. However, pink flamingos are another symbol used to indicate the same thing. 

Again, it is a series of secret symbols that people should be aware of when planning for their cruise. If you are into swinging, you will know the symbols. However, if you are not, you could find yourself in an awkward situation.

It is not uncommon for people to decorate their cruise ship doors. While you may think that you are simply decorating your space, you may inadvertently be sending out a secret message. Therefore, cruisers should be aware of these symbols so they don’t unintentionally send a mixed message.

Some may not be aware that vacations on a cruise ship are popular with those in the swinging community. Not every cruise will have those interested in swinging on board (it is unlikely overall), but cruise vacations are ideal for those interested in having fun with new partners. 

Secret symbols will be placed on a door or worn to attract those who share the same experience. Pink flamingos are one of them. 

The History Behind Pink Flamingo Meaning

A pink flamingo, through the years, has possessed several meanings. Depending on your age, you may know how the symbol has morphed through the decades. You may also not see how the meaning has changed, as it means one thing to you but now has a different connotation. This is when interesting situations can arise.

The pink flamingo was first created in 1957 by Don Featherstone. Union Products hired him to sculpt ducks and pink flamingos. The bird was originally used to brighten tract homes in post-World War II communities. It was a way to make your home stand out from other houses.

In subsequent decades, their popularity rose and fell. By the late 70s to early 80s, they were part of prank culture and symbolized a joke.  Don Featherstone was given the Nobel Art prize for the creation and later became Union Product’s president. 

Pink flamingos began as a colorful lawn ornament. People joked about it being a Florida retirement staple. People also put pink plastic flamingos in a yard to indicate someone’s birthday. However, there has been some confusion regarding the meaning – no matter what decade you’re talking about.  

What You Need to Know: When Did it Become a Swinging Symbol?

While it is unknown when the beautiful bird with the bright pink feathers became a secret symbol, it may have something to do with the fact it was initially used as a welcoming symbol. It used to be a symbol to show your hospitality and morphed from there. 

Today, the pink flamingo meaning is used as an indicator of a swinging lifestyle. This type of symbol is not as common as the others, but it does exist. They may be innocent but can also have other meanings as well. Since they aren’t as prevalent now, sometimes you can innocently get away with wearing or displaying the symbol.

However, avoid getting attached to the symbol, as things have a way of changing over time. While the pink flamingo is a debated sign regarding swinging, it is still known. You may open yourself up to commentary or uncomfortable requests if this isn’t your intention.

Pink flamingo symbolism is a more prevalent sign on cruises (to a lesser extent) and in an RV park. They are not used in online chat rooms or clothing to indicate swinging. This causes a bit of ambiguity in the swinging community because it lacks a direct meaning.

If attracting other swingers is your intention and goal, then you can display them. However, note that it is not a commonly used symbol. If you display a pink flamingo on a cruise, you may want to revert to the upside-down (or right-side-up) pineapple as stronger indicators. Due to the ambiguity, you may not be acknowledged if seen on a cruise, as most people seek the pineapple reference.

This is not to say that it won’t work, as swinging works on subtle signs. It is just more of an unknown sign. If you want to create a stronger “hint,” then most people incorporate the upside-down pineapple (right side up, now) and the pink flamingo as a more obvious cue. 

The Flamingo Challenge

When placed on a cruise ship door, as mentioned, there is some ambiguity. Since flamingos are associated with summertime fun or cocktails, the symbol may have a dual meaning.

If seen, people can shrug it off, seeing it as someone being quirky. While this can make it the perfect subtle secret signal, it might be too subtle. Those who don’t know its meaning won’t respond.

If you are into swinging, then most experts state that you may have an easier time if you book on a swinger’s cruise rather than advertising using an upside-down pineapple or pink flamingo. However, due to the rise in awareness, you may also be pleasantly surprised. 

If you are curious about what the pink flamingo meaning is on a cruise, you might need to examine the connotation closely. It could mean nothing, but it could also be a secret signal.

If you aren’t into swinging, you may want to avoid decorating your door with a pink flamingo, as it may be misleading. If you are interested in swinging, pair it with a pineapple, so the meaning isn’t lost.

Most mega-ships contain 6,000 guests and a sizable onboard crew. If everyone consumes an average of half a gallon of drinking water daily, a large volume of freshwater is consumed.

Furthermore, this guesstimation doesn’t include water used for showering, cooking, brushing teeth, etc. This leads people to wonder how cruise ships get fresh water when they’re surrounded by salt water.

How Do Cruise Ships Get Fresh Water?

It is not surprising to most people to note that cruise ships make their own drinking water. Ships are out at sea, so it makes sense that they would do this when you consider what seawater is composed of. 

Most cruise lines use either reverse osmosis processes or steam evaporation to desalinate water (remove the salt content) before adding chlorine and minerals to make it safe for consumption. This method is the same for home filtration systems, only on a larger scale.

Each ship contains large stores used for bringing some water onto each vessel while at port. However, there isn’t enough space available onboard to hold all the water necessary for a cruise.

It is easier for each vessel to generate potable water at sea rather than sourcing food. When you are floating in the middle of an ocean, the top priority is food storage.

The added minerals are for flavor. Chlorine is only used as a cleaning agent to eliminate unwanted bacteria, but it will not affect the taste. The drinking water won’t taste like you are drinking water from a pool since the amount used is much lower. The amount used is the same amount that is contained in tap water.

Cruise Line Innovation for Sourcing Fresh Water

Royal Caribbean has initiated a Save the Waves program aboard their ships. They have taken the initiative to produce the majority of the clean water they use, producing over 90% of what is consumed by private destinations and operating each vessel.

This works by using a few methods for purifying the water. These include:

1. Aeration. Aeration involves forcing air through a sink faucet and showerhead. It provides enough water pressure in each bathroom. Air is used for pressure compared to forcing the water out of a showerhead at a high volume. Guests can comfortably shower, and the cruise ship saves water. 
2. Steam Evaporation. Also called steam desalination or flash evaporation, steam evaporation uses heat and steam from a ship’s engine to boil seawater. As water evaporates, the salt remains as a by-product. Freshwater condenses back into distilled purified water.
3. Reverse Osmosis. Reverse osmosis is the second way cruise ships convert seawater into drinking water. Reverse osmosis utilizes low-energy methods in pushing saltwater through a microscopic membrane. The membranes are so tiny that only clean water will get through. The intake side blocks contaminants and salt, allowing water to pass through. It is then mineralized to add flavor.
4. Bunkering. This method involves finding fresh water that is locally sourced when at port and storing it on the ship. After collecting it, the crew tests it for any pollutants and treats it to ensure no unwanted components. Ships never use bunkers in places containing water shortages.
5. Condensing Water. Clean water is conserved or made while on board. Condensation is the most effective way of saving water. Water from air conditioners is reused for laundry and is free since it was previously generated.

The Best Place for Tasty Water on a Ship

If you obtain your water using a dispenser, it tastes better than the tap water found in cabins because it has been filtered a second time. After the second filtration, the water is cooled to a pleasant temperature and used for drinking.

The Amount of Fresh Water Cruise Ships Can Hold

Most ships can store 500,000 gallons of fresh water in massive tanks located in the hold area. After guests have used the water for showering, toilet water, laundry, etc., the crew treats it before releasing it into the ocean. 

A cruise ship will bring fresh water onboard when they visit ports. However, this water is not for drinking. This water is used for laundry, as ballast, or to cool the engines. Water used for drinking is usually taken from seawater undergoing a desalination process.

River cruise ships have smaller water stores. Fresh water supplies are topped up during each port visit, which isn’t a huge problem since their travels don’t run several days between port visits.

How Clean Is the Water on a Cruise Ship?

The water consumed aboard cruise ships is extremely clean. Using an intensive filtration process, each cruise ship ensures that the water is safe for guests. There are also rules regarding recycling water. The vessel will not reuse water for other guests aboard the ship.

The water used becomes separated into grey water used for showers and laundry. It is also separated from black water used for the toilet before being treated and released into the ocean.

According to the International Maritime Organization, cruise ships must process all water safely away from nearby land.

Is Cruise Ship Water Drinkable?

Unless otherwise indicated, tap water from a cruise ship is safe to drink. All water is chlorinated at appropriate levels and heavily filtered to remove remaining toxins. Minerals are added for a more pleasant taste.

Many ship engineers comment that cruise ship drinking water is healthier than bottled water. While it appears somewhat anecdotal, it is safe to drink tap water unless you hear of any issues, which is a good thing. Bottled water costs extra when you are on a cruise unless you purchase drink packages.

The only water that you should not consume is that found in the shower. This water is grey water and has been used before. The filtration process is not as thorough as for tap water; thus, you can get sick from drinking it.

All ice on board uses the same process as for making drinking water. The ice is handled with the same care as the food standards. Therefore, even if you choose not to drink tap water, the ice cubes found in your drink will not harm you, either. 

This process is safer than ice cubes found in some holiday resorts located on land. These resorts sometimes use tap water when making ice, despite it being unsafe.

Read Also: Can I Take a Wine Opener on a Cruise?

Additionally, while cruise ship water is safe for consumption, there may be a bit of a different chlorine level compared to ordinary tap water. Therefore, it may not be safe to use it to make baby formula. If you require distilled water for medical reasons, you should also avoid using tap water found on your cruise.

You can discuss it with your cruise line if you need to bring water on board for medical reasons. Most have different policies on the amount of water brought on board. They can also provide bottled water for you and source distilled water if you require it. You may need to pay for this service, but some luxury lines may provide it at no extra cost.

How Do Ships Get Hot Water?

Most cruise ships contain a robust system for delivering hot water where it is needed. Even though ships become temporary homes filled with thousands of people simultaneously, complaints about cold or low-pressure water are rare.

Desalinated fresh water goes into a different pumping system in the ship. It is used for cooking, baths, showers, and drinking. The heating process involves fuel consumption before pumping it around each deck.

The process is no different than a domestic hot water process. It is only done on a much larger scale in addition to more pumping. 

What Water Is in Cruise Ship Pools?

Interestingly, pool water is just treated seawater. Chemicals are added to ensure the ocean water is sanitary and safe for swimming. Some cruises will use fresh water, and others will use both. Most modern cruises use freshwater pools, which may indicate that it is easier to filter and maintain.

The salt in seawater damages pumps after enough time has elapsed. Modern ships contain more storage, so they can filter in additional freshwater better than older ships. 

Conclusion

How do cruise ships get fresh water? They use many different methods to purify the water through various processes and reuse as much water as possible for other components on the ship. This is a clever way of reducing consumption and keeping everything safe for the environment.

What makes a fun vacation on the high seas and the best way to book a cruise both depend on what type of travel experiences you enjoy. Knowing the answer to each of these will help you navigate the process.

Let’s start with a bit of planning; investigate what affects the price of a cruise; then, dive into the strategies for making your next dream cruise vacation a reality!

Planning

Regardless of which of the following ways you decide is best for booking your next cruise, start with a bit of planning. Make a list of where and when you would like to sail.

Then, utilize some helpful digital tools – travel apps. While they all offer some similar selections, the most useful apps let you select cruise regions, ports of call, cruise lines, ships, deck plans, cabin types, prices and even the particulars of weather and document requirements (passports). You make your preferred choices in these categories and the software generates lists of cruise lines and ships with arrival/departure schedules for ports of calls.

Or, hop online to see which cruise lines go to your destinations at the time you are planning your vacation. Once on the various company sites, you can find a whole host of helpful information on ships, cabins, destinations, activities and more. So, to keep from getting lost “down a rabbit hole,” make that (preliminary) list of places and times for sailing before looking through apps and websites.

This step will help you later during the “how to book” process below.

Price

Before delving into the strategies for the best way to book a cruise, let’s briefly visit the overarching topic – money. Here is one point to keep in mind as you are shopping:

The price of a cruise is much like popular hotel destinations: It is all about the occupancy rate. So, when a cruise line “drops” a new itinerary (publishes a cruise schedule), these are often good rates.

As time passes, the prices fluctuate depending on how quickly (or slowly) vacationers commit to booking. If reservations are slow, the cruise line would rather offer a cheaper price than sail with empty cabins. So, they drop the price closer to departure dates. As we shall see below (When to Book), waiting for this to happen can have a downside.

On the topic of price, consider the following strategies for the best way to book a cruise:

Two factors that can decrease the cost of your next cruise vacation are the “shoulder season” and “repositioning cruise.” The first term refers to the times of year that fall outside peak seasons. For example, October in the Caribbean and March in the Mediterranean, along with April and the end of September for Alaska, are all shoulder seasons.

The second term, “repositioning cruise,” is the one-way travel that ships make to follow ideal weather conditions. These can have deeply discounted prices since they are often longer sailing times at sea and, of course, you would have to arrange return transportation to your home port.

Another strategy is to check with your employer to see if discounts are available through the company. Many large corporations have standing arrangements with all manner of businesses, including cruise lines. You need only get the information from your place of employment to participate.

Additionally, remember to use other qualifying deals if you are a senior, teacher, first responder, past or present member of the military and even a resident of certain states.

Also, be sure to join the loyalty program of your favorite cruise line and use this membership for each and every booking. Then, when you have friends who are planning on taking a cruise (on your favorite cruise line), they can list you as the person who referred them. This can add up to some significant savings and credits for your next cruise.

How to Book

Travel Agent

Local travel agents rank high on the list of best ways to book a cruise. Why? Because they handle everything for you, and it costs you nothing to use their services. And, they may have access to special discounts that are not available to the general public.

Prior to contacting one, however, you should do a bit of research on your own: What cruise line? When to travel? Where do you want to go (itineraries)? What type of cabin do you want/need during your vacation? This will speed up the process.

Keep in mind that any changes or questions you have after booking must go through the travel agent. They are the point of contact with the cruise line and the only ones who can adjust your plans. For these reasons, this is a recommended option for first time cruisers as well.

Online

Discover some great price discounts by shopping the many competitive online travel sites. They often have lots of options from which to choose, including cruise lines, cabin types, destinations and extra perks.

These companies can offer some of the best travel rates because they pre-reserve large blocks of cabins and pass the savings along to you. The downside to this approach is that you should not expect the personalized services that often come with our other suggestions on the best way to book a cruise.

Directly with the Cruise Line

If you have your favorite cruise line, then booking directly with them might be the way to go. When you directly contact a cruise line to make a reservation, you will be placed with a Personal Cruise Consultant or some variation of this job title, such as Personal Vacation Planner (PVP). This person, while likely very busy, offers the best volume of knowledge about the ship, cabins, ports of call, amenities and other aspects.

They are also particularly helpful if you are planning group travel or want to arrange special events while on the ship. A bit of price shopping ahead of time will give you a base cost to compare to the price quoted by your consultant.

Or, use this option via the Internet. One of the best ways to book a cruise directly with the cruise line is on their website. This hybrid approach (online and direct) is easy to navigate; and, you might discover some fun activities, extras and benefits not previously thought of by using this approach.

A nice side benefit offered by some cruise lines is the option to also book an airline flight, hotels and/or ground transportation at the same time. This often comes with scheduling flexibility options, no penalties and a lowest fare guarantee.

Talk on the Phone

While it is a good idea to scout around online to see what types of cruises are sailing to your bucket list destinations, making the reservation the good ‘ole fashioned way, on the phone, is still an option. One of the reasons that this is on our list of the best way to book a cruise is because of the personal interaction.

If you have a question, you have a live person to answer it. If you want to hear about specific types of cruises/ships/activities, you have a real person on the line. If you need to make future or last-minute changes, you have a person to handle that for you.

This option can be used to talk directly with the cruise lines, speak to an online booking company representative or discuss your vacation with a travel agent. While on the phone, be sure to ask for a list of what is included in the price of your fare.

For most cruise lines, you should expect the following: meals, activities, entertainment and programs onboard, as well as your cabin. These items, however, may not be included: drinks of all kinds, gratuities, shore excursions, Internet access, laundry, classes, certain restaurants and possibly the taxes and fees. Avoid surprises and get that information when you book.

Worth Reading: Here Is How to Get the Best Deal on a Cruise

One other terrific benefit to using the phone is the option of getting “quiet offers.” These unpublished or advance price reductions are part of what you can get when you book via an online agent call, cruise consultant call or a travel agent call.

Once you get your price quote, do a little math and make sure that the cheap fare is actually going to stay cheap. For example, more desirable cabins cost more but may come with extras like a drink package or paid gratuities. This can save you money over the course of your vacation.

When to Book a Cruise

A quick search online will uncover all manner of “tips” about the timing of booking a cruise. Unfortunately, most of these suggestions are only thinly based on data.

For example, one of the most popular ideas is that Thursdays are the top choice for booking the cheapest cruises. If that were true in every scenario, then everyone would wait to make their reservations on that day.

Worth Reading: Norwegian Cruise Line Just Made it Even Easier to Book a Cruise

In the alternative, if there is some merit to this claim, then it would likely only apply in certain circumstances. For example, a cruise is not fully booked and departs in the following couple days. Perfect for a quick decision to take an unplanned or day cruise – not so perfect for scheduling family vacations.

Generally speaking, the further away from your departure date that you can make a reservation the better the rate. Fall is usually a popular time to book for the coming Wave Season – January through March. And, if sales were slow, you might pick up some deals for that season after the first of the year. Keep in mind that waiting for better prices can limit your options – particularly a choice of cabins and itineraries to heavily traveled destinations.

Insider tip: If you book months in advance and there happens to be a significant price drop later, you might be able to upgrade your cabin, get onboard credit or other perks at that time. And, another option is to inquire upfront about a standing price adjustment with the cruise line for the same purpose. It certainly would not hurt to ask!

For those who have a favorite line and know they will be traveling again, one of the best times to book a cruise is… while you are on a cruise! There are many benefits to deciding to schedule your next vacation on the ship – onboard credits, reduced deposit amounts and the option of changing your plans (dates and ships) later, to name a few.

Read Also: Top Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Cruise

Upon making your reservation is also the time to go ahead and reserve your spot for shore excursions. These activities at ports of call are often limited to a certain number of people; and, the popular ones can sell out before the ship departs its home port.

What to Do Next

At the conclusion of booking your next cruise, return to your travel apps. They are immensely helpful now and even during your cruise. Get familiar with the ship, restaurants, activities and even enjoy a “countdown clock” for your departure date! Some apps have virtual tours and others offer live webcams.

Then, while onboard, use the GPS-type apps to find your way around the mega-ships. And, other apps can keep track of your spending – all those items you buy during the cruise that will show up on your credit card at the end of your vacation. This is a great way to avoid delayed sticker shock.

Final Thoughts

A list about the best way to book a cruise would be incomplete without mentioning cruise travel insurance. This should be the final step you take to protect your money and your plans.

However, it can be a bit confusing to know what is and what is NOT covered in the policy. We have several articles to help with this final step before your next cruise vacation.