If you’ve ever seen an upside-down pineapple symbol on a cruise ship you’ve probably wondered why it was there. Whether you’re just curious about the symbol or you want to get to started experimenting with pineapples on cruise ships, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this guide.
While most people would see it as a harmless decoration, pineapples on cruise ships actually have a secret meaning that relates to the lifestyle of swinging (partner sharing/swapping).
For this post, I was lucky enough to be able to interview a cruiser (and swinger) called Paul who helped to sort fact from fiction. For years I’ve heard rumours about the secret symbols swingers use on cruise ships and it was amazing to be able to find out from somebody who uses them, what it really means.
During our conversation, Paul taught me about some of the symbols that swingers use onboard cruises and how he personally likes to incorporate the upside-down pineapple into his day to day cruise life.
This post will help you to show others that you are a swinger (if you are) and how to avoid giving off those messages if that isn’t something that interests you.
We will also briefly look at the history of pineapple symbolism and the pineapple itself.
What do Pineapples Mean on Cruise Ships?
On cruises the pineapple symbol is used by swingers to identify each other and signal their interest in partner swapping when on a cruise. Swingers on cruise ships display pineapple symbols in a number of ways such as stickers or magnets to get the attention of others.
Swinging is a lifestyle that involves sexual activity with multiple partners and it is currently practised by over 2% of Americans. Over 4% of Amercians said that they at some point had taken part in swinging. – source.
It’s not that uncommon for swingers to seek out partners whilst on cruise holidays.
The upside-down pineapple symbol allows swingers to discreetly identify each other, and avoid any embarrassing situations with unwanted advances to non-swingers.
An Interview with a Cruise Ship Swinger
I spoke to a man called Paul who is a swinger and who uses the pineapple symbol whilst cruising to attract others. He was kind enough to answer my questions honestly and frankly.
This is what he had to say:
Does a Pineapple on a Cabin Door Really Mean That a Person is a Swinger Who is Open to Meeting New People?
“Yes, it does. Usually, pineapples on cabin doors are actually upside down, meaning please give us a knock, we’d like some action. Come join the party!“
“Magnetic pineapples like a fridge magnet work well. They are usually removed from the door when going to bed to sleep, so as not to be disturbed by knocks all night!
You can get magnet pineapples on Amazon here.
Don’t forget some mischievous folk not actually into swinging just buy a load of pineapple stickers from Ebay before a cruise, and have a laugh sticking them on random doors throughout the cruise, much to the annoyance of other guests. I’ve heard that done before on some Facebook groups.“
What Would Happen If You Saw a Pineapple on a Door on a Cruise, Do People Just Knock?
“Of course they do! My wife and I prefer to meet swingers on board organically (like at a bar or something) so the knock-at-the-door thing is not for us.
However, we’ve spoken to many couples who say they get knocks from singles and couples looking to play.“
Are Pineapples Used In Other Ways on Cruises and Does This Go Beyond Cruising?
“I honestly think it’s just a cruise thing, I’ve not heard of it or tried it outside of a ship.
The way my wife and I attract others is by using pineapple stickers upon our person.”
“I always have a small one stuck to the front of my cruise card so people can notice it when I’m at the bar ordering a drink. Or I’ll place it on the bar with pineapple side up so it gets seen by others nearby.“
“On a night, later on, say at a late bar or nightclub, my wife and I will openly wear a larger 3-inch pineapple sticker on our tops to really get noticed!
Earlier on in the evening, when we aren’t being as overt, we both use colourful pineapple straws with a paper-expanding pineapple at the top. You know like for a cocktail decoration.
We always get some knowing winks, nods and smirks with those!“
The above can be found on Amazon here.
Are There Other Signs That People Use to Identify Other Swingers on a Cruise?
The only other way I know of is by using a website called Fab Swingers. Their App for their many thousands of members has a location function so you can turn it on at any time and see if there are any members nearby, like actually on board your cruise.
We used that on a recent European cruise but the nearest couples were land-based couples in the cities/ports we were visiting.
Some swingers will use their clothing in other ways to show that they are a swinger. The below are examples:
This hat can be found on Amazon here, it comes in multiple colours and is subtle enough that most people wouldn’t understand what it means.
The same can be said for these shorts that can be found here.
Do You Ever Get to Know Other Swingers Before a Cruise?
We don’t as we prefer the thrill of finding another couple (or two) who may be on board by chatting to attractive others.
It’s also fun finding a “Vanilla” couple* and suggesting naughty fun to them. Some run a mile but many are very genuinely interested and flattered to be asked. It’s all part of the fun, the thrill of the chase and who you might find.
*A vanilla relationship is one with all the traditional values in dating, commitment, trust, monogamy, and nothing “out of the ordinary.” Vanilla couples focus on their main goal of building a stable relationship and never stray from it.
The History of the Upside-Down Pineapple Symbol
The upside-down pineapple is a symbol that has been used for many years at holiday destinations, not just on cruise ships.
The exact origin of the Pineapple symbol is unknown, but it has been associated with the swinger community for many years.
The symbol has also been used as a sign of welcome and hospitality for centuries.
A Brief, But Interesting History of Pineapples!
- In 1493 Christopher Columbus brings pineapples back to Europe from Guadeloupe – Most rotted on the voyage over to Spain!
- In 1650 the first greenhouses were used to grow Pineapples in Europe, the temperature was too cold for successful growing outside.
- Pineapples become a symbol of wealth and hospitality in Europe and America in the 1700s. In the Mid 18th Century, one pineapple could cost the equivalent of $8K!
- People would actually hire Pineapples and carry them around as a sign of status! Pineapple decorations became very popular- plates, wallpaper, napkins, and even teapots shaped like pineapples could be bought.
- 1700 -1800 Pineapples are grown on a larger scale by wealthy families in Greenhouses.
- 1850 Industrialisation ended the pineapple scarcity and prices fell. Pineapples were grown on a large scale in the Azores and The Caribbean.
- 1898 Hawaii joined the USA, and James Dole a pioneer of Pineapple production soon became known as the “King of the Pineapples.” His company grew up to 70% of the world’s pineapples by the 1950s.
As pineapples became more widely available, they began to be used as a symbol of welcome and hospitality.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, pineapples were a common sight in home decoration, and in the UK some rich people even decorated or built buildings in a pineapple design!
The fruit was seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, and it was often given as a gift to friends and family.
Today, the upside-down pineapple symbol is still used as a sign of welcome and hospitality in some circles.
While the symbol may have different meanings to different people, its history as a symbol of hospitality and friendship is well-established.
The Upside Down Pineapple as a Symbol on a Cruise
An upside-down pineapple in most situations indicates that the people inside are actively searching for a swinging party.
This symbol is used by people who are involved in the swinger lifestyle and want to discretely advertise their partner-swapping/sharing persuasion.
On a cruise, this is usually communicated through a pineapple magnet on the cabin door.
However, it is important to note that not all upside-down pineapples on cruise ships are related to the swinger lifestyle!
There are actually companies out there that offer cruises solely for swingers.
It is also worth mentioning that the upside-down pineapple is not the only symbol that swingers use to identify one another on a cruise ship.
Women may wear anklets, toe rings, and other jewellery or badges that can indicate their interest in partner swapping. However, these symbols are not as widely recognised as the upside-down pineapple.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Upside-down Pineapple | Indicates a willingness to “play with others” in the swinger lifestyle |
| Anklets and Toe Rings | Women wear these to indicate their interest in partner swapping. Anklets like this which feature a pineapple are very popular. |
| Wearing Pineapple badges | Indicates the person may be actively looking for other swingers |
| Pineapple stickers on cruise cards | To attract the attention of others whist at the bar ordering drinks |
Jewellery featuring things like upside pineapples are a subtle way to suggest to others that somebody is part of the swinging community.
The below necklace is from here and it would be easy to not know what this one meant.
It is important to respect the privacy and boundaries of other passengers on a cruise ship.
If you see an upside-down pineapple on a cabin door, or people wearing clothing with a pineapple design, it is best not to automatically assume that the people are swingers!
Misconceptions and Controversies
There are a few misconceptions and controversies surrounding the pineapple symbol. Here are a few:
| Misconception | Reality |
|---|---|
| The upside-down pineapple is only used by swingers on cruise ships. | While it is commonly used as a symbol for swingers on cruise ships, the upside-down pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality and welcome for centuries. |
| Everyone who puts an upside-down pineapple on their cabin door is a swinger. | Not everyone who puts an upside-down pineapple on their cabin door is a swinger. Sometimes people put them on friends cabin doors as a joke. Others may use it as a way to meet new people without necessarily engaging in swinging activities. |
| Swinging is illegal on cruise ships. | Swinging is not illegal on cruise ships, as long as it is consensual and does not violate any laws or regulations |
How Many Swingers Take Cruises?
Over 2% of the adult population in the US currently take part in swinging.
That means that if the 29 million people per year who take a cruise swing in the same proportions as Americans there will be 580,000 swingers cruising each year.
That’s enough to fill the biggest cruise ship in the world over 80 times so swinging definitely isn’t a niche pursuit.
Why Do Swingers Choose Cruises Over Other Vacations?
There are a number of reasons why some swingers choose to take cruises above other types of vacations.
A cruise provides a safe and private environment to meet others. Every guest has their own private cabin and passengers are always welcome to invite other guests back to the rooms.
Due to the number of people that take a cruise, there is likely to be somebody else who’s interested in the same lifestyle. Roughly 1 in 50 people in the US takes part in swinging and with most cruise ships having thousands of guests, there are lots of people to meet.
Cruises attract a range of ages and personalities, meaning that most swingers can find somebody else that they are interested in.
This is unlike most land resorts which tend to have much narrower demographics.
Are There Swinger-Specific Cruises?
There are some swinger-specific cruises that can be booked through certain agencies.
These include the chartering of big cruise ships such as Royal Caribbeans Symphony of The Seas!
TSC Cruises is one of the biggest providers of swingers cruises. Their website notes that their cruises are ‘clothing optional’ and for adventurous couples.
I love how the website says what percentage of the cruise will be under 45, I wish regular cruises offered that kind of insight!
“Some couples just want a chance to enjoy a clothing optional vacation. Many couples are curious about opening their relationships to include ‘play’ with other partners.
TSC Cruises
Others just want to experience their sensuality together in a more deep and connected way.”
It isn’t just ocean cruises that are swinger specific, there are many river cruises available. It is easier for swinger cruises to fill smaller ships like river ships so this is a popular choice.
When big ocean cruise ships are used for swingers cruises they are full ship charters meaning that the company that is booking the swinging cruise books all of the cabin spaces. Don’t worry that you might end up on a swingers cruise by mistake, that won’t happen!
On swingers chartered cruises they will sometimes:
- Turn some venues into playrooms
- Change the rules on the pool areas to allow topless sunbathing
- Add themed parties
- Offer excursions that include elements of nudity
What Does This Mean in Reality?
Upside-down pineapples have become a symbol of the swinger lifestyle on cruise ships but these are not the only symbols and there are also swinger-specific cruises available.
It’s important to note that not everyone who displays an upside-down pineapple on their cabin door is a swinger.
Some people simply like the image of this tropical fruit and use it as a decoration. Others may be unaware of the symbol’s meaning altogether!
Whether or not you choose to participate in this lifestyle is a personal decision, but it’s always important to be aware of the symbols and codes used by different communities.
I have personally never noticed an upside-down pineapple on a cabin door when cruising. I will be keeping an eye out now though.
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