A vacationer on a cruise recently found herself puzzled after noticing “cute little pineapples” stuck to various cabin doors. While these fruity symbols are often seen as cheerful tributes to tropical getaways, their meaning can shift significantly depending on how they’re displayed—particularly when they’re upside down. It didn’t take long for fellow travelers to warn her about the hidden implications behind these unusual decorations.

Pineapple Symbolism: From Pop Culture to Hidden Codes

Pineapples have long been symbols of hospitality, warmth, and welcome, with origins tracing back to West Africa and Latin America. Their cheerful and tropical appearance makes them popular in home decor. In pop culture, pineapples are perhaps best known from the beloved cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants, where the main character lives in a pineapple under the sea.

However, while pineapples generally signify friendliness, things change dramatically in certain adult contexts, such as cruises. When flipped upside down, these symbols take on a whole new meaning.

Upside-Down Pineapples on Adult Cruises

Dominique, a TikToker known as @blogionistatravels, took to social media to share her first cruise experience. As she wandered through the ship’s corridors, she noticed that many cabin doors were adorned with pineapple stickers. Curious, she posted a short 15-second video with the caption, “When you’re on your first cruise and you see that everyone has these little cute pineapples on their door.”

@blogionistatravels Awww how cute, I wonder what’s the occasion. 😂😭 #cruise #cruisetiktok #cruisetok #pineapples #pineapple #cruisewithme #cruisetips #cruisetipsandtricks #cruiseshiplife #cruiseshiplife ♬ original sound – Dominique | Blogionista Travel

The video, which has amassed 21 million views since its September 2022 posting, quickly went viral. Dominique’s innocent observation led to a wave of comments, with viewers both amused and informative. One user joked, “The welcome one with the butterfly makes me think it’s just a sweet old lady who loves pineapples.” Another user quipped, “Still waiting on the name of the cruise… for a friend, of course.”

The Secret Meaning of Pineapples Among Swingers

While Dominique’s video may have depicted the pineapples as innocent decor, their real meaning on certain cruises is far from it. According to Cruisehive, pineapples—particularly when displayed upside down—are a recognized symbol among swingers, signaling an interest in partner-swapping and swinger parties. This covert form of communication has become more popular on adult-themed cruises, where participants use subtle codes to find like-minded individuals.

For those who don’t belong to the swinger community, seeing these pineapples can be both surprising and confusing. Dominique’s discovery serves as an entertaining reminder that travel sometimes brings unexpected customs and signals.

Other Swinger Signals You Might Not Know

Upside-down pineapples are just one of many subtle signs used by the swinger community. Black rings worn on the right hand, or wedding rings switched from the left hand to the right, are also signals of interest in swinging. On adult-only swinger cruises, these signals are often more direct, as everyone on board is aware of the theme. However, on general cruises, the signs remain discreet, meant only for those in the know.

Many travelers, like Dominique, remain unaware of these secret codes until someone explains them. One TikTok commenter summed it up well: “Baby, just keep walking,” implying that unless you’re part of that community, it’s best to avoid interpreting these symbols too deeply.

A Lighthearted Lesson for Cruise Newbies

For first-time cruisers or travelers unfamiliar with these subtle signals, encountering upside-down pineapples can be a source of confusion—and amusement. For the most part, the symbols are not meant to offend. They simply act as a form of communication among adults who share similar interests. As one commenter pointed out humorously, “Not every fruit is as sweet as it looks!”

The hidden meanings behind these signals are just one of many quirky aspects of cruise culture. While some travelers may embrace the open atmosphere, others may prefer to simply observe and move on. Regardless, it’s all part of the adventure of exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures—sometimes even onboard a ship.

The Takeaway for Travelers

Travel often brings unexpected discoveries, and cruising is no exception. Whether it’s encountering new foods, meeting people from different backgrounds, or learning the meaning behind strange symbols like upside-down pineapples, there’s always something to surprise you.

The next time you’re on a cruise and notice a pineapple sticker on a cabin door, it’s worth considering the context. It could be an innocent nod to tropical vibes—or a secret message for those seeking a more adventurous experience. Either way, it’s a reminder that travel is about keeping an open mind and embracing the unexpected.

So, as Dominique learned on her cruise, sometimes the little details have the biggest stories behind them. And whether you find it amusing, surprising, or simply part of the cruise culture, it’s all part of what makes traveling a fun and enlightening experience.