The Surprising Secret Meaning Behind Upside-Down Pineapples on Cruise Ship Cabin Doors

hallway on cruise ship

It was supposed to be a relaxing, family-friendly cruise vacation, but one TikToker’s first-time cruise experience took an unexpected turn when she discovered the hidden meaning behind those “cute little pineapples” adorning cabin doors. As it turns out, the upside-down pineapple is a well-known symbol in the world of swingers, and it’s becoming increasingly common on adult-oriented cruise ships.

Pineapples: From Tropical Décor to Swingers’ Signal

Typically, pineapple emblems and ornaments are appreciated for their decorative appeal.

Typically, pineapple emblems and ornaments are appreciated for their decorative appeal, with roots tracing back to regions like West Africa and Latin America. In popular culture, pineapples are famously associated with the iconic cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants, who lives in a vibrant yellow pineapple under the sea.

However, the meaning of pineapples takes on a more provocative twist when it comes to the adult cruise scene. As discovered by TikToker Dominique (@blogionistatravels), these seemingly harmless tropical fruits are actually serving as a covert signal to fellow swingers on board the ship.

Cruise Ship Corridor Revelation: Pineapples Galore

Dominique, documenting her first cruise experience on social media, shared a video featuring various cabin doors adorned with pineapple stickers.

In her viral TikTok video, which has amassed over 21 million views since its September 2022 posting, Dominique documents her surprise at seeing pineapple decorations adorning various cabin doors during her first-ever cruise experience. “When you’re on your first cruise and you see that everyone has these little cute pineapples on their door,” she captioned the 15-second clip.

Viewer Reactions and Cautionary Advice

She captioned the video, "When you’re on your first cruise and you see that everyone has these little cute pineapples on their door."

The video sparked a flurry of reactions from TikTok users, some of whom offered humorous and cautionary advice. One commenter remarked, “The welcome one with the butterfly makes me think it’s a sweet old lady that thinks ppl just decorate with pineapples on cruises & want to decorate.” Another quipped, “Still waiting on name of cruise… for a friend of course.”

Swinger Symbolism Explained

As it turns out, the presence of pineapples on cruise ship doors is more than just innocent decoration. According to Cruisehive, pineapples are a well-known symbol indicating an interest in swinging, a practice often associated with wife-swapping and adult-themed parties. These motifs, when displayed upside down, act as a discreet signal for fellow swingers on board.

Other Subtle Swinger Signals

The presence of pineapples on cruise doors is more than just innocent decoration.

Pineapples aren’t the only indicator used by swingers on cruise ships. Many adopt additional subtle signals, such as wearing black rings or moving their wedding bands from the left to the right hand. For those who prefer to be more open about their preferences, there are even dedicated adult-only swingers cruises available.

Unsuspecting Cruisers Beware

As one commenter advised, “Baby just keep walking,” it’s clear that not everyone is aware of the hidden meanings behind these decorations. For unsuspecting travelers, the upside-down pineapple trend is a humorous yet informative reminder of the diverse and sometimes unexpected customs encountered while cruising.

Navigating the Cruise Ship Pineapple Landscape

So, what’s a curious cruiser to do? If you’re not part of the swinging community, it’s probably best to steer clear of those upside-down pineapples. However, if you’re interested in exploring the adult-oriented side of cruising, it might be worth doing some research and finding a cruise that caters to those preferences.

Embracing the Diversity of Cruise Ship Cultures

At the end of the day, the cruise industry is a diverse and complex world, with a wide range of experiences and subcultures to discover. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway or an adult-oriented adventure, it’s important to be aware of the nuances and potential hidden meanings behind seemingly innocuous decorations.

Conclusion: Embracing the Surprises and Diversity of Cruise Ship Culture

The upside-down pineapple saga is a prime example of the unexpected and often eye-opening discoveries that can occur during a cruise vacation. While it may come as a surprise to some, it’s a reminder that the cruise industry is a microcosm of our larger world, with all its unique customs, preferences, and subcultures. By approaching each new experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn, cruisers can truly embrace the full breadth of what the high seas have to offer.

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