If you’ve ever found yourself wandering around a cruise ship, soaking up the sun and sipping your third piña colada before 2pm, and suddenly spotted a pineapple – maybe on a door, towel, shirt, or even carved into someone’s cabin decoration, you might’ve asked yourself: “WTF is up with all these pineapples?”

Well, my friend… buckle up. You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not imagining it.

🍍 The Innocent Pineapple… or Is It?

Let’s start with the basics. Historically, the pineapple has been a universal symbol of hospitality. Back in the day, if someone put a pineapple in the middle of their dinner table, it meant “You’re welcome here!” – kind of like a colonial version of a warm hug and a glass of prosecco.

So naturally, when cruise lines began embracing themes of luxury, welcome, and tropical vibes, pineapples made their way onboard. They’re cute. They’re summery. They look great on beach towels. So far, so innocent.

But oh boy… there’s a plot twist.

🍍 The Upside-Down Pineapple… A Different Story

Here’s where things get spicy.

If you see a pineapple upside-down – especially on someone’s cabin door, worn on clothing, or as part of their luggage tag, it might not just be a love for fruit.

In the world of unofficial cruise codes, an upside-down pineapple has become the not-so-secret symbol of swingers. Yep. You read that right.

It’s like the adult version of passing notes in class… but with more SPF and less subtlety. Rumour has it that some cruisers use this symbol to discreetly signal they’re open to some extra… socialising at sea.

🛳️ So… Is This a Swingers Cruise?

Probably not. Most cruises are just packed with you’re usual sun-seekers, buffet lovers, and travel enthusiasts. But like any floating mini-city, you’ll find all kinds of people onboard – and the pineapple lore has become part of cruising culture, even if just as a running joke.

Most people wearing pineapple-print swimsuits probably have no idea what it means – and others are very aware. The fun is in not quite knowing which is which.

🤔 Should You Panic?

Absolutely not.

Just because your cabin neighbour has a pineapple on their door doesn’t mean they’re about to invite you to a toga party (unless you’re into that – no judgment). Cruise ships are big enough that you can keep to yourself or dive into the social side as much (or as little) as you like.

At worst, you’ll giggle to yourself every time you pass the fruit section at the buffet. At best, you’ve just unlocked one of cruising’s juiciest inside jokes.

🍹 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re here for the sun, the spa, or the secret subcultures, cruising comes with its own weird and wonderful quirks — and pineapples are just one of them.

So next time you’re onboard and spot one, ask yourself:

“Is this just a tropical print… or a wink?”