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What does an upside-down pineapple mean on a cruise ship?

March 22, 2025
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3 min read
Close-up of pineapple
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There are lots of codes in cruise culture – “alpha” codes to signal onboard emergencies, numerical codes printed on your keycard to represent your cabin number and even codes for the names of the vessels themselves. But, perhaps no code is met with as much side-eye as the pineapple and what it stands for, particularly if it’s upside-down.

What do upside-down pineapples mean when you see them on a cruise ship? Read on for more about their hidden message.

What does an upside-down pineapple mean on a cruise?

When I think of pineapples, I associate them with all things tropical — mainly pina coladas by the pool. But, for people who are swingers — couples who switch partners for the purpose of having physical relations — upside-down pineapples serve as a subtle way to indicate that they’re part of that lifestyle, thereby making it easier for potential partners to find them.

Where might I see upside-down pineapples on cruise ships?

A pineapple lying on a wooden table, upside-down
JAY’S PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES



Upside-down pineapple indicators can be subtle (think pineapple sunglasses or nail art) or more in-your-face in the form of tattoos, cabin door decorations and, of course, clothing — everything from swimsuits and trunks to trousers and button-down shirts.

Are there swingers cruises?

Yes. There are several companies — including Bliss Cruise, Temptation Cruises and Desire Cruises — that charter ships for the purpose of hosting swingers cruises exclusively for people who are engaged in the lifestyle. Those types of sailings often include racy entertainment, workshops and even playrooms, in addition to regular cruise activities and port calls.

Although nude cruises are a different type of chartered voyage, some swinger cruises are clothing-optional.

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What else should I know?

If you see an upside-down pineapple on a cruise, it doesn’t always mean that someone is a swinger. In some instances, pineapples are simply a symbol of hospitality, particularly in the South and in Hawaii.

So, if you find yourself on a voyage out of Galveston, Texas; Mobile, Alabama; or one of Florida’s many ports, or if you’re booked on a Hawaii cruise, think twice. Pineapples on someone’s attire might just mean they liked the look of the shirt, shorts or bathing suit they’re wearing.

The bottom line is that you should use discretion when making a determination about a pineapple’s meaning when you see it in the wild — or on a cruise ship.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Featured image by JENNY DETTRICK/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.