What does an upside-down pineapple on a cruise ship mean?
Experienced cruisers have likely heard of (or even seen) an upside-down pineapple on a cruise ship door. But if you're new to cruising, you may be surprised to hear that a pineapple can be more than the garnish on your Goombay Smash.
Read on to learn what the upside-down pineapple means, how it came to be, and whether this is actually done on cruise ships.
So, what exactly does an upside-down pineapple imply?
To put it lightly, an upside-down pineapple indicates a willingness to "play with others" in the swinger lifestyle. It's a secret code that swingers use to covertly advertise their partner-swapping persuasion. On a cruise, this is usually communicated through a pineapple magnet on the stateroom door.
What Is the History of the Upside Down Pineapple, and Why Is It Associated with Swinging?
While the storied origins of the inverted pineapple are unknown, it has been used for decades in a variety of situations. If you're a member of this community, you're likely in the know and may even keep an eye out for upside down pineapples in shopping carts, on door knockers, or lapel pins.
Pineapple decorations are popular aboard cruise ships as they are connected with the tropics and having a good time. Since members of this community required a means to identify themselves in publicly (yet covertly) while on vacation, it stands to reason that the unofficial insignia became the humble pineapple - turned on it's head.
Some say that this began as an urban legend, but it's clearly evolved into a real phenomenon on cruises. We have seen evidence of it out "in the wild," and it's always a fun tidbit to share over supper in the main dining room.
What should I do if I encounter an upside-down pineapple on a cruise ship?
If you're strolling down the shipboard hallways and come across an upside-down pineapple on a stateroom door - this can mean one of two things:
- The occupants are adventurous swingers
- Someone has played a joke on unknowing cruisers
How about "regular" pineapples?
If you're not a member of this lifestyle, you may want to avoid displaying an upside down pineapple to avoid awkward interactions. However, right side up pineapples have no ulterior meaning.
Whichever way you swing it, we suggest making your intentions clear with our This Side Up pineapple cruise door magnets. We have options for every persuasion!