The Naughty Secret of Upside-Down Pineapples on Cruises
Many cruisers love to decorate their cabin doors—it’s a fun way to personalize their space, make it easier to find, or celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. But for some, door decor carries a more risqué message.
Notice a door that’s proudly displaying an upside-down pineapple decoration? At first glance, they seem like a cheerful, tropical accent—but seasoned cruisers know there’s a spicier story behind them. An upside-down pineapple is a discreet symbol used within the swinging community to signal that the person displaying it is open to meeting others who share the same lifestyle. Whether placed on a cabin door or worn on clothing or accessories, this subtle emblem is a quiet invitation for like-minded connections.
-
Why Pineapples?
-
Is Any Pineapple a Signal?
-
Cruise Lines and Code of Conduct
The pineapple has long been a symbol of hospitality, often displayed outside homes to signal that guests were welcome. Playfully reinterpreting this tradition, swingers adopted the upside-down pineapple as a cheeky signal of their openness—of a very different kind.
On land, you might see upside-down pineapple-themed doormats or garden flags used to signal interest. But on cruises, the symbol often shows up more creatively, from door decorations to stickers on cups to clothing.
Graphics Studio Zone | Adobe Stock
Pineapples are still a fun and happy tropical decoration, even if you’re not looking to make new friends. A pineapple displayed right-side up is usually just a pineapple. An upside-down pineapple, especially if it appears on your door or is worn prominently, is more likely to be taken as a deliberate wink and nod. Keep that in mind before approaching someone just because they happen to be wearing a pineapple print Hawaiian shirt.
Still, confusion is common—many unsuspecting cruisers have accidentally advertised themselves as "open-minded" after hanging a pineapple magnet on their door.
While some lifestyle cruises are explicitly for swingers (and advertise themselves as such), mainstream cruise lines keep a more family-friendly image. That said, no rules exist against displaying upside-down pineapples or arranging meet-ups behind closed doors.