A cruise is generally a relaxing escape, filled with tropical vibes, sunshine, and ocean breezes. But for some passengers, a seemingly innocent decoration—a small pineapple sticker on cabin doors—has led to unexpected realizations. A vacationer recently shared her surprise after spotting these “cute little pineapples” on several doors during a cruise. Initially, she saw them as fun, tropical decor. However, the truth behind upside-down pineapples turned out to be more than she bargained for.

Pineapples in Pop Culture and Tradition

Pineapples have long been associated with hospitality, warmth, and welcoming vibes, particularly in territories like West Africa and Latin America. In popular culture, they’ve been linked to SpongeBob SquarePants, where the cheerful cartoon character famously lives inside a pineapple under the sea. Pineapple emblems are common in home decor, too, often symbolizing friendliness and generosity.

However, while pineapples usually represent these wholesome qualities, things can take a turn when they appear upside down—especially on an adult-themed cruise.

The Unusual Pineapple Symbol on Adult Cruises

Dominique, a TikToker using the handle @blogionistatravels, documented her first cruise experience with a video that quickly went viral. As she walked through the ship’s corridors, she noticed many cabin doors decorated with small pineapple stickers. The short video, captioned, “When you’re on your first cruise and you see that everyone has these little cute pineapples on their door,” gained 21 million views since it was posted in September 2022.

The clip prompted a flurry of reactions, ranging from curiosity to amusement. One commenter imagined an innocent explanation, writing, “The welcome one with the butterfly makes me think it’s a sweet old lady who just loves pineapples.” Another joked, “Still waiting on the name of the cruise… for a friend, of course.”

@blogionistatravels Awww how cute, I wonder what’s the occasion. 😂😭 #cruise #cruisetiktok #cruisetok #pineapples #pineapple #cruisewithme #cruisetips #cruisetipsandtricks #cruiseshiplife #cruiseshiplife ♬ original sound – Dominique | Blogionista Travel

Upside-Down Pineapples: A Swinger Symbol

While most people see pineapples as a tropical symbol, they have a different, more provocative meaning among swingers. According to Cruisehive, pineapples—particularly when displayed upside down—are a well-known signal for those interested in swinging. In adult-only cruises, the upside-down pineapple becomes a covert invitation to swinger parties or spouse-swapping events. This unexpected revelation can be quite a shock for travelers who aren’t familiar with this secret code.

Dominique’s video served as both a humorous discovery and an eye-opener for many viewers. One TikTok user simply commented, “Baby, just keep walking,” suggesting that it’s best for unaware travelers to move on when faced with such decorations.

Other Signs and Subtle Codes Among Swingers

The upside-down pineapple isn’t the only discreet signal used within the swinger community. There are several other symbols that might go unnoticed by those outside of the lifestyle. Swingers often use black rings worn on the right hand, while others may move their wedding rings from the left to the right hand as a subtle hint. On certain cruises, dedicated events or themed nights might make these signals more apparent to those in the know.

However, for travelers who prefer to avoid these situations, the key is to recognize the symbols and steer clear of areas where they appear frequently. Adult-only swinger cruises also exist, where passengers sign up knowing exactly what they’re in for.

A Word of Advice for First-Time Cruisers

If you’re new to cruising and not aware of the symbolism, it’s important to keep an open mind and a good sense of humor. Most of the time, these symbols aren’t meant to offend—they’re simply a form of communication among those who share similar interests. Still, it can be a surprise to come across such signals on what is supposed to be a relaxing vacation.

As one TikTok commenter put it, “Not all fruits are as sweet as they look!” The lesson here? It’s worth learning the customs and codes of cruise life before you set sail, just in case a cute pineapple means more than it seems.

The Humorous Side of Travel Discoveries

The story of the upside-down pineapple is one of many unexpected surprises that travelers may encounter. While most people embark on cruises expecting sun, sea, and new destinations, they can also discover hidden social codes that reveal the diverse dynamics of the cruising world. For some, the experience adds a dose of humor to their trip. For others, it’s a reminder to always expect the unexpected while exploring new places.

So, if you find yourself on a cruise and notice an upside-down pineapple, remember: it might be more than just a quirky piece of decor. And as Dominique discovered, there’s always more to learn when it comes to cruising—sometimes, it’s all about seeing the hidden messages that lie behind the surface. Whether you’re there for fun or just passing through, it’s all part of the adventure.