Secret symbols on cruises: What pineapples, black rings, and the like really mean

If you're on a cruise and suddenly see a conspicuous number of pineapple motifs, black rings, or unicorn stickers, it's probably no coincidence. These seemingly harmless accessories often have a hidden message behind them—at least for those in the know.

For most people, the pineapple is a symbol of vacation, exoticism, and tropical drinks. But on cruise ships, it sometimes takes on a completely different meaning—especially when it's upside down.

In the swinger community, the upside-down pineapple symbol represents a clear invitation: "We are open to swapping partners." The code serves as a discreet way to identify like-minded people on board—whether on T-shirts, as a tattoo, on drinking cups, or even as a decoration on the cabin door. Those who consciously wear the motif signal: We belong to the scene.

But be careful: Not every pineapple is a signal. In regions like Hawaii or the Southern United States, the fruit is traditionally considered a sign of hospitality. So, if you're traveling on a route around Galveston or Miami, you should be careful with your interpretation—not everyone carries a pineapple with ulterior motives.

Former cruise crew members like Lucy Southerton report further subtle clues to the swinger scene on board. Particularly striking: a black ring on the right ring finger.

What looks like a stylish accessory is actually another distinguishing mark among swingers. According to Southerton, who worked on cruise ships for over ten years, this code isn't officially recognized, but it's firmly established in the scene, as she explains on her YouTube channel "Cruising as Crew."

But here, too, context is everything. So, if you see a black ring, don't immediately judge—some people wear it simply because it looks good. But in combination with other symbols or flirtatious behavior, there could be more to it.

At themed parties, in spa areas or at pool bars, you may also encounter so-called unicorns – sometimes recognizable by symbols such as small unicorn stickers on the cabin door or even matching tattoos.

A unicorn is a solo traveler who is open to sexual contact with couples – usually a bisexual woman. However, men or non-binary people can also express this – although they are usually referred to differently in the scene. Men, for example, are jokingly referred to as rhinos – rarely, but with significantly less romantic connotations.

However, the unicorn role is controversial in the polyamory scene. As one Reddit user who has long been a unicorn in the casual dating world reports, this often creates an unbalanced dynamic: The third person is invited to become a seemingly equal part of a couple. In reality, however, the couple often expects them to put their needs aside and not question their relationship. This can quickly become manipulative or emotionally exploitative.

You can also encounter so-called unicorns at themed parties, in spa areas or at pool bars.

Source: imago images/MiS

This dynamic can also occur on board a cruise ship—especially when couples seek quick adventures without clearly communicating expectations or boundaries. This makes it all the more important that encounters on the high seas—whether at a themed party or over drinks in the lounge—are based on respect, honesty, and mutual consent.

Mermaid motifs – for example in the form of stickers or decals on the cabin door – can also serve as a discreet identification mark.

In the swinger and polyamory scene, a mermaid is a married woman who travels alone and specifically seeks out erotic or romantic adventures with couples outside of her marriage. According to former crew member Lucy Southerton, as she tells the Daily Mail, this role model is particularly common on cruises.

Knowledge for the cruise

The rainbow has long been an established symbol in the LGBTQ+ community, standing for diversity, freedom, and tolerance. But the term "rainbow" also has a special meaning in the swinger and polyamory scene.

Rainbows are people who are open to relationships or sexual encounters with all genders and in all constellations. On board, they often wear colorful bracelets, pins, or decorate their cabin doors with rainbow details. Especially on Pride or themed cruises, the symbol is a sign of openness and inclusion – beyond traditional relationship patterns.

The rainbow symbol is a well-known symbol in the LGBTQ+ community and stands for diversity, tolerance and sexual freedom.

Source: IMAGO/Zoonar

Those who want to travel among like-minded people can now find a wide selection of themed cruises – from LGBTQ+ celebrations to erotic adventure trips.

Cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Holland America Line regularly offer LGBTQ+-friendly cruises with Pride events, flag ceremonies, and queer entertainment programs. For example, Celebrity Cruises' Pride Party at Sea takes place annually in June.

Bliss Cruise offers charter trips exclusively for couples.

Source: IMAGO/Zoonar

Providers such as Bliss Cruise, Temptation Cruises and Desire Cruises organize adults-only cruises or couples-only luxury cruises for swingers and open-minded couples – including theme parties, clothing-optional areas and erotic workshops.

These trips are often fully chartered, meaning the entire atmosphere on board is tailored to the respective community.

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