What Does an Upside-Down Pineapple on Cruise Ship Door Mean?

An upside-down pineapple on a cruise ship can have a different meaning than an upright one.

So what is the meaning of an upside down pineapple on a cruise or elsewhere for that matter?

The most common interpretation of an upside-down pineapple is that it’s a sign that the occupants of the cabin are open to meeting other couples for ‘adult fun’.

upside down pineapple on a swing

What Does Upside-down Pineapple Mean Sexually?

In other words, an upside-down pineapple is a secret code used by swingers to find each other on cruise ships.

While there are cruises specifically for swingers, it’s not uncommon for people in committed relationships to seek out partners for wife-swapping or partner-swapping on regular cruises.

Of course, not everyone who sees an upside-down pineapple will interpret it sexually in this way.

Some people may simply think it’s a quirky decoration or a sign that the owners of the cabin are fun-loving and up for a good time.

However, if you’re on a cruise and you see an upside-down pineapple, it’s worth bearing in mind that it could be a sign that the occupants are open to some extra-curricular activities and a potential invite to a swingers party.

upside down pineapple on cruise ship door
Upside down pineapple on cruise ship door

Related Read: Best Swingers and Lifestyle Cruises

Where Might You See Upside Down Pineapples?

According to people living the lifestyle upside down, pineapple might be used in various instances to drop hints they are in the lifestyle.

For example, they might feature the design in their clothing or accessories.

Or perhaps place the pineapple upside down in a shopping cart.

They are displayed in swingers’ porches, mailboxes, door knockers, or doormats.

However, these days the pineapple swingers’ symbols are more often displayed in dating apps and social media profiles and posts 🍍 .

Of course when on a cruise, swingers will most commonly hang an upside-down pineapple magnet, stickers, and other forms of decoration on the cruise door.

Upside Down Pineapple Joke

Never assume an upside-down pineapple on a stateroom door is an open invitation.  Even when used legitimately, it’s simply to start a conversation amongst like-minded people.

You also have to bear in mind some people will unwittingly display a pineapple upside-down just for the fun of it or as part of a practical joke they might be playing.

There’s also the possibility someone could be using it to play a joke on someone and turn people’s upright pineapples upside down for a laugh.

Funny Pineapples on Beach with sunglasses
Pineapples on a sunny beach

What’s the Origin of Upside Down Pineapple Swinging?

The term “swinging” was first used in reference to sexual activity in the 1960s at the time of the sexual revolution, and swinging started to become more mainstream. 

Swingers are defined as couples who engage in sexual activities with other people outside of their relationship.

While there is no definitive answer to how or why the pineapple became a symbol for swingers, there are a few theories.

One theory suggests that because pineapples are often found in tropical climates, they came to be associated with paradise and relaxation – two things that are definitely conducive to a good time.

Another theory claims that the pineapple became a symbol because it is a fruit that is shareable, just like partners in a swinging relationship.

This is backed up by the fact that in many cultures, the pineapple is seen as a symbol of hospitality and welcome, which would make sense given that swingers are often hosting parties.

Upside Down Pineapple
Upside Down Pineapple

Why People Swing?

People engage in partner-swapping or wife-swapping for a variety of reasons. Some people enjoy the thrill of meeting new people and exploring new sexual experiences, while others see it as a way to add some excitement to their current relationship.

Is Swinging on Cruise Ships Common?

According to a 2018 study, approximately 2.35% of Americans identified as swingers.  So approximately 1 in 43 people.

Amongst cruise ship passengers, the percentage of swingers is likely to be very similar.  

So on a large cruise ship, you might expect the following passenger to swingers ratio (if 2.35%)

  • 4000 passengers estimate 94 swingers
  • 5000 passengers estimate 117 swingers
  • 6000 passengers estimate 141 swingers

Of course, these are just rough estimates.

Whether that 2.35% are more likely to engage in swinging as part of enjoying their vacation will vary amongst the couples themselves, although its well-known sex drives generally increase when on vacation.

People are more in the mood to let their hair down amongst strangers they will unlikely to see again and with whom they can have some fun.

There are of course, specific lifestyle swingers cruises they could book if they really wanted it to be part of their vacation.

As a non-swinging passenger, there is nothing to worry about as you are very unlikely to come across any swinging activity or parties because even if it is going on it will be behind cabin doors.

What a Upright Pineapple on Cruise Door Meaning?

The pineapple is a tropical fruit that is a common symbol associated with a warm sunny climate which one might experience on a summer vacation.

In the past, a pineapple displayed in the home has been a symbol of luxury and wealth. This is because pineapples were expensive to import and cultivate in the 17th and early 18th centuries.

In architecture and homes, the pineapple is often seen as a symbol of welcoming hospitality.

On a cruise ship, whether on clothing, a drink, or a cruise ship door they are just that, an exotic symbol or decoration.

Below you can see a pineapple is just one of many decorations on the cruise cabin door:

What Does Pineapple Clothing Mean?

Clothing with pineapples on it can have a number of different meanings or none at all. 

For some, it may simply be a fashion statement or a way to show their love of the fruit or simply the dress design or Hawaiin T-shirt design of choice chosen with total disregard for any hidden meanings.

For others, it may be a way to show that they are fun-loving and easy-going.

It could also be interpreted as a sign that the person is looking for a fun and casual relationship.   

There’s also the possibility it could be used as a fun conversation piece between people who know the various possible meanings.

Some people specifically look for Upside Down T-shirts like the one below:

You might also spot some passengers wearing upside-down pineapple accessories including:

  • Earrings
  • Badges
  • Pins

Upside Down Pineapple Drinks

Some cruise lines serve drinks in a very elaborate upside-down pineapple drinks glass.

For example, see the frozen pineapple Daiquiri cocktail below.

In these instances, it’s just a very creative exotic design with no hidden meaning because they are served to everyone like this on regular cruises. Although perhaps they know it will be a talking experience for some and add to the enjoyment of the drink.

What Other Swinging Symbols are There?

There are various other symbols that may also indicate someone is into the swing lifestyle which can add extra clues if you see them with upside-down pineapples on cruise doors and elsewhere.

Swingers symbols
Symbols used by Swingers

Pink Flamingoes: These are lesser-known symbols representing possible swingers and another sign you might see on a cruise ship door.

Unicorn: A unicorn symbolizes a single woman.   The unicorn represents the rarity of a single woman in the swinging scene.  Most swingers are couples with no shortage of single males.

Black Ring On Right Hand: This is an additional sign the person might be into swinging.  Opinions vary on which specific finger should wear it.

Black Ring on Thumb: This can be a sign the wearer is a lesbian.

Wedding Ring on Right Hand: Is potentially a way for couples to hint they may be swingers.

Anklet Bracelets: This can be a sign of the woman being in an open relationship.  

Even more of a sign if it features an upside-down pineapple.

Please note that all the above meanings are only possible between a small group of like-minded people and all-inclusive meanings for every general public member.

 Anyone may choose to use any of the above purely because they like the design, decoration, or fashion and many people do.

So don’t worry if you inadvertently like to wear any of the above, swingers aren’t going to start randomly approaching you and if they ever did it would be very subtle and chances are they would quickly realize the symbol holds no such meaning to you.  

Other Sexual Pineapple Meanings:

Pineapples also feature in a number of other sexually related meanings:

Dirty Pineapple: A lady with a lot of coarse pubic hair. 

Dirty Pineapple: A man having sex with a woman through the hole of the pineapple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does

What Does Hanging Up Pineapples Imply?

Most commonly hanging up a pineapple whether on a cruise ship cabin is nothing more than an exotic vacation decoration. Some people hang up pineapples on their front doors as a symbol of welcoming hospitality. You can find many of these designs on sites like Etsy.

An upside-down pineapple may imply the inhabitants of the cabin are wife-swapping swingers.

What Does a Pineapple Tattoo Mean?

A pineapple tattoo can often mean joy or a reminder of an exotic place or a feeling of friendship and hospitality. Ultimately it can mean many different things to different people.

What Does the Pineapple Emoji Mean?

The pineapple emoji’s meaning depends mostly on the context in which it is used. Often it’s used to indicate food and travel. If the context is a little more adult-related and flirty it could but a hint towards some adult fun like swinging 🍍.

What Does a Pineapple Flag Mean?

A pineapple flag usually indicated the more widely known meaning of welcoming and hospitality. If the pineapple is upside down on the flag it could be indicated it is to do with a swinging event or location.

What Does Pineapple and Pink Flamingos Mean?

To a lesser known degree pink flamingos are often interpreted to have the same meaning as an upside-down pineapple, both being code signals for couples interested in the swinging lifestyle.

If you come across both upside-down pineapples and pink flamingo’s on a cruise ship door it’s a large nod towards the lifestyle, but as always nothing is a given.

Pineapple is the National Fruit of Which Country?

Pineapples are the National Fruit of Antigua and Barbuda which are islands in the heart of the Caribbean and a popular cruising destination.

Are Pineapples a Sign of Swinging?

Upside-down pineapples have been used as a secret sign between swingers. Typically they might be used within and outside the home environment, such as on the porch or mailbox as well as on clothing or accessories.

An upright pineapple is most commonly a sign of welcome and hospitality.

Related Posts

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy displaying or wearing upside-down pineapples or upright for that matter, just feel free to continue to do so.

Even if you do encounter a swinger they won’t automatically assume you are into the lifestyle too.

The meaning has become more well-known in recent years at times going viral online and for some, it’s a bit of fun and light-hearted conversation starter.

So which way do you hang your pineapple door decoration 🍍 and do you have any stories to share in the comments?

If so I’d love to hear.

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