What Do Pineapples Really Mean on a Cruise?​​​​​​

By Honida Beram.

If you’ve spent even five minutes in a cruise Facebook group or scrolling cruise TikTok, you’ve probably seen the question pop up: What do pineapples mean on a cruise? 

It seems innocent enough; it could just mean that shipmates in cabin 1202 are fans of fruit, or pina coladas, or possibly they’re excited about heading to a tropical port. Plus, pineapples are often on beach towels, cocktails, shirts and just about every souvenir in cruise ship gift shops.

But, let me share with you a more, cheeky reason as to what pineapples can signify; especially if a cabin door is adorned with the king of fruits.

It’s an unspoken secret seasoned cruisers know. And yes, the direction the pineapple is facing adds an extra level of juiciness. 

Image Credit: Carnival Cruise Line

What do pineapples really mean on a cruise? 

Pineapples on cabin doors symbolise the unwritten invitation for shipmates to socialise. And, by ‘socialise’ I’m not talking about a game of Uno. It’s a quiet way for like-minded cruisers to find each other without making an announcement over the ship’s loudspeaker.

But it gets even more scandalous. If the pineapple is upside-down, it’s a signal to indicate that the passengers in that cabin are part of the swinging lifestyle or open to meeting other couples. 

However, before you start knocking on cabin doors looking to party, remember the important part: not every pineapple means something scandalous. An upright pineapple probably just means someone likes fruity designs or is fully embracing island life.

So, if you spot one, don’t jump to conclusions. It’s just one of those quirky bits of cruise culture that has taken on a life of its own online.

Cruise ships are full of little traditions and inside jokes like this one, it’s what keeps cruising fun and light hearted. I mean, you’re on a holiday, why not have a little giggle?

Image Credit: Seabourn Cruises​​​​​

What does a banana mean on a cruise ship?

Unlike pineapples, bananas don’t have a secret cruise lifestyle meaning. If you see someone holding a banana at the buffet, they’re probably just grabbing a healthy breakfast before heading to the Lido deck for some sun.

But, if you know a little about the seafaring life there are many, many superstitions and there is one old sailor superstition that involves bananas. For centuries, fishermen have believed bananas were bad luck on boats. The legend comes from the days when ships carrying banana cargo often had mysterious problems like spoiled fish, dangerous insects or even ships disappearing at sea.

Because of this, some fishing captains refused to allow bananas onboard at all.

Luckily, modern cruise ships are not worried about banana curses. 

In fact, bananas often get their own special fridge on cruise ships because they’re super sensitive to cold temperatures. If stored in regular refrigerators, bananas can turn black and mushy quickly. Bananas release a plant hormone – ethylene gas – which can over ripen and spoil other fruit such as apples, pears or avocados. That's why cruise ships keep bananas in slightly warmer, dedicated spots to keep them looking and tasting their best.

So, while pineapples have a cheeky cruise meaning, bananas are mostly just a breakfast staple with a quirky maritime myth attached.

Image Credit: Oceania Cruises

What are some unwritten cruise rules?

Once you’ve caught the cruising bug, you’ll soon become addicted. And the more you cruise, the more you’ll become aware of the unwritten rules that keep the ship running smoothly, and your fellow passengers friendly.

One of the most irksome traits some cruiser develops while at sea? Turning into that loathsome of all sea creatures: the chair hog.

Nothing annoys cruisers faster than someone placing a towel on a lounge chair at 7am and disappearing for five hours. Here’s a tip: if you’re not using the chair, let someone else enjoy it, and trust me, very, very rarely will every single lounge chair be occupied. If you do decide to be selfish, you might find that a keen-eyed crew member will remove your towel if you’ve left it unattended too long. Take heed!

Another unwritten rule is to avoid being super loud in hallways. Ship corridors echo like crazy, so late-night shouting, slamming doors or kids racing down the hallway can wake half the deck. I’ve often been on the receiving end of the classic ‘knock and run’ in the middle of night. Quiet voices go a long way when everyone’s cabins are in such close proximity.

If you’ve ever waited patiently for elevators, the second those doors slide open, can quite frankly resemble a mini battleground. Here’s a tip: if you’re only going up or down a few decks, the stairs are often faster and help keep elevators free for people who have mobility challenges, and you will avoid being crammed in like sardines. Cruise ship elevators are known for being notoriously slow. And my mantra? Taking the stairs means a second dessert at dinner.

Want to stay healthy on a cruise? Wash your hands regularly and avoid public toilets. One vital unwritten rule is to wash your hands before entering the buffet. In fact, most cruise ships – especially since Covid – enforce hand washing before delighting in the array of delicious offerings. Buffet etiquette 101: take reasonable portions (especially if it's a high-value dish such as prawns), use the serving utensils and remember you can always go back for seconds, or thirds. The food will not run out.

Finally, the most important rule of cruising is to be kind to the crew. These hardworking men and women are the heart and soul of your cruise holiday. They work behind the scenes around the clock to keep everything running smoothly. They clean your cabin, serve your meals, run the entertainment and ensure everyone’s safety. They’re away from their families and friends for months, and a simple thank you, a warm smile or a friendly chat can brighten their day more than you might realise. Treating crew members with respect and kindness not only makes their job easier but also helps create a positive, welcoming atmosphere for everyone on board. 

If you stick to these unwritten rules, you’ll soon realise that you are part of the friendliest forms of travel - and if you’re lucky, you might even make friends for life.

 

More Articles By Honida Beram