Couple who use 'secret upside down pineapple symbol' on cruises reveal what they get up to

If you've ever wondered what goes down behind closed doors that have an upside down pineapple on them, look no further - as a couple who proudly hung one on the entrance to their cabin on a raunchy cruise have revealed all.

The anonymous pair, who have been married for several years and are from the US, dished the dirt on what really goes down on so-called 'spicy' holidays, where people can soak up the sun while swapping partners.

The man, 42, explained that he and his wife were both 'well-educated' professionals who enjoyed partaking in swinging, although they keep their lifestyle choice a secret from their kids.

Describing themselves as 'upside down pineapple people', he revealed that he now 'gets laid more than at any other point in his life' after he managed to convince his other half to give partner swapping a go.

He said that after a 'few years of suggesting' swinging to her, she is now a more than 'happy' participant.

The pineapple

In a Reddit post detailing their cruising holidays which often come with some extramarital fun, the bloke admitted that they display an upside down pineapple on their door to let others know their up for being...extra friendly.

However, despite the upturned fruit taking pride of place on the entrance to their cabin, he explained that the encounters are 'usually not' a result of the pineapple.

If you didn't know, the tropical plant is a universal symbol among swingers which they use to identify each other and make their intentions clear.

(Getty stock photo)

But the couple claim that it isn't as simple as a like-minded person coming and knocking on their door to join in - as they made it clear it isn't just a free-for-all in international waters.

The man explained: "I wish it was that easy! I mean in all seriousness, just because people are in the lifestyle doesn't mean they just 'play' with everyone else in the lifestyle. In fact, most people are pretty discerning.

"So that's the challenge of that approach, for both he knock-er and the knock-ee. No one knows what's on the other side of the door!"

Which is a fair point to make - although you can leave your inhibitions on the shore, consent is still key.

Finding fellow swingers

The spicy cruiser said that he and his wife enjoy linking up with both couples and singles, but confessed the process of finding partners who they are interested in swapping with is often a slow burner.

He said they often start by hanging out in social areas, such as bars or clubs onboard, where they can chat to other travellers and meet new people - although '99 percent of these interactions are completely vanilla/mainstream'.

The bloke continued: "Every once in awhile, there's just a vibe that emerges.

"A certain level of informality or flirtation, a hand on the arm, etc and then as people become more familiar and comfortable with each other you drop a hint or two. Then you go from there."

Obviously, this isn't always a recipe for success and sometimes they get shot down.

He added: "The most amusing thing that happens - and this has happened a few times - is when you are testing the waters with a couple and they realise what you're trying to probe and then there's this look of realisation on their end. "Then it's usually just a bunch of laugher and then it's them quickly disclaiming any interest and then they ask a LOT of questions and that's it. We never want to make anyone uncomfortable."

(Getty stock photo)

What a spicy cruise is really like

Although they are partial to a spicy cruise, the parents view it as just a 'vacation' and try to 'mix in fun' if they can, while reminding people that it's easy to run out of steam while having sex and sailing the seven seas.

The man admitted that although 'it was fun', he found it 'tiring to be focused on that all the time' while also being hyperaware that 'every small talk conversation you have is someone potentially asking you to play'.

He warned that although it sounds exciting, it also 'requires a certain amount of mental and emotional energy'.

The swinger said he and his wife always practice safe sex with new partners and get themselves tested 'from time to time' to make sure everything is hunky-dory, while also making sure they're constantly communicating with each other.

He added: "Couples entering into this talk through that a lot and communicate effectively the entire time. And it's not just for sex, per se.

"It's for an expansion of the relationship, exploring new things together, having new thrills and excitements at a time in life when those are dwindling for most people and most people have found themselves in a rut."

The pair mainly partake in partner swapping on land, saying spicy cruises were an 'offshoot' for them - although, they warned first timers a ship isn't the best place to start your swinging journey, as 'you will have a very low success rate."