Ex-cruise ship worker explains hidden adult meaning if you see someone wearing a black ring

If you see someone sporting a certain accessory onboard a cruise ship, they might be subtly sending a signal.

Crew members often give us the low-down on what goes on behind closed doors on the world's biggest cruise liners, from why certain parts will get sealed off to what happens when someone dies onboard.

But, according to one ex-worker, a certain community has developed a few subtle ways to help identify each other when they're among the general public - that are a lot more low-key than an upside down pineapple.

Apparently, slipping a black ring on your right hand is like sending a beacon to fellow swingers.

Although society has become a lot more accepting of non-monogamous relationships, some people don't want to broadcast the fact that they're in one to the world.

Wearing a black ring on your right hand can let fellow swingers know you're game (Getty Stock Image)

So, it can be quite difficult to find like-minded people who are down for some fun... which is where the black ring comes in.

According to The Swinger Symbol (SS), sporting this piece of jewellery sends out a 'clear and loud message that you're interested in a swinging adventure with the person you're meeting'.

Hence why you might see a lot of people wearing a black ring on so-called 'spicy cruise' ships, which give swingers a chance to explore their open-mindedness while holidaying on the open seas.

Former cruise ship worker Lucy Southerton, who hails from Birmingham, shared her knowledge of passengers using this symbol on vessels she has been on.

She shares the details of what a decade of sailing the seven seas was really like on her YouTube channel 'Cruising As Crew' - and top tips, such as why you shouldn't sleep with your colleagues on a cruise.

In one video shared in 2023, Lucy explained what she knew about people wearing the 'inconspicuous' piece of jewellery to let other like-minded people know they are a swinger.

She told her subscribers that 'a black ring on your right hand' is a widely used symbol onboard cruises, but pointed out: "You can never really be sure if that's just something they like to wear, or whether it is a signal."

Which is a valid point, as some people might just genuinely like this style of ring.

The accessory can be a subtle symbol that announces your interest in swinging (Getty Stock Image)

However, if you're among fellow swingers and they flash their black ring at you, it might mean they're making a pass at you.

Sharing some advice for what to do in this situation, The Swinger Symbol says: "On the off chance that somebody wearing a black ring approaches you, start conversing with them. 'I see you're wearing a piece of special jewellery. Perhaps, we are the members of the same club'."

And if you want to disguise the hidden meaning behind it for whatever reason, the website suggests: "Tell them anything you might want...'Oh, it's nothing. Don't you like my style?'"

So, it sounds like you should head down to your nearest jeweller and browse their selection of black rings if you want to subtly show people that you're a part of the swinging club.