Carnival Cruise Line has implemented a controversial ban on specific decorations aboard its ships, citing inappropriate behavior among adult guests as the reason behind the policy. The move has sparked discussion among cruise enthusiasts and passengers.

A Longstanding Secret Tradition

On many cruises, passengers enjoy decorating their cabin doors to express their personalities, celebrate special occasions, or simply make their rooms easier to find. Decorations like banners, themed designs, and interactive items like whiteboards or guestbooks are common.

However, Carnival recently announced that specific decorations with hidden meanings, including the upside-down pineapple, are no longer allowed on their ships. According to CruiseHive, the symbol has gained notoriety as a signal for swinging or other adult behaviors among guests.

The use of these symbols has reportedly caused problems on cruises, including pranks where guests place upside-down pineapple decorations on other passengers’ doors. This has led to uninvited visitors mistakenly believing the room’s occupants were inviting interactions of a more personal nature.

A Direct Response from Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald addressed the issue directly in an online discussion.

“Thank you for mentioning that, those are definitely no longer allowed on the ships and they will be removed from any cabin door,” Heald wrote. “Thank you for reminding me to mention that.”

According to CruiseHive, the new policy also applies to other symbols associated with similar meanings, such as pink flamingos, unicorns, and garden gnomes.

Despite the policy, many passengers have reported inconsistencies in its enforcement. Guests have observed pineapple decorations displayed on doors in various orientations—right-side up, sideways, and upside-down—even after the ban was announced.

Guidelines for Door Decorations

While Carnival is cracking down on suggestive symbols, passengers can still decorate their cabin doors, provided they follow the cruise line’s updated guidelines. Decorations must be fire-retardant, removable, and attached with non-damaging materials like Command Strips. Adhesives or glues that could harm the door’s finish are strictly prohibited.

To review Carnival Cruise Line’s full decorating guidelines, click here.