If you have ever spotted someone on a cruise ship wearing a simple black ring on their right hand, there is a chance they were sending a quiet signal to those in the know. Crew members who have spent years working aboard large vessels often pick up on the behind-the-scenes culture of these floating resorts, including the subtle ways certain groups identify one another in public spaces.
Lucy Southerton, a former cruise ship employee from Birmingham, England, who spent a decade working at sea, opened up about this phenomenon on her YouTube channel “Cruising As Crew.” Drawing from years of firsthand experience, she explained that certain passengers use discreet visual cues to connect with like-minded individuals without drawing unwanted attention. The black ring worn on the right hand is one of the signals she says came up repeatedly during her time working on ships.
According to Southerton, the ring is commonly associated with the swinging lifestyle, a term used for consensual non-monogamy where couples agree to engage with other partners together. She was careful to note, however, that the signal is far from foolproof. As she pointed out, “you can never be completely sure whether someone is wearing it as a sign or simply because they like it.” That caveat is an important one, since black rings are also popular as everyday fashion accessories with no hidden meaning whatsoever. You can watch video here.
The Swinger Symbol, a resource dedicated to explaining symbols used within swinging communities, notes that wearing a black ring on the right hand can suggest openness to contact within that lifestyle. The site also mentions that such rings are sometimes spotted at themed cruises specifically organized for people who share similar relationship preferences. These events are not uncommon in the cruise industry, as certain sailings cater to niche communities with shared interests.
For those who encounter someone they suspect might be signaling with a black ring, The Swinger Symbol suggests keeping any initial interaction casual and conversational rather than making direct assumptions. A simple comment about the ring itself can open the door to a natural exchange, allowing both parties to figure out whether they are “on the same team,” so to speak, without putting anyone in an awkward position. Conversely, if someone is wearing a black ring purely for style and wants to make that clear, they can simply say so with no further explanation needed.
The broader world of swinging has its own set of symbols beyond the black ring. The upside-down pineapple, for example, became widely recognized as another signal used by swingers, particularly in contexts like cruise ships where it might appear on cabin doors or clothing. Unlike the black ring, the pineapple symbol gained enough mainstream attention that many people became aware of it even outside the community, which arguably reduced its effectiveness as a discreet identifier.
Non-monogamy as a broader concept has grown more visible in recent years as conversations around relationship structures have become more open in popular culture. Swinging specifically refers to a form of consensual non-monogamy practiced primarily by established couples, distinguishing it from polyamory, which typically involves multiple ongoing romantic relationships. Both fall under the umbrella of ethical non-monogamy, a term used to describe relationship styles where all parties involved are aware of and have agreed to the arrangement.
Cruise ships have long been associated with a culture of social freedom, largely because passengers are removed from their everyday environments and social circles. This anonymity tends to encourage people to be more open about aspects of their lives they might otherwise keep private. The combination of vacation mentality, close quarters, and shared social spaces makes large ships a particularly common setting for communities with niche interests to gather and connect.
Whether you are a cruise enthusiast, someone curious about relationship culture, or simply fascinated by the hidden codes people use to communicate in plain sight, this topic raises plenty of interesting questions. Share what you think about it in the comments.
