A cruise expert has revealed the secret codes ship crew use to communicate without passengers understanding.
Cody Candee, CEO of Bounce.com and travel expert, says there are five secret codes that tourists should listen out for.
The expert has also shared a few symbols that have a deeper meaning than you might think.
From the secret code that reveals there’s been a death onboard to what a blue wristband might really mean…read on to discover everything you might want to know before your next cruise.
Oscar
The ‘Oscar’ code signals that ‘someone has gone overboard’, explains Cody.
He says: ‘When this happens, the ship will typically stop and launch a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
‘This process includes deploying lifeboats and activating onboard safety procedures to locate and recover the individual. If you happen to hear this code while on deck, stay vigilant and if you spot someone in the water, immediately inform a cruise worker.’
A cruise expert has revealed the secret codes ship crew use to communicate without passengers understanding (stock image)
Charlie Charlie Charlie
Cody says: ‘This code is typically used to alert the crew and passengers of severe weather conditions or a security threat.’
This could be an approaching storm or another risk in the area the ship is travelling in.
The travel expert explains: ‘It signals increased vigilance and may lead to precautionary measures to ensure the safety of everyone onboard. If you hear this code, you must remain calm and await instructions.’
Operation Rising Star
Crew use the phrase ‘Operation Rising Star’ when there’s been a death or a serious medical emergency onboard.
Cody reveals: ‘If you hear this code, there is no need to be alarmed. The cruise staff will have already informed who the deceased was travelling with before making an official announcement to the rest of the passengers.
‘Cruise ships also have international regulations and standards they must adhere to, including the legal requirement to have a morgue onboard in case of fatalities.’
The ‘Oscar’ code signals that ‘someone has gone overboard’, explains Cody
Red Party/Bravo
‘If you hear either of these codes announced, it signals a fire or another hazardous situation onboard,’ reveals Cody.
In the case of a fire, trained crew members will be required to ‘quickly contain and extinguish the flames’ and others will ‘work to ensure passenger safety through coordinated evacuation procedures’.
Echo, Echo, Echo
This is a code that you definitely don’t want to hear while you’re trying to enjoy your cruise holiday.
Cody says: ‘Normally repeated three times, “Echo, Echo, Echo” can mean “brace for collision”.
‘This could indicate an impact with another ship or land, as well as dangers posed by strong winds or drifting while in port.’
Blue wristbands and rings
Flamingos can symbolise something unusual among certain cruise passengers
A passenger wearing a blue ring or wristband might look fairly innocent but it could carry a hidden meaning, according to Cody.
He explains: ‘This can signal that someone is open to meeting new romantic partners.
‘So if you’re not looking for love on your trip, you might want to reconsider your choice of accessories.’
Pink flamingos
Upside-down pineapples have long been used by the swinging/’wife-swapping’ community as a secret symbol to communicate with other members, with the fruit often displayed on cabin doors or on items of clothing to indicate interest.
However, according to Cody there’s another symbol that’s often used by swingers.
He says: ‘As the pineapple becomes more widely recognised, many cruise lines are cracking down on the use of this symbol on cabin doors.
‘Other discreet symbols, such as pink flamingos, are gaining popularity as an alternative code for the same lifestyle.
‘So if that’s not something you’re looking to be part of, you may want to leave the flamingo shirt at home for your trip.’
