On cruise ships, wearing blue wristbands or listening to “Operation Rising Star” on board is some of the lesser known codes used by staff and passengers.
Travel and luggage experts have revealed the meaning behind the secret symbols and warn travelers to be aware of whether they will hear a particular message. An estimated 37.1 million passengers are scheduled to set sail for the cruise in 2025. Cody Candee, CEO and founder of Bounce.com, has compiled a list of cruise codes and symbols you will encounter on your next trip.
Oscar
This code indicates that someone is outboard. When this occurs, the ship usually stops and activates the coordinated search and rescue operation. This process involves deploying lifeboats and activating onboard safety procedures to find and recover individuals.
Charlie Charlie Charlie
This is usually used to warn crews and passengers about harsh weather conditions or security threats. Whether it's a nearby storm or a potential risk, it could indicate an increase in vigilance and lead to precautions to ensure everyone on board.
Operation Rising Star
This term is used to indicate death or serious medical emergency of another crew member inside the ship. This code is used when passengers need emergency medical care beyond what the ship's medical facilities can provide. Cruise staff will already inform the person the deceased was traveling with before the deceased made an official announcement to other passengers. Cruise ships also have international regulations and standards that must be followed, including the legal requirement that the deceased bears a deadly load.
Pink flamingo
Like emergency codes, there are many symbols and signals that you may come across on board, meaning a variety of things. Many people already know upside down pineapple as a well-known sign for swings or “wife replacement” when displayed on cabin doors or clothing items. However, as symbols become more widely recognized, many cruise lines are cracking down on the use of this symbol at cabin doors. Other careful symbols, such as the pink flamingo, have gained popularity as alternative codes for the same lifestyle.
Red Party/Bravo
If you hear any of these codes announced, it indicates a fire or another dangerous situation on the ship. In the event of a fire, the trained crew acts quickly to contain and destroy the flames, while others work to ensure passenger safety through coordinated evacuation procedures.
Echo, echo, echo, echo
This is another signal you don't want to hear on a cruise. “Echo, echo, echo” which is usually repeated three times means “brace for a collision.” This could indicate an impact on other ships and land, and there is a risk that can be brought about by strong winds and drifts while in the port.
Wearing a blue wristband or ring
Another lesser-known romantic symbol to keep an eye on the cruise is wearing a blue ring or wristband. This can show that someone is open to meeting a new romantic partner.
