Wearing a blue wrist band or hearing ‘Operation Rising Star’ on board a cruise ship are some of the lesser known codes used by staff and passengers.
A travel and luggage expert has revealed the meaning behind the secret symbols, warning travellers to be aware if they hear certain messages. An estimated 37.1 million passengers are expected to set sail on cruises in 2025. Cody Candee, CEO and founder of Bounce.com, has put together a list of cruise codes and symbols you may encounter on your next trip.
Oscar
This code signals that someone has gone overboard. 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.
Charlie Charlie Charlie
This is usually used to alert the crew and passengers of severe weather conditions or a security threat. Whether it’s an approaching storm or a potential risk nearby, it signals increased vigilance and may lead to precautionary measures to ensure the safety of everyone onboard.
Operation Rising Star
This term is used to indicate a death on board or a serious medical emergency to other crew members. This code is used in cases when a passenger requires urgent medical care beyond what the ship’s medical facilities can provide. 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 on board in case of fatalities.
Pink flamingos
As well as emergency codes, there are many symbols and signals you might come across while onboard that mean different things. Many people are already aware of the upside-down pineapple as a well-known sign for swinging or “wife swapping” when displayed on a cabin door or an item of clothing. However, as the symbol 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.
Red Party/Bravo
If you hear either of these codes announced, it signals a fire or another hazardous situation onboard. In the event of a fire, trained crew members will act quickly to contain and extinguish the flames, while others work to ensure passenger safety through coordinated evacuation procedures.
Echo, Echo, Echo
Another signal you don’t want to hear on a cruise is this one. 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.
Wearing a blue wristband or ring
Another lesser-known romantic symbol to look out for on a cruise is wearing a blue ring or wristband. This can signal that someone is open to meeting new romantic partners.