Cruise ships use secret code words to alert crew to emergencies without causing panic among passengers, according to Cody Candee, CEO of travel luggage firm Bounce.com. These codes vary by company but are standardized for crew training.
On Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships, 'Alpha, Alpha, Alpha' signals a man overboard, prompting a search-and-rescue operation. 'Bravo, Bravo, Bravo' indicates a security threat or severe weather, while 'Kilo, Kilo, Kilo' calls crew to emergency stations. 'Echo, Echo, Echo' means brace for collision.
Disney and Carnival use 'Operation Brightstar' for medical emergencies and 'Operation Rising Star' for a death on board. 'Code Red' signals a fire, and 'Code Green' indicates a bio-hazard or hull damage on some lines. On Celebrity, 'Code Yellow' followed by a location means vomit to clean.
Passengers also use codes: an upside-down pineapple on a cabin door or clothing signals an interest in swinging, though cruise lines are cracking down. Pink flamingos are an alternative. A blue wristband or ring may indicate a passenger seeking a romantic partner.
