A couple of days ago, Aegean Odyssey crossed the equator into the southern hemisphere while on our way to Pare-Pare in Indonesia.
Following in the footsteps of mariners the world over, the Captain decided that we should undertake the ‘Crossing the Line’ ceremony for guests and crew. The ceremony dates back to the days of the Spanish and Dutch explorers and is a great fun experience for guests and crew alike.
Court of Neptune
Sailors who have already crossed the Equator are nicknamed (Trusty) Shellbacks; those who have not are nicknamed (Slimy) Pollywogs.
Crew members (Trusty Shellbacks) are traditionally organised into a ‘Court of Neptune’ to indoctrinate the Slimy Polywogs into ‘the mysteries of the Deep’. ‘Physical hardship’ is the name of the game and as the pictures show we weren’t short of volunteers on the beautiful sunny day by the pool.
Polywogs initiated into Shellbacks by the pool
For all of the Aegean Odyssey Pollywogs, crew and guests alike, King Neptune and his Queen were on hand to initiate the audience into becoming Shellbacks. And what an initiation it was…
Pledging allegiance to the King
In a time honoured tradition, all were cleansed of their misdemeanours, and pledged an allegiance to the king by offering to kiss his fish and we were finally sprinkled with good fortune from the king.
It was tremendous fun, as the photos will testify!
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I was there, and the event was most enjoyable and surprising! Thanks for the blog.