Crossing the Equator!

This morning, some time between 5 and 6 am, the ship crossed the equator so now we are in the Southern Hemisphere. Terry met up with a small group of runners to do a 5K run on the jogging track to commemmorate the occasion. It was a fun time and if it was actually a race, Terry would have come in first place. I think his knee surgery from last summer is well healed and he is in good form.

At 11 am (because most people like to sleep in while on vacation) the ship hosted the Crossing the Equator Ceremony. Those passengers who have never "crossed the line" are referred to as "pollywogs" or "slimy Pollywogs". Upon entering the domain of His Royal Majesty, King Neptune, all pollies are subject to various initiation rituals performed by those members of the crew who have made the journey before. Upon completion of the initiation ceremony, the pollies are then known as "Trusty Shellbacks".



 It looked like a good majority of the 2600 passengers on the ship gathered around the area of the main pool to watch the ceremony. It involved several (volunteer) pollywogs coming before King Neptune to hear their crime and be sentenced. First they had to kiss a fish, then the crime was read (example--one lady was accused of stealing silverware and hoarding it in her stateroom....thus the remaining passengers were forced to share the remaining supply of silverware). GUILTY everyone yelled and King Neptune would sentence the pollywog to a sliming--pouring assorted chocolate syrups, whipped cream, etc. all over them. They then would be tossed in the pool. It was all silly, but fun, entertainment. A form of cruise hazing for adults.

The crowd awaiting the ceremony

King Neptune

Kissing the fish



Getting slimed!



Tossed in the pool!



Tonight is our 2nd formal night. We have plans to meet our Coloradoan neighbors (found out they live just down the block from us back home) and another couple who are their stateroom neighbors on the ship and are from Colorado Springs for dinner. We enjoy their company so I'm sure it will be a good time.

From the Southern Hemisphere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean,

Terry & Joyce