December 27 - King Neptune's Equator Crossing Cerimony

We passed the equator on December 25^th; however, King Neptune was a little busy. So, he arrived today to commemorate our Crossing of the Equator.

Our Cruise Director, Joff, emceed the ceremony and welcomed King Neptune and his wife, Amphitrite, on behalf of the crew and passengers.

 

The line-crossing ceremony is conducted as a sort of admittance into the ‘Court of Neptune.’ This ritual is also a way of appreciating the prowess of the cruisers who are able to brave the uncertainties and dangers of the sea. A cruiser who is relatively new or has not crossed the equator is termed as a Pollywog. To be more precise with the colloquial term, the inexperienced cruisers are termed as ‘Slimy Pollywogs’ who are not yet adept with the ways of the sea. On the other hand, the cruiser who have crossed the Equator are initiated as ‘Trusty Shellbacks’ into the court of Neptune.

We found out we had scoundrels on board who had crimes against the guests and Neptune's realm and they were brought forward to acknowledge their crimes and to accept their punishments.

 

 

First was the Housekeeping Manager. He was charged with offending guests with lude and crude towel animals. He was required to kiss a fish and take a cupful of ice down his back.

 

Second was Philip, the Hotel Director. He was accused of making the crew work on Chritmas day and insuring they never say no to the guests. He too, was required to kiss a fish and take a bowl of ice down his back.

Then they brought up Brooklyn, a guest and the on-board Tik Toker. Proof was provided that she has been posting everything, and we mean everything with respect to the cruise, passengers and crew on Tik Tok. Including but not limited to; what she was going to wear, what she was eating, making the crew and guests dance and not asking permission to post. She also had to kiss a fish and take a bucket of ice.

 

Finally, Dereck the Food and Beverage Manager was doubly charged with crimes of his own and then contributing to Brooklyn’s Tik Tok posts. His crimes included; trying to feed the guests such good food and drinks that they would look like him in 274 days. And encouraging Brooklyn to post videos and having the crew and himself dance for her. He was required to kiss multiple fish, and together with Brooklyn, was doused with a trashcan full of ice.

    

All were exonerated and were allowed to return to service and King Neptune and Amphitrite headed back to the Seas. They will return for our next South Crossing, as they are not particularly concerned with North Crossings.