If you’ve been checking our itinerary you know that I am woefully behind on my blog, since in real time we are now in French Polynesia and my recent posts show us still in Southeast Asia. I am about to recount a momentous event, however, that occurred over a month ago, and will actually happen again very soon for a second time on our voyage.
The ceremony of Crossing the Line is an honored tradition that commemorates a sailor’s first crossing of the Equator. Prior to that event sailors are referred to as Polliwogs, while after they cross, they receive the elevated status known as Shellbacks. The form and make-up of the ceremony is far from standardized, but it’s a sea tradition and usually involves an initiation ritual presided over by King Neptune (the ancient ruler of the seas), his wife, Highness Amphitrite, and his entourage, which may consist of Davey Jones, loyal pirates, and others.
On May 1, 2015, the Insignia’s Crossing Ceremony was held poolside as our esteemed Captain Max stood before King Neptune to ask permission for his ship and all those therein to cross the line and enter the Kingdom of Neptune. Permission was granted with the requirement that each initiate perform the rite of kissing the fish, and must then be anointed with green “Polliwog Slime”.
The ceremonial cast can include a wide range of characters, but ours were King Neptune (Andy Heath, Cruise Director), Highness Amphitrite (Tammy Heath, Assistant Cruise Director), Captain Maksym Melnikov (our own Insignia Captain), Davey Jones (Ante Jambrovic, Around the World Concierge), various pirates, guards and wenches (played by other staff and crew members), and the Insignia Orchestra.
I made it to the other side and am, now and forever, a Shellback!
Wow, looks like so much fun!!! So what are they going to do this time you cross the line??
Don’t know yet….we may find out in our newsletter tonight. I hope they have another Crossing Ceremony. We have a whole new segment of passengers on board besides us world cruisers, so they deserve to be initiated!
So……what’s the Northbound Ritual….or, are you afraid to ask? Still, looks like fun!
We never know the schedule much more in advance of a day or so when the daily newsletter shows up on our bed the night before. But, yesterday the captain said we’ll be crossing the equator in the next couple of days, so they may have another Crossing Ceremony. I’ll be watching it this time…without the green slime! It’s Dean’s turn!
Yikes! I’m guessing it was edible. You’re the only person I know that even looks terrific covered in green slime!
The green stuff was dyed pancake batter. When it dried in the sun, it was like concrete….took me an hour to wash it out of my hair! Hope they change the formula, but at least I don’t have to do it again!
Wow Kristy Shellback! So fun reading of the fun you are having!
Nancy
That is awesome!
Looks like a great ritual/celebration, reminds me of Weatherby Lake rituals!!! we miss you. xo Kim
Yes, the whole ceremony was soooo Weatherby Lake!! Complete with costumes and crazy fun!