King Neptune's Ceremony: Crossing the Equator

Crossing the Equator is a very special event onboard a ship. Tradition of initiating the first time crossers has been around for many years. (you can Wiki  it to read about all the traditions)

First time crossers are referred to as Polliwogs and those who have crossed before and have already been initiated are called Trusty Shellbacks. I of course, never having crossed the equator by sea before, was placed into the category of Polliwogs.

We were paraded into the pool area by the Shellbacks and placed into a 'cage' until our fate was determined. We were called out by dept and we had to kneel before the Captain and the Senior Officers while Michael, the Cruise Director, read our charges against us. I was accused of being seen reading 'Windows for Dummies' lol

We then had to march to the tables where we were covered in slim, but before we got there we were instructed to KISS THE FISH!

The Chefs placing the Fish by the Pool - Yes I "KISSED THE FISH!"

The fish was surrounded by ice and was probably frozen as well, but it was rather spongey and very gross. (coming from a vegetarian) haha. 

Getting covered in Slim by the Trusty Shellbacks

Awaiting my fate from the Captain

After getting covered in goo, which I was told was meringue, we had to await our fate from the captain. Thumbs up we were allowed in the pool to clean off, thumbs down we had to sit beside the pool until the ceremony was over. Covered in goo.  Well thankfully I was allowed in the pool :)

At the End: We ALL jumped in again :) 

At the end of the ceremony everyone jumped in the pool and we got to swim around for a few mins before getting cleaned up and rushing off to host our next activities. All in all it was a fantastic ceremony! The guests LOVED it and these photos are taken by some of my students.