Monday - January 28, 2008

Crossing the Equator

Polywogs, or people who have never crossed the Equator, are put on trial in front of King Neptune and his court on the day we cross the Equator.

They are accused of such heinous crimes as asking if the B staircase goes up or down, whether the pool is filled with salt water or fresh water, or whether the crew sleeps on board at night.

In all cases they are found guilty and then have to endure a punishment that is worse than 100 lashes with a cat-0-nine-tails or walking the plank - they have to kiss the fish! 

Our friend, Lynne Krieg, who is on her first cruise, innocently volunteered to take part without knowing what lay ahead of her. As with all other passengers, she was found guilty and was called to come forward to accept her punishment. She managed to avoid kissing the fish (a real one, mind you), but did endure having it placed on her head for the requisite photo. 

This ship is very humane. They had an untrained nurse, complete with cigarette hanging from her mouth, conducting this part of the ritual in case any passengers succumbed to the fumes. 

After this, Lynne had to sit by the pool while two "gentlemen" applied jello, spaghetti and ketchup to her hair and then broke eggs over her head to give her hair that Halo shine. She gave them one of her least cordial looks before jumping off the edge, and managing to walk on water for a few steps before sinking to the bottom of the pool! Yes, she did resurface and received her certificate for becoming a Shellback.

We all met up for drinks before dinner that night and I have to admit that Lynne's hair has never looked lovelier! I wonder if it was the fish or the eggs that made the difference. Lynne isn't revealing any new found beauty secrets.