Crossing the line...The Equator (6/9/17)

Although we actually crossed the equator for the first time earlier in our trip, we did not celebrate in the traditional manner until today.  Documentation of equator crossing ceremonies can been traced back to the 1500’s.  The festivities themselves help to break up the monotony of being at sea as well as testing a sailor’s seaworthiness and endurance. 

A historical reference from 1784 describes enduring intense midday heat and cruel and demanding tasks (walking the plank, eating raw eggs and live fish, being smeared with tar and grease and water immersion.)  As usual, the Regent cruise ship version is much less demanding and only requires passengers to watch.  However, a large of amount of water is required to “clean up” both the pool and the participants.  Since we needed to conserve water while actually on the Amazon, the ceremony was delayed until our first sea day once back in the Atlantic Ocean. 

So, at 3:15pm, we headed to the pool deck, ordered a glass of champagne and waited for the show to begin.  The ceremony is focused on “pollywogs”, crew members crossing the equator for the first time, and “King Neptune”, the captain of the Navigator.   After a parade down the pool deck, each Pollywog stood to hear their “crime”.  Following the reading, the passengers announced their verdict, always guilty, and the Master at Arms initiated the punishment.  Each Pollywog kissed a live fish, was covered in raw eggs and a slimy goo (really icing), and pushed into the pool.  Once this rite of passage has been completed, crew members are referred to as Shellbacks.

There are elite levels within those that have crossed the equator.  A Golden Shellback is one who has crossed the equator at the 180^th meridian, better known as the International dateline.  The rarest of all Shellbacks is one that crossed the equator at Prime meridian, known as 0 degrees Greenwich meridian.  This sailor is known as a Royal Diamond or Emerald Shellback.

Link to photos:

Crossing the Equator (6/9/17)