Equator Party

When ships cross the Equator, they often throw a party during which they ask King Neptune for permission to cross, and Ambassador’s Ambience was no exception.

Equator rituals vary from ship to ship. Those who have never crossed the Equator before are called Polliwogs, and are often put on trial before King Neptune and his court. Penalties on this ship included having eggs and flour tossed on them.

Polliwogs are often made to kiss a fish, as well, before taking a plunge in the pool. Once they emerge, they are christened as Shellbacks.

Equator rituals are a longstanding tradition at sea. In days of yore they could be pretty rough, with the sailors doing far worse to things to Polliwogs than merely pelting them with food.

Either way, Larry and I are Shellbacks, so we were able to enjoy the spectacle from a safe distance.Читать далее