We crossed the Equator at approximately 10 pm on 1/26. In anticipation, the ship held a crossing ceremony in the morning known as the “Order of the Shellback” commemorating a first crossing of the equator.  While its origins are quite elaborate and, at times, rough on the participants, the Oceania version was tame and nicely sanitized.

First-time crossers, known as Pollywogs, are initiated into the Order and become Trusty Shellbacks, or sons of Neptune. It all begins with a pledge and a parade…

Waiting for the start, with banners flying

The opening pledge basically promising to be good Trusty Shellbacks (never get off the elevator on the wrong floor, never wear black socks with sandals, learn to properly pronounce the names of all ports, etc.)

The Parade

The Musicians

Pollywog crewmembers

King Neptune and his “wife” Highness Amphitrite

The Proclamation

Presenting the Fish

Pollywog crewmembers went first. Enthusiasm about kissing a big (real) fish varied.

Then the ceremonial Dunking

Dunking has been replaced with a large ladle of ice water

Pollywag Passengers followed the crewmembers. Some were better at kissing the fish than others.

Lined up

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At sea
01/26/2024