are you a pollywog?

[Bernie]

Just wondered if anyone had some interesting experiences to recount from their first crossing of the Equator at sea. My wife and I enjoyed an initiation ritual that was pretty tame by Navy standards. On an RCL Golden Odyssey cruise in the Celebes all the pollywogs on board were herded into the swimming pool, covered with shaving cream (but not shaved) and forced to drink some awful swill from King Neptune's cup. We were given shellback certificates and free drink coupons for our trouble. Any other fond remembrances?

[Marc]

I crossed on the USS America in the Indian Ocean. Not as tame as your account. Was easy to get through though.

[pamda]

Yep. But I am NOT telling

[Lisa]

Come on guys, time to tell all!!! You can't get us interested then not say anything! <vbg>

My equator crossing was on the Caronia, not the one that's out now but her predecessor, the "Green Goddess, affectionately called by her crew the "Green Dragon". I was a kid, just 21 and we got the worst of it. The older passengers on this world cruise didn't even have to get wet. We were told to dress casually, dumped in the pool with our clothes on, greeted by a "Sea Urchin" a cresman dressed from his neck down in a variety of grass skirts covered with engine oil. Then we were heartily embraced and kissed by the sea urchin. The clothes were ruined and it took about a week to wash the grease off. Actually, it was fun. Somewhere around my apartment I've got a certificate saying I crossed the equator with due homage to King Neptune.

Caroe

[beachmom]

I'm a shellback and like Pamda am not telling. Part of the amusement is in not knowing when you go from a pollywog to a shellback.

Shhhhhhh