On the way up to Singapore the ship crosses the equator on a line that more or less cuts Sumatra in half, we are out to sea with no land in sight. It is about 1pm when this happens and it is the signal for an old custom to commence.

The old naval tradition is to initiate those on board who have not crossed the equator, the Pollywogs. King Neptune, Roman god of the water, and his Queen lead a procession along the decks to their thrones.

Pollywogs are subject to all sorts of acts under the gaze and authority of the King.

They then become Shellbacks, loyal servants of Neptune. In the old days it was fairly rugged stuff. Today, on the Coral Princess, it is mostly cream, spaghetti and other goey slippery stuff being thrown around. Some are asked to kiss dead fish. Lots of music and cheering.

Allthego, Homealone and Slobro looked on from a safe distance as selected passengers were subjected to the initiation. They seemed pleased, the lady in red was popular with Slobro. Hopefully, we won’t have to go through this again when we cross back over the equator on the other side of the world because we are now all Shellbacks!

Once the ceremony was over we retired for lunch and then late afternoon trivia demanded our attendance and concentration.