From Pollywog to Shellback by Royal Decree

Room service this morning was a nice change of pace for me. I met up with Jesse just in time to hear a lecturer tell the story of a British man wanted by Scotland Yard for train robbery who evaded capture for many years and finally settled in Rio and lived there for 35 years before returning to the UK late in life to answer for his crimes and serve time in prison.

To celebrate our crossing the Equator today just before noon, King Neptune and his Mermaid Queen, along with their entourage of mermaids-in-waiting and pirates, came aboard for a very solemn ceremony.


Those of us who had not crossed the Equator by ship before – pollywogs, as they called us – were pronounced full-fledged shellbacks. It was a proud moment in my life, and I must admit I shed a few tears during the highly emotional proceedings. When I returned to my stateroom this evening, I found an Equator Crossing Certificate prepared for me as a solemn reminder of this day. My eyes are filled with tears again, but I am determined to share the ancient words with you here. I just hope I can keep my composure long enough to make it to the end. Here goes…

Greetings to all ye Mortals on this Good Planet Earth. Be it known to all that I, Neptunus Rex, Monarch and Ruler of all the Oceans and the Seven Seas, do hereby Proclaim that the Former Landlubber known as Ms. Donna Coleman-Myrick has, in a Relatively Sane and Sober Condition, Crossed the Line which divides the North from the South on My Watery Dominions, known to All as The Equator. This Subject, having appeared within Our Royal Domain aboard the Good Ship M/S Crystal Serenity has been found Worthy to be Numbered as one of Our Trusty Shellbacks and is hereby initiated into the Ancient Order of the Solemn Mysteries of the Deep, with all Rights and Privileges pertaining thereto: To Cruise without Impediment or Hindrance from Wind or Wave, Whirlpool or Waterspout, Including payment of Hush Money and Contributions to the Fishes Welcoming All Ships passing through My Domain. Given to Our Newly Initiated Subject on this date Wednesday, January 20, 2010 By My Colleague and Trusted Friend, The Good Captain of this Vessel: Captain Glenn Edvardsen.

Tomorrow we dock at Fortaleza, Brazil.