Crossing of the equator ended up being a bit of a let down sadly. Ordinarily both the crew and guests mark the occasion by watching the uninitiated crew endure a ceremony of food waste being chucked at them, ending in a swim. In the pool, not the Pacific thankfully!
Sadly it seems as though that may be coming to an end as environmental responsibilities have complicated justifying the ceremony. As a company we're very compliant with global standards and exercise an abundance of caution in many cases. As such it would appear than rather than treat the risk, we opted to remove the risk. It's an easy solution to most conundrums. There's no risk to the environment if you remove it. In this case the risk is treating and disposing of contaminated pool water. There are of course numerous contradictions, namely, galley water and shower water. Both of which are necessary, perhaps a contaminated pool isn't. Whatever the reason and the complexities behind that, the fact is the traditional ceremony didn't happen and will be replaced by a party to mark the crossing. A bit disappointing but what can you do?
The fact is though, I still crossed the line. I still sailed across the line that marks north and south of the globe. I sailed across the equator. In 1998 I stood on the equator in Africa, 28 years later I sailed across it on the world's last ocean liner.
I'm now a Shellback by definition of being a sailor that has crossed the equator at sea. I've been promoted from Pollywog, a sailor who never has!
22 year old me could not have possibly seen that coming!!
I have the certificate and tomorrow morning I arrive in French Polynesia! Not too shabby at all.
I remain 10.hours behind everyone at home, which continues to make communication a bit more difficult than I'd like. We're making progress, New Zealand will follow and then Australia lurks behind that and on the 24th I go from being behind to being in front!!!!!!
I'll be a time traveller!!
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