A big day, nautically, on board. We crossed the equator!! King Neptune came on board midday to conduct the traditional initiation ceremony of converting “pollywogs”, or those never having crossed, into “shellbacks”, experienced equator-crossers. Dozens of people lined up to be dressed in togas and have their face painted while hundreds of others gathered to watch. It’s a lot of fun for the spectators as the pollywogs have to bow to Neptune, kiss a fish, and let themselves get slimed with ???

The rest of my day fell in to the usual routine: morning lecture, some trivia, an island talk (actually on pearls but fascinating), lots of reading, Happy Hour with the Solos, and dinner with a few. Today was shy Justin’s birthday, which he only shared the information at the table. The waiters brought out a lovely little cake that was enough for all to share.

Evenings are dedicated to entertainment, every lounge has live music of some description. I joined a few ladies to listen to an excellent duo for a while but called it a night when the karaoke started. Can’t have too much of a good thing!