Day 8 - At Sea

Date:  Jan. 16, 2007

 

Location:  At Sea

 

Next Port:  Fortaleza, Brazil, Jan. 17

 

Quick Summary:  A sea day, marked by subsiding winds and seas – 82 degrees and 100% humidity as we cruise near the Equator off Brazil. The appearance of King Neptune and his court and the “Crossing the Equator” ceremony were the day’s highlights.

 

Report:  Larry and Karen were both up early and into the gym…we are determined not to get too lazy. Karen then attended the daily devotionals followed by our breakfast on the aft deck. We have to admit it felt especially good after watching CNN this a.m. and learning that Chicago was 22/14 today.

 

Niki Sepsas’ lecture was on the Amazon – its flora, fauna and people. It included some beautiful photography and was very interesting.

 

Then we changed into our swimsuits for the initiation ceremony for “Polliwogs,” people who have never “sailed” across the Equator. before. It was good fun on the pool deck with the band, balloon decorations and King Neptune and his Court (mermaids, pirates, a medical team and a few other crazies) in costume. All of us “Polliwogs” were roped together and paraded down from the track deck to the pool area.

 

Three of our group were selected to be “tried” by the Prosecutor (Cruise Director Jamie) and found “guilty” by Neptune. Then they were given a “haircut,” “shaved” and “operated” on by the med team. All of this was accompanied by gobs of slime and goo. Then the three guilty “Polliwogs” were forced to dive into the pool in order to be washed of their sins and become “Shellbacks.” The rest of us were given the choice of kissing a 4-ft long, very dead fish or a mermaid. All but three (including Larry) chose the fish. Of course, at the last moment, a gross, costumed male crew member was substituted for the two comely female mermaids. After doing the deed, Larry and the two others jumped into the pool. There were some reports that Karen faked the fish kiss! It was a very well-attended ceremony and everyone had a good time.

 

This was followed by a special buffet and pizza luncheon around the pool. We spent a lazy afternoon reading. Larry also worked in the computer room sending some e-mail, and Karen went to a strength and conditioning session in the gym.

 

After a quiet dinner, we went to a special cabaret show put together in the past two days by the production singers.  We were supposed to pick up a new entertainer today in Belem, the port visit that was cancelled.  It was an enjoyable evening.

 

Tomorrow we should dock in Fortaleza late in the day for our unscheduled overnight.

 

Karen and Larry