Final "Cunard" Crossing of Equator

[Chris]

We were aboard during the final "Crossing of the Line". Here we have King Neptune (Warren) performing formalities

[hollihedge]

Wow - do they dunk everyone with gunge who has not crossed or just ship's staff??

[Andy F]

Strictly speaking Hollihedge, maritime tradition dictates that anyone 'Crossing the Line' for the first time (known as Pollywogs), are granted an audience with King Neptune and proudly become 'Shellbacks' once they finally emerge from the 'Gunking'. Cunard's Alastair Greener reports on the recent CTL ceremony aboard QV in his blog http://wearecunard.com/2009/02/crossing-lines/. 

To see how the Royal Navy mark this, take a look at http://www.visitandlearn.co.uk/TrackHMSEndurance/ShipsDiary/CrossingtheLine/tabid/200/Default.aspx

My Equatorial crossings to date have all been by air and thus well out of reach of the good King and his court of mayhem but were I to find myself crossing the Equator by sea then count me in! I am the proud holder of a 'Blue Nose' certificate though, presented to me by the Court of Jack Frost when I crossed the Arctic Circle. 

Great post btw Chris and thanks 

[hollihedge]

Thanks very much Andy - most amusing.  I remain a "Pollywog" and goodness knows now if I will ever be a "Shellback"!!!

[Twynkle]

We found King Neptune on the Arctic Circle!
He must have a compass as well as gunk - we got grog!

[Andy F]

Thanks very much Andy - most amusing.  I remain a "Pollywog" and goodness knows now if I will ever be a "Shellback"!!!

You and me both Hollihedge!

[cunardqueen]

I remain a "Pollywog" and goodness knows now if I will ever be a "Shellback"!!!

My, are we still allowed to call people such things

[Andy F]

Providing your name's not CT it would appear!

[cunardqueen]

Bit like her mother, more balls than many of the men she is associated with..
perhaps we shouldnt go down that road but she does write some good books...

[Chris]

Found this video on my PC of the noon-report just before the last "Cunard" crossing of the Equator for QE2: