Neptune Day has been happening for as long as Semester at Sea has been around, even longer. Neptune Day is thought of as a way to symbolize making it to the equator, and is often referred to as a ‘line-crossing ceremony,' symbolizing how people on the voyage transition from a “pollywog” to a “shellback.”
It is the time in the voyage when you are waken up early around 0700 by the crew members onboard the MV World Odyssey, who pounds on your cabin door and play on instruments ranging from drums, cowbells, and tambourines as an early morning wake up call. This wake up call happens throughout the many hallways on the ship. The staff are also dressed up to look like servants of King Neptune.
When you rise to deck 9, the pool deck be sure to be wearing a swimsuit. When you get to deck 9 that is when all the fun begins. The servants of King Neptune have a little performance up their sleeve for you. After the performance you have the option of shaving your head or getting fish guts poured on you, or maybe even both if you choose. If you are brave enough to get the fish guts, the crew members take a bucket full of fish guts and pour it on your head before you jump into the ships pool. You should be aware that upon exiting the pool, you have to kiss a dead fish (or two), will be greeted by King Neptune and Minerva ( do not get scared by the fact that King Neptune's whole body will be painted green), and then you will be asked to kiss King Neptune's ring. After doing these two duties then you will be proclaimed a "shellback."
Also after having slime guts poured on you, be sure to stick around for dancing in the morning. You will also have the opportunity to take pictures with King Neptune and his majesty, Minerva after all the "pollywogs" have become "shellbacks." Stick around the pool deck because after the fish is all kissed out, you can take pictures with it. Later in the day, if you have a Sharpie or a black marker you can put a 0 on your hand. Neptune Day is a fun time that you do not want to miss out on; however, you will smell like fish guts after the day is over.
ความคิดเห็น