Crossing the Line Ceremony

For passenger who had never crossed the Equator before it is necessary to be initiated into the Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep.
If you have never entered King Neptune’s domain before you are called a ‘pollywog’.
After initiation you become a ‘trusty shellback’.
Not sure if these are names made up on the Norwegian Dream, but I do know the traditions date back to the middle-ages.
I made use of such a historic event in my first novel, SEA DUST.
Photo: Yours truly during the initiation ceremony