The order of the Ditch

[flagger]

It would seem that most cruiselines have done away with the Pollywogs into Shellback ceremony, but I wonder if RCL has any recognition on canal crossings for those who become members of the Order of the Ditch?

[Apoggi]

Please explain????

[truffles2]

Yes, we got a nice certificate from Radiance Panama Canal in April 2007--signed by the Master, Hotel Director & Cruise Director. It stated that we completed the Transit of the Panama Canal, etc with ship's name and date. I doubt that they do those for an incomplete or partial transit. It also listed all the ports and the mileage. Total distance sailed 4,664 Nm. Avg. speed 18.3 knots ( 1 Nm = 1.15 miles)

[Pacific Sandy]

We took part in the "Crossing of the Equator" ceremony on the Star Princess between Hawaii & Tahiti. It was so amazing. There were 10 of us.

 

We were brought before King Neptune's court (they were all dressed up) and we were accused of a crime. I believe it was "Saving Seats in the Front Row in the Theatre". Not true of course. We were on the back deck with 2000+ people watching.

 

We were taken to the "Surgeon" and placed on a table next to the pool. He proceeded to slather us with green pudding, jello, raw eggs, etc.. Then we were brought back to court and told we were to "Walk the Plank" We had to jump in the pool. It was the small pool at the back of the ship.

 

The entire cruise staff ended up jumping in the pool with us, costumes and all. The pool was an absolute mess and we had a blast. The pictures are amazing.

 

So, we officially went from being Pollywogs to Shellbacks. We were given a certificate and Princess gave us each a whole set of pictures from the event.

 

By late afternoon, you would never know the entire deck had been covered in green slime. It was spotless.

 

That event was a trememdous amount of work for the Crew and I do commend them for going to the trouble. I will never forget it.