This was our second experience at crossing the equator via ship…..crossing from the Northern Hemisphere into the Southern Hemisphere, right in the heart of maritime Southeast Asia. Our ship lecturer this week spoke of this area, known as the “Coral Triangle,” a region rich with islands, coral reefs, and biodiversity.
It is a Maritime Tradition to take part in a time-honored, “crossing the line” ceremony. These ceremonies, rooted in old naval lore, were a fun way to mark a sailor’s first equator crossing. “Initiations” were led by King Neptune and his court, (dressed in appropriate costumes and face paint) expecting that you would “kiss a fish” as part of the ceremony! Once you’ve crossed, you’re no longer a “pollywog“—you’ve become a full fledged, seasoned “shellback!”
Since we became shellbacks on our 2020 Indian Ocean trip, we did not have to kiss the fish again, but we did receive new certificates. I pulled up some pictures of our 2020 “christening”!!
There’s something kind of thrilling about being told by the captain, “We’ve just crossed the equator!” From here on out, it’s the Southern Hemisphere all the way to Australia!
Our speaker also told us about this spot:
Pontianak, West Kalimantan: Pontianak is a unique Indonesian city located right on the Equator, in the western part of Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). We did not go there, but it has an Equator Monument where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere—and during the equinox, experience the moment when shadows vanish as the sun is directly overhead.
We did stand with our feet in both hemispheres during our 2014 South America trip …..right outside of Quito, Equador (Equador meaning “equator” in Spanish.)
We also witnessed the Coriolis effect there…watching the water go down the drain in two different directions… (to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.) Since my brain is not capable of comprehending physics…I never understood it, but saw it happen!!!
Our new certificates!!
.
Taiwan to Perth Cruise on Oceania Cruise Line; 2025