Strange But True – Bizarre Cruising Customs.

Thought I’d have a little fun this week instead of my usual ‘rant’, and share some of the known, and not-so well known weird and wonderful cruise customs and the history behind them. I believe sometimes it’s the quirky little idiosyncrasies that make the difference. Let me know if you were familiar with or indeed have experienced any of these.

Crossing the Equator ceremony.

Are you a shellback or a pollywog? If you’ve never crossed the Equator on a ship, you are the latter. The “crossing the line” ceremony happens on vessels that sail across the zero-degree latitude line. On board Cunard ships the ceremony is called the King Neptune’s Court Ceremony, in reference to the custom’s origins (which tested a sailor’s seaworthiness), and refers to god of the sea Neptune’s willingness to allow (or forbid) a ship to continue on its journey. Most World Cruises will include at least one crossing. Either the captain or entertainment director will preside over the ceremony at which you can expect fancy dress, lots of silliness and pool-dipping shenanigans. Some cruise lines put on a Neptune’s Ball.

Baked Alaska parade.

This odd ritual of parading around the dining room with deserts held high is said to have started in the early 20th century, when cruise ships first acquired refrigeration and decided to make a song and dance about it. The parade usually happens on the penultimate night of the cruise.

The polar plunge.

The “polar plunge” is a rite-of-passage tradition for the brave (or crackers). Most cruise lines that sail in polar waters offer the limb-numbing dip, some strap a belt to passengers and attach it to a hooked pole, others use life jackets. Popular ‘plunge’ spots include Glacier Bay in Alaska,  South America – and even Antarctica. The recognition and prize on larger ships for these nutters comes in the form of a certificate. (wow).

Godmothers.

The Vikings did it with blood, today it’s usually Champagne. The spillage of liquid over a newly built vessel is a long-held custom but cruise lines have taken the ceremonial blessing a step further. From Sixites ‘it’ girls (Twiggy) to Italian sex icons (Sophia Lauren); the queen of cakes (Mary Berry) to HRH herself (the Queen – godmother to Queen Mary 2) the smashing of a bottle against the ship’s bow by a designated godmother is part and parcel of a modern-day launch.

Sailaway.

The Sailaway Ceremony dates back to the days when a departing ship was considered a major event. Some ships still make a fuss – bagpipers, elaborately dressed geishas and string quartets are among the send-offs one can find in the world’s various ports.

Unlucky number 17.

The number 17 is considered unlucky in Italy so most Italian-owned ships avoid it. MSC Cruises doesn’t have a cabin 17 or deck 17 on any ships across fleet. Why? The Roman numeral XVII is changed anagrammatically to VIXI, which in Latin translates to “I have lived”. In other words: “My life is over” – cripes!

So there you go, let me know if you’ve come across any other bizarre customs on your cruising escapades. I’d love to hear from you.

Bye for now.