Seetag

February 23, 2024 sea day

Today we crossed the equator at 7:01 am.

I started the day by attending a lecture on Polynesian clothing yesterday and today. “Tapa”, a bark pulp material, is made from the bark of a tree. This can be made into a “pareo,” a cloth that can be worn as clothing in a variety of ways.

Afterwards the “Top Tier Event” took place. In the presence of the captain, employees of the month and particularly loyal customers of the shipping company were honored.

At 11:30 a.m. I found myself at the specialty restaurant "Giovanni's Table", where I had arranged to meet four ladies for the "Taste of Royal" culinary event. After tuna tartare, risotto with crab meat, filet mignon with jumbo shrimp and cheesecake, we were stuffed and satisfied.

We had finished just in time to witness the arrival of King Neptune. As usual, after every equator crossing, he came on board to punish crew members who had committed something wrong. The three delinquents had to kiss a fish and endure an ice water shower. The king then allowed the ship to continue sailing on his waters.

In the evening we were able to listen to a top-class singer, Belinda Marks, who has even performed at the Sydney Opera House.