Between Devil's Island and Fortaleza, Brazil, we pass south of the mouth of the Amazon River, and then cross the Equator.
There are all sorts of rituals of the sea involved in such a portentous crossing, and the cruise ships do their own recreation. Lots of silliness, but with some basis in tradition, and the initiation rites by which newer sailors proved that they were indeed up to the rigors of seafaring.
King Neptune presides, and there is much silliness with syrups and jello and stuff. Supposedly many of the crew who were crossing for the first time had their heads shaved (although I don't know that for sure). I am glad this is not my first crossing.
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