Veendam’s repositioning cruise to South America brought our beautiful ship across the Equator and into the warm Pacific. Guests turned out in force to welcome King Neptune and his mermaid Bride as he doled out punishments to the pollywogs presented before him. The ceremony was officiated by the prosecutor (played by Cruise Director Dan Bernbach), and the ships senior officers who played judge to the ‘wogs.

As the ‘wogs passed through the line of doctors, nurses and pirates, colorful goo was aplenty and no one was spared! Probably the most disliked of all traditions, the fish kiss, was epic this year and the crowd cheered for more as each took their turn. Everyone had a fantastic time watching and participating, and passengers even lined up afterward for their turn taking photos with the fish!

Doctor Amy Carroll, Nurse Loryn Cura, Nurse Gerry and Pirate Kayleigh administering goo and an ice bath to pollywogs Sarah Fagan, Rachael Switzer and Rob Nicholson.

In this photo, from left: King Neptune 4th Engineer Jamie Glasheen as King Neptune, Youth Staff Nicole Eastman as the Mermaid, Captain Bas van Dreumel, Chief Engineer Tom Mahon, Staff Captain Colm Ryan, Hotel Director Bert van Mackelenbergh, and SEH Officer Derek Williams.

Pirates, pollywogs, nurses and doctors all take a celebratory plunge!

Fish Kiss! All lined up for a smooch! From left to right: Cadets Shaun Holmes, Johan Krijnsen, Don Bakker, Erwin Brummelhuis and Electrician Tech Jesus Aladano.

Brandi Johnson is Veendam’s human resources manager.