Join the ancient maritime rite of passage as your ship crosses the 180th meridian — the International Date Line — and earn the legendary Golden Shellback distinction, one of the rarest honours a seafarer can hold.
What to expect
As the ship approaches 180° longitude, Neptune Rex and his royal court emerge on deck in full ceremonial regalia to preside over the crossing. Initiates — 'Pollywogs' — face playful trials before being declared Golden Shellbacks. The moment the bow crosses the Date Line, you simultaneously lose or gain a full calendar day, and every passenger witnesses the ship's clock skip forward or back 24 hours. A personalised certificate bearing your name, the exact coordinates, and the date of crossing is presented as a permanent keepsake of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Good to know
This happens at sea, so there is no all-aboard concern. Watch the ship's daily programme for the exact time of crossing — it is sometimes in the early hours, so set your alarm. Dress for an outdoor deck ceremony; the Pacific can be breezy at 180°.