Does Ice Freeze at 0 Degrees ?

Maybe if you are talking Centigrade, but here on the Viking zero degrees means equator and all that comes with that. This is a big moment in a sailor's life...or is it just another reason to party?

Unlike other cruise ships, continuous partying is not something Viking is known for thank goodness. But, crossing the equator is not something that is taken lightly, especially if it is one's first time.
How else would one want to celebrate this other than kissing the fish?

Our Cruise Director and Captain Taking the Plunge

The weather was perfect, 80 and sunny, and everyone was on deck to take part in the festivities, or at least watch as others puckered up. The crowd parted to allow Neptune and his royal court to walk up to the dunking tank.

Heather Reading the Proclamation with King Neptune

Along with Neptune, Heather, our illustrious cruise director was on hand to read the proclamation as us tadpoles, including both passengers and crew who had not crossed the equator before. After a brief statement by Neptune, in an inquisition type manner, serious charges were read regarding the staff's outlandish (out-sea-ish?) actions...
Bartenders were accused of watering down the vodka,  chefs called out for making desserts with calories, laundry staff who somehow would secretly tighten waistbands so clothes would not fit, and pool staff for short-sheeting the towels around the pool deck. All acknowledged their dastardly deeds.
"Shame, Shame!", screamed the crowd, as group by group, the accused had to kiss a rather cold and slimy sea bass, then single file, or at times, to bolster their courage, in pairs these scoundrels would walk up to the side of the pool and pause for a second, as if finally realizing the gravity of what they had done. Then, since there was no gang plank, they had to, most of the time, improvise and use the ladder. Bravely wading across the salty and stormy sea of our outdoor pool, (yes at times nearly white caps, depending on the rocking of the Sun). Even Luamei, our Indonesian beverage server, managed to cross the waters, although she knew not how to swim. This was no small feat for her, being she topped out at 59 inches, in a 5-foot pool.

Emilia, VikingVocalist Holding the Fish

Then, even though we had done no wrongs, the rest of us tadpoles, lined up, kissed the fish and took the plunge. Coming up the ladder we were greeted as leatherbacks, and given the traditional Scandinavian Aquavit.... all this to the roar of our fellow, now south of the equator, sojourners.

Look closely at the first picture and you will see not only Heather taking the plunge but also our ship's captain, even though already leatherbacks.