Earthquake/tsunami and itinerary

The world changes every day.  After the earthquake in Japan and the damage to the nuclear reactors, our itinerary has not changed.  However, it's going to be a day-to-day decision and we are on our way to Singapore, which wasn't affected by the tsunami, for one day on Wednesday, and then to Vietnam 2 days after that.  We have to refuel in Singapore.  Rumor Ranger (a column on board that challenges all the rumors floating around) says that we are not going to Australia!  However, it looks like the nuclear reactors in Japan have already melted down which doesn't sound like we'll be going to Japan.

Events continue on board ship regardless of the world tensions.  We received Al Jaszera (sp.) an Arab  news only TV station while we were in port in Chennai in order to follow the earthquake news.  It's the only time we have had access to news, except through our computers.  So, yesterday Neptune Day was celebrated, which is the initiation by King Neptune ( the Captain) of pollywogs (newcomers) who cross the equator.  Although we have crossed the equator twice now, it was postponed until yesterday.  Students, some faculty and LLLs, jumped in the pool after being covered in muck, kissed the fish, and some had their heads shaved.  I was amazed at how many girls contributed their locks.  They do look strange and are barely (no pun intended) recognizable.

Above photo is Captain Jeremy as Neptune and the Dean as his wife.  To right is Dean Dan Garvey, Executive Dean.
To the left, students line up to have their heads shaved.  Notice girl in middle.