January 1, 2022, was the big day! The day Shelly and 70+ others would jump off a platform into 29-degree seawater (seawater freezes at 28.4 degrees!). I think it’s kind of crazy, but Shelly seemed excited. Or at least nonplused. Here's a photo of her waiting to be called to the plunge.
The ship anchored and the crew lowered the gangway and platform. Shelly and her fellow plungers got into their bathing suits and bathrobes, and headed to the Mud Room, where songs of encouragement were playing. “Ice, Ice, Baby”, “Stayin’ Alive”, and other thematic tunes blared over the speakers and livened up the crowd.
I found a spot in front of a window on deck 4 that had a great view of the platform. I’d be able to get some pictures, albeit through a slightly dirty window. Pia, the ship photographer, was in a Zodiac boat to the left of the platform ready to take photos of the plungers.
I saw two people jump from the platform into the freezing water, then saw friend Jonathan take the plunge, so I knew Shelly would be up soon. Monica, then Jacqueline plunged, and I figured Shelly was up next. Sure enough, Shelly carefully stepped down the gangway to the platform, a harness tied around her waist, and a rope attached to the harness. She readied herself and jumped into the air, arms outstretched, and thumbs pointed to the sky. I snapped 4 to 5 photos. She plunged into the freezing water, quickly resurfaced, and scampered up the ladder. She was quickly given a towel and her bathrobe. Here's 4 photos I took from deck 4 through the window, and one Ship Photographer, Pia, took from the Zodiac.
When I saw her come up to deck 4, she had a shot glass of vodka in her hand, and already seemed warm. She shared her experience with me and other “chickens” who didn’t plunge. It was very cold and shocking, but she was very glad she did it. It makes me cold just looking at the photos!
Amazing. not sure if i could do it.