







There’s a first time for everything, and for a small group of people, that includes a first dive in Alvin. Rookie divers are greeted on deck with a ritual that stretches back decades: frozen shoes and a cold seawater shower. Popping Rocks 2016 had a high percentage of first-time divers, including cruise chief scientist Mark Kurz, which made for lots of cold feet and a very wet deck. (All photos by Maris Wicks, unless otherwise noted)