If you walked the gangway, up is, of course, better than down, and if it was a level one you crossed, progress is indicated, but you will first have to cope with some reactivated enmity from the past [1]
coming down the: social disgrace and disadvantageous industry in every realm.
others: loss of friends’ confidence.
crossing a: wil receive hostility from a rival.
going up the, of a ship: a transition out of a difficult past into an adventure.
others crowding to be: turn back, don’t change; make the best of the status quo.
sailors or officers being on a: being restrained by your environment. [3]