Part One of Story Eleven from "A Symphony of Short Stories"

Story Eleven: THE BIG CRUISE PART ONE OF THREE

Cunard’s flagship, the Queen Mary 2, is nothing short of a floating city. She is a resplendent dame whose 13 decks accommodate duplex apartments, suites, staterooms, various dining rooms, ballrooms, bars, lounges, swimming pools, state of the art fitness gym, a casino, a theatre, a planetarium, a spa, a kids club and many more. Being an English lady, she must naturally have “Harrods” onboard as well. Though by today’s standards QM 2, as she is affectionately called, is not the largest of cruise ships – she is, however, one of the most opulent. The mahogany wood finishing, the cascading chandeliers and the signature white glove service with a dashing smile could almost transport one back into that luxurious era of ocean travel. As you glide through the hallways, you might feel obliged to dress the part and not walk around in shorts or fit-flops. When, in the presence of royalty, we must be respectful. So, do not be alarmed when you see tuxedo-clad men and women in their splendid evening gowns cruising down the grand staircase at dinner. 

With her magnificent size of grandeur, every head would turn in awe whenever QM 2 arrived at each port of call. In 2004, the year she was unveiled to the world, crowds would gather excitedly just to catch a glimpse of her. Children would gesture their hands with such animation that one half expects QM 2 to reciprocate with a smile. As always, it is the most extraordinary feeling to be standing amongst the many fortunate passengers at the ship’s balcony, while waving at the many more below, as her majesty pushes out to sea. The sound of her horns would trumpet through the air inviting yet another journey of adventure and discovery for all her passengers.

This was the very reason why Sandra Chan chose to join the crew of Queen Mary 2.  

On this particular voyage of May 2012, QM 2 would be departing from her “home” port of call: Southampton and sail across to Paris. From Paris, she would waltz through the seas to visit Madrid, Barcelona, Cannes, Florence, Rome, Venice, Amsterdam, and then finally return home to England.

Captain Benjamin was very glad to have Sandra onboard as a special “Guest Liaisons Officer”. She would only be handling a list of very important guests.

“These are the ones we must pay a close attention to. I refrain from using the word, special. Not all the guests on this list are VIPs. The Director of Guest Services will be going through the list with you. If you come across any difficulty in handling a guest from this list, you may speak with the Director or see me directly. I am delighted to have you join our family at sea. I am sure Dr. Khan is celebrating the fact that you are travelling again.” Captain said and patted her on the shoulder.

THIS IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK: "LIFE IS A JOURNEY - A SYMPHONY OF SHORT STORIES".

THE BOOK IS BEING PUBLISHED AS WE SPEAK, BOTH IN HARD COPY AND E-FORMAT. 

HOPE YOU LIKE IT ENOUGH TO BUY THE BOOK WHEN IT IS OUT. I WILL UPDATE AGAIN. 

THANKS :)