Day 1: The ship left the dock this afternoon after everyone was told what to do in case of an emergency. I still can't believe that someone arranged for our graduating class to have this cruise all to ourselves. Sure, it's not a very large ship, but we weren't a very large class. Even with many of my fellow classmates having families now, there is still enough room to get around and I don't feel crowded. Not even with all the kids on the pool deck. It seems some of my former classmates have been very fertile in the last couple of decades. Now to take a few minutes and finish getting myself settled in my cabin.
Day 3: The food here is fantastic. I ate so much yesterday, I spent most of my time in a food coma. The easy access to so many tropical mixed drinks didn't help my desire to sleep much. The supply of food seems to be endless. Each time I made a trip to the buffet line, anything that seemed to be nearly out was quickly replenished. It didn't matter if it was breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there was always plenty of steaming hot dishes ready. There are more formal meals planned for other nights of the cruise. I can't wait to see what those menus offer.
Day 6: I spent the last couple of days catching up with some of my old friends. We shared memories of our times together and told stories of what happened to each of us in the years since. As a group, we then checked out the nightlife the ship had to offer. None of us was too interested in the casino, so we participated in a few rounds of karaoke. Our questionable singing skills were enhanced by a few too many drinks. Nothing like some new stories to share at the next reunion. I enjoyed the company of one person in particular. I couldn't help but wonder what may have happened if I'd had the bravery back in school that I had at the end of the night. I'm sure that kiss goodnight will lead to almost as much gossip now as it would have back in school.
Day 7: Something isn't quite right. I don't think any of the other passengers have noticed. Too many of them paying attention to their families I guess. The crew, however, all seem distracted. The captain's voice didn't seem to be its bright and cheerful self during his morning announcements and list of scheduled events. I also don't think the ship is where its supposed to be. According to the itinerary, we should be headed back towards port. The GPS on my phone shows we are still far out to sea and getting further from land. Did someone hijack our reunion cruise? Are we all in danger? Is the captain stealing the ship for some reason? What is going on? It will be expensive, but maybe I can call someone on land with my cell.
Day 8: I couldn't get anyone to answer my calls. It was almost like nobody was even there. The captain made an announcement this evening that explained it all. Something has happened on the mainland. He wasn't quite clear about what it was that happened. All he did say was that hundreds of thousands of people are dead. Communications are very spotty if they are there at all. It seems like our cruise ship, and a few others like it, are now the lifeboats for humanity itself.
Day 9: The attitude all over the ship has changed. Parents are still letting their kids play, but the laughter seems muted and distant. Meal times are much more restricted as some rationing is now in place to extend our food supplies. It seems the alcohol isn't being rationed. Some of my classmates now seem to be drunk all the time. I'll take the fact not everyone is getting plastered as a good sign for humanity. What's left of it anyway.
I may continue more of this story later on. I may not. I'm not sure yet. While I decide, what kind of tragedy do you think the cruise ship passengers avoided? A viral outbreak? Some kind of massive EMP? National riots and a breakdown of society itself? Let me know in the comments.
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