Caribbean Cruise
Part 2
Part 2
A LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE!
Also travelling on the Wheaten Princess were members of a well known singing group, called the 'MIDNIGHT HOWLERS'. They were a good looking quartette, and their members, Keeva, Maggie, Buster and Dunkin, were rehearsing enthusiastically in their cabin in preparation for the Masked Ball, at which they had been invited to perform.
Unfortunately Dunkin, who was the lead tenor, managed to pull a muscle in his neck in his efforts to hit a particularly high note in the song "Lady in Red" and he had to visit the ship's doctor.
Doctor Tipper and her Nurse assistant, Tara, examined him and assured him that he would be recovered enough to sing by the time the night of the Masked Ball arrived, as long as he took the anti-inflammatory tablets prescribed and wore a special collar.
When Dunkin saw the collar he was supposed to wear he nearly had a fit!
"You can't honestly expect me to wear THAT thing around!" he exclaimed in horror. "All the girls will think I'm a real dork!"
"DORK??" asked Doctor Tipper.
Nurse Tara grinned impishly and replied, "Yes Doc, that's a slang term meaning a real goof!"
"GOOF??" responded the doctor with widening eyes.
"Yes, you know," said Nurse Tara with an impatient shake of her blonde curls. "An Idiot!"
Doctor Tipper nodded her head understandingly and said seriously, "Well, sorry old boy, but you'll have to put up with it. You can't risk further injury, and you'll have to go carefully for the next couple of days if you want to be able to sing at the Ball."
Dunkin groaned, and submitted to the torture of having the collar secured around his neck.
If only he hadn't tried to take that high note!
Doctor Tipper and her Nurse assistant, Tara, examined him and assured him that he would be recovered enough to sing by the time the night of the Masked Ball arrived, as long as he took the anti-inflammatory tablets prescribed and wore a special collar.
When Dunkin saw the collar he was supposed to wear he nearly had a fit!
"You can't honestly expect me to wear THAT thing around!" he exclaimed in horror. "All the girls will think I'm a real dork!"
"DORK??" asked Doctor Tipper.
Nurse Tara grinned impishly and replied, "Yes Doc, that's a slang term meaning a real goof!"
"GOOF??" responded the doctor with widening eyes.
"Yes, you know," said Nurse Tara with an impatient shake of her blonde curls. "An Idiot!"
Doctor Tipper nodded her head understandingly and said seriously, "Well, sorry old boy, but you'll have to put up with it. You can't risk further injury, and you'll have to go carefully for the next couple of days if you want to be able to sing at the Ball."
Dunkin groaned, and submitted to the torture of having the collar secured around his neck.
If only he hadn't tried to take that high note!
The Scouts, who were on their very first cruise, got together and decided that they should try their first alcoholic drinks as well! The bar was open and they hurried over, cash in hand, and ordered a variety of fancy cocktails.
Kramer, the bar attendant, looked at their scout caps and shook his head. "No cocktails for you!" he laughed.
Kelsie was indignant. After all, this wasn't a hotel or a REAL bar, it was a CRUISE SHIP!
"WHY can't we have cocktails?" she demanded!
"Sorry kids," he said sympathetically, "you're under age."
Kramer, the bar attendant, looked at their scout caps and shook his head. "No cocktails for you!" he laughed.
Kelsie was indignant. After all, this wasn't a hotel or a REAL bar, it was a CRUISE SHIP!
"WHY can't we have cocktails?" she demanded!
"Sorry kids," he said sympathetically, "you're under age."
There were a few strong comments from the kids, but Kramer wasn't to be swayed. They ordered soft drinks instead and longed for the day when they'd be grown up, and treated with more respect. It seemed to them that 'grownups' got all the breaks, and kids always lost out!
After finishing their drinks, they went up on deck to get some fresh air. The pool looked so inviting that some of them went for a swim. Rooney, Brody, Rose and Stella were great swimmers and demonstrated their talents to the other passengers who were watching nearby.
Guiness, one of the 'Irish Terrors', was chatting up some girls. Some of them looked rich and he was always interested in rich women.
There was another boy there who was interested in girls too, but he didn't care if they were rich or not! His name was Boomer, and he'd been peeping at some of the girls in the dressing room. Boomer had found a little hole in the wall which provided him with a bird's eye view of what was going on inside. (Naughty boy!)
He had been doing this kind of thing for quite some time and he had no conscience about it. It was, in fact, one of his favourite pastimes - spying on the girls!
One of the Scouts spotted him and threatened to go to the Captain, so Boomer reluctantly moved away and found a couple of girls at the poolside. He played the 'gentleman' and offered one of them his chair. There was no harm in making a good impression! If he could only find himself a girlfriend of his own, he wouldn't need to 'peep' at them!
He should be able to find himself a pretty girl on a cruise, surely! After all, he was quite a handsome young buck!
Maddie and Sugarbear had arranged to meet at the pool for a swim, and Boomer almost got knocked over by Sugarbear as she ran to meet her friend, Maddie, the Aussie girl who was travelling with them.
After finishing their drinks, they went up on deck to get some fresh air. The pool looked so inviting that some of them went for a swim. Rooney, Brody, Rose and Stella were great swimmers and demonstrated their talents to the other passengers who were watching nearby.
Guiness, one of the 'Irish Terrors', was chatting up some girls. Some of them looked rich and he was always interested in rich women.
There was another boy there who was interested in girls too, but he didn't care if they were rich or not! His name was Boomer, and he'd been peeping at some of the girls in the dressing room. Boomer had found a little hole in the wall which provided him with a bird's eye view of what was going on inside. (Naughty boy!)
He had been doing this kind of thing for quite some time and he had no conscience about it. It was, in fact, one of his favourite pastimes - spying on the girls!
One of the Scouts spotted him and threatened to go to the Captain, so Boomer reluctantly moved away and found a couple of girls at the poolside. He played the 'gentleman' and offered one of them his chair. There was no harm in making a good impression! If he could only find himself a girlfriend of his own, he wouldn't need to 'peep' at them!
He should be able to find himself a pretty girl on a cruise, surely! After all, he was quite a handsome young buck!
Maddie and Sugarbear had arranged to meet at the pool for a swim, and Boomer almost got knocked over by Sugarbear as she ran to meet her friend, Maddie, the Aussie girl who was travelling with them.
"Gee," he thought, "I really like the athletic type. Perhaps I should introduce myself to these two as well!" So off he went to make a conquest - he hoped!
Meanwhile, our two dizzy blondes, Lacey O'Quinn and Kansas, were trying to find their way to the top deck. Kansas was all dressed for the pool, but they couldn't find it! They wondered why cruise ships were made with so many stairs that didn't lead to where they wanted to go, and the lifts always stopped on the wrong levels!
They ended up in the foyer, where they met a couple of fine gentlemen who gave them instructions on how to get to the sun deck. (They didn't know it at the time, but their companions were to be two of the judges of the Beauty Contest.
Lacey and Kansas hadn't planned on entering because they were far too shy, and besides, they'd probably never find the place where it was to be held!
Meanwhile, our two dizzy blondes, Lacey O'Quinn and Kansas, were trying to find their way to the top deck. Kansas was all dressed for the pool, but they couldn't find it! They wondered why cruise ships were made with so many stairs that didn't lead to where they wanted to go, and the lifts always stopped on the wrong levels!
They ended up in the foyer, where they met a couple of fine gentlemen who gave them instructions on how to get to the sun deck. (They didn't know it at the time, but their companions were to be two of the judges of the Beauty Contest.
Lacey and Kansas hadn't planned on entering because they were far too shy, and besides, they'd probably never find the place where it was to be held!
Finally, with the help of Truman and Henry, they were enjoying the sun and the sea breeze. Lacey DID notice that Kansas was the only one wearing a life jacket in the pool though! Ah well, it takes all kinds...
That evening, there was a line-up of pretty girls waiting to enter the Beauty Contest. Jimmy, the Entertainment Director, was in his element! Surrounded by beauties, he took their names and cabin numbers, (but not their measurements!) and gave them instructions on how the competition was to be conducted. There were to be three judges, two men and a lady, who were passengers of high reputation. The girls were not given their names, as care had to be taken that no one had the opportunity to 'chat them up' or influence them prior to the contest.
There would be a preliminary heat from which seven finalists would be selected. The girls were very excited and studied each other to see who might have a better chance than they. Of course, every girl thought SHE would be the winner - feminine pride being what it is!
The three Girl Scouts were there to put their names down, but Stella found the whole thing very boring. Not so for Kelsie and Rose, who were right up there making sure they had their chance to be beauty queens. Maddie, who was from Australia, decided to get in on the act as well.
Jimmy was delighted with the response. They would have a really good competition and the three judges would have a tough job in picking the winners from these beautiful girls.
That evening, there was a line-up of pretty girls waiting to enter the Beauty Contest. Jimmy, the Entertainment Director, was in his element! Surrounded by beauties, he took their names and cabin numbers, (but not their measurements!) and gave them instructions on how the competition was to be conducted. There were to be three judges, two men and a lady, who were passengers of high reputation. The girls were not given their names, as care had to be taken that no one had the opportunity to 'chat them up' or influence them prior to the contest.
There would be a preliminary heat from which seven finalists would be selected. The girls were very excited and studied each other to see who might have a better chance than they. Of course, every girl thought SHE would be the winner - feminine pride being what it is!
The three Girl Scouts were there to put their names down, but Stella found the whole thing very boring. Not so for Kelsie and Rose, who were right up there making sure they had their chance to be beauty queens. Maddie, who was from Australia, decided to get in on the act as well.
Jimmy was delighted with the response. They would have a really good competition and the three judges would have a tough job in picking the winners from these beautiful girls.
Madame Killian did a roaring trade that evening, with many of the girls consulting her to see if they would be among the finalists, or perhaps the winners!
Meanwhile, our two Sleuths were hot on the tracks of their two suspects, Guiness and Murphy F, who were following that rich lady, Bella Beach Bunny around. They still had not received news from Captain Dasher Dan, but they were not taking any chances with these two.
They followed them into the Seafarer's Lounge, and sat nearby in the hopes of overhearing their conversation. Bella Beach Bunny was seated with some friends a little further away, but in clear sight.
Murphy V heard Murphy F mention something about the Ball and asked Kodi what he had said, but Kodi shushed him up, saying that he would tell him when they got outside. He didn't want the two suspects to get wise to them.
Meanwhile, our two Sleuths were hot on the tracks of their two suspects, Guiness and Murphy F, who were following that rich lady, Bella Beach Bunny around. They still had not received news from Captain Dasher Dan, but they were not taking any chances with these two.
They followed them into the Seafarer's Lounge, and sat nearby in the hopes of overhearing their conversation. Bella Beach Bunny was seated with some friends a little further away, but in clear sight.
Murphy V heard Murphy F mention something about the Ball and asked Kodi what he had said, but Kodi shushed him up, saying that he would tell him when they got outside. He didn't want the two suspects to get wise to them.
Once clear of the lounge, Kodi drew Murphy V aside and whispered, "I reckon they are planning to pull a job on the night of the Masked Ball. My bet is that they have that rich lady over there in mind." (He pointed in the direction of Bella Beach Bunny)
Murphy V followed his gaze, and raised his eyebrows at the magnificent pendant the lady was wearing. He licked his lips and whispered back, "How do we prevent it? We have no proof, and we can't very well tail them the whole night! Besides," he went on, "I want to go to the Ball myself!"
Kodi shrugged, "I guess we'll just have to play it by ear. Anyway, we might hear something from the Captain before then."
Murphy V nodded his head. "Yes, and even if they're NOT the Irish Terrors, I still think they're up to no good!"
They returned thoughtfully to their cabin. Perhaps there would be news tomorrow.
Some of the crew had gathered in the bar to discuss the forthcoming Beauty Contest. Captain Dasher Dan was there, along with Entertainment Director, Jimmy; the ship's Doctor and Nurse, Tipper and Tara; Madame Killian, the Fortune Teller; Rufus the Lifeguard and our three judges, Henry, Truman and Katie.
The preliminary was to be held the following night, and the final would follow the next day. The stage was being set, and the ship's band would provide music as a background.
Truman was shocked right out of his skin when he heard how many girls there would be for him to judge. The ladies present were not impressed with the attitude of all the men. Doctor Tipper commented that they all had 'one track minds' - and she was probably right!
Murphy V followed his gaze, and raised his eyebrows at the magnificent pendant the lady was wearing. He licked his lips and whispered back, "How do we prevent it? We have no proof, and we can't very well tail them the whole night! Besides," he went on, "I want to go to the Ball myself!"
Kodi shrugged, "I guess we'll just have to play it by ear. Anyway, we might hear something from the Captain before then."
Murphy V nodded his head. "Yes, and even if they're NOT the Irish Terrors, I still think they're up to no good!"
They returned thoughtfully to their cabin. Perhaps there would be news tomorrow.
Some of the crew had gathered in the bar to discuss the forthcoming Beauty Contest. Captain Dasher Dan was there, along with Entertainment Director, Jimmy; the ship's Doctor and Nurse, Tipper and Tara; Madame Killian, the Fortune Teller; Rufus the Lifeguard and our three judges, Henry, Truman and Katie.
The preliminary was to be held the following night, and the final would follow the next day. The stage was being set, and the ship's band would provide music as a background.
Truman was shocked right out of his skin when he heard how many girls there would be for him to judge. The ladies present were not impressed with the attitude of all the men. Doctor Tipper commented that they all had 'one track minds' - and she was probably right!
THE NEXT DAY
After completing their theory, the members of the Scuba Diving Class assembled at the main pool for their first experience with full scuba equipment. It was SO exciting!
They struggled into their wet suits, strapped on tanks, and took the plunge with their instructor, Ryle.
What an experience it was, being able to stay underwater and still breathe fresh air! Cassie, Clancy and Cody took to it like fish, and Ryle was really pleased with them.
After several tests, Ryle informed them they had 'graduated' and were now ready for their open sea test when they reached the Caribbean where they would be able to dive on a reef, and see colorful coral and fish.
Cassie, who had been so nervous and uncertain at the start, was now keen to get into some really serious diving.
They struggled into their wet suits, strapped on tanks, and took the plunge with their instructor, Ryle.
What an experience it was, being able to stay underwater and still breathe fresh air! Cassie, Clancy and Cody took to it like fish, and Ryle was really pleased with them.
After several tests, Ryle informed them they had 'graduated' and were now ready for their open sea test when they reached the Caribbean where they would be able to dive on a reef, and see colorful coral and fish.
Cassie, who had been so nervous and uncertain at the start, was now keen to get into some really serious diving.
In the meantime, our three rich passengers had met up with the Playboys, who had been chatting with the singing group, "The Midnight Howlers'!
Dunkin was getting a lot of sympathy from Bella Beach Bunny, who thought he was 'Such a NICE boy'! (Dunkin was beginning to think that perhaps wearing this clumsy collar had its advantages!)
One of the Playboys, Max, was a bit of a dark horse, because Beasley recognized him.
"Aren't you the guy who owns cattle ranches in California?" he asked.
Max looked down at his paws, as if one of his guilty secrets was out. He had hoped to be able to enjoy his cruise without being pursued by designing women, but now that all these people knew, it would hardly remain a secret for long.
He nodded his head sadly. "Golly" he sighed, "I'd hoped no one would recognize me, but I guess the cat's out of the bag now!"
"Don't worry," piped in Maggie, "we won't tell anyone - will we guys?"
They all nodded in agreement and assured Max that his secret was safe with them. But Max had his doubts!
Bailey Beachboy was now feeling uncomfortable too. He hoped that no one would find out that he owned Oil Wells in Texas!! How difficult it was to keep secrets!
Murphy M remarked that it was tough being rich!
Just as they were sitting down to enjoy a few pre-dinner drinks, who should come along but our 'Peeping Tom' - Boomer. He spotted the Midnight Howlers and came hurrying over to ask for their autographs.
"WOW" he exclaimed breathlessly, "I've always wanted to meet you, and HERE YOU ARE! "
He opened his wallet and took out a photo (of the group) which he had 'lifted' from a notice board, and then scratched around for a biro.
The members of the group obliged him and signed their names on the picture. Boomer was delighted.
Dunkin was getting a lot of sympathy from Bella Beach Bunny, who thought he was 'Such a NICE boy'! (Dunkin was beginning to think that perhaps wearing this clumsy collar had its advantages!)
One of the Playboys, Max, was a bit of a dark horse, because Beasley recognized him.
"Aren't you the guy who owns cattle ranches in California?" he asked.
Max looked down at his paws, as if one of his guilty secrets was out. He had hoped to be able to enjoy his cruise without being pursued by designing women, but now that all these people knew, it would hardly remain a secret for long.
He nodded his head sadly. "Golly" he sighed, "I'd hoped no one would recognize me, but I guess the cat's out of the bag now!"
"Don't worry," piped in Maggie, "we won't tell anyone - will we guys?"
They all nodded in agreement and assured Max that his secret was safe with them. But Max had his doubts!
Bailey Beachboy was now feeling uncomfortable too. He hoped that no one would find out that he owned Oil Wells in Texas!! How difficult it was to keep secrets!
Murphy M remarked that it was tough being rich!
Just as they were sitting down to enjoy a few pre-dinner drinks, who should come along but our 'Peeping Tom' - Boomer. He spotted the Midnight Howlers and came hurrying over to ask for their autographs.
"WOW" he exclaimed breathlessly, "I've always wanted to meet you, and HERE YOU ARE! "
He opened his wallet and took out a photo (of the group) which he had 'lifted' from a notice board, and then scratched around for a biro.
The members of the group obliged him and signed their names on the picture. Boomer was delighted.
He grinned boyishly at Maggie and Keeva, and then took off to watch the preliminary of the Beauty Contest that was just about to begin.
What a preliminary! Just about every girl who wasn't a member of the crew was entered.
What a preliminary! Just about every girl who wasn't a member of the crew was entered.
The poor judges had to choose 7 finalists and it wasn't going to be easy. They retired to consider their 'verdict' while 16 girls waited with bated breath.
Lacey O'Quinn and Kansas finally found their way to the main ballroom just in time to hear the names of the finalists announced. The seven lucky girls who would return the next day for the final judging were as follows:
KEELEIGH - SUGARBEAR - MADDIE - BRISTOL - JOVIE - CALEE - GRACIE
The rest of the girls were disappointed but they consoled themselves that this was only three people's opinion, and what did THEY know anyway!!!!
The selected finalists were ecstatic with joy. They hurried off to celebrate.
The judges, Katie, Truman and Henry were exhausted. What a job THAT had been, and no doubt they would be getting some pretty stabbing glances from the girls they didn't select! Still, someone had to do it, and they DID accept responsibility when they agreed to carry out this duty.
The next day would be toughest - trying to select winners from those 7 beautiful girls. They were glad that there were places to be awarded, and some of the girls who were not among the three winners could still get a prize in the other competitions for the 'Kissiest Girl'; - 'Girl with the Longest Legs' - and the 'Girl with the Highest Pitched Bark'.
It had been an eventful day.
Lacey O'Quinn and Kansas finally found their way to the main ballroom just in time to hear the names of the finalists announced. The seven lucky girls who would return the next day for the final judging were as follows:
KEELEIGH - SUGARBEAR - MADDIE - BRISTOL - JOVIE - CALEE - GRACIE
The rest of the girls were disappointed but they consoled themselves that this was only three people's opinion, and what did THEY know anyway!!!!
The selected finalists were ecstatic with joy. They hurried off to celebrate.
The judges, Katie, Truman and Henry were exhausted. What a job THAT had been, and no doubt they would be getting some pretty stabbing glances from the girls they didn't select! Still, someone had to do it, and they DID accept responsibility when they agreed to carry out this duty.
The next day would be toughest - trying to select winners from those 7 beautiful girls. They were glad that there were places to be awarded, and some of the girls who were not among the three winners could still get a prize in the other competitions for the 'Kissiest Girl'; - 'Girl with the Longest Legs' - and the 'Girl with the Highest Pitched Bark'.
It had been an eventful day.
THE DAY OF THE FINALS
Our seven beauties assembled once more in the main ballroom and I think the three judges were more nervous than the girls they had to judge!
The girls each paraded before Katie, Truman and Henry, displaying their talents with grace and elegance. Each girl was interviewed by Truman and Henry, while Katie made notes and checked details. It was very close, and the judges gave much thought to their final decision.
The girls each paraded before Katie, Truman and Henry, displaying their talents with grace and elegance. Each girl was interviewed by Truman and Henry, while Katie made notes and checked details. It was very close, and the judges gave much thought to their final decision.
After several minutes of deliberation, Jimmy, the MC announced the winners.
The 'Kissiest Girl' prize was a tie and was awarded to... GRACIE and BRISTOL.
The 'Girl with the Longest Legs' was awarded to... MADDIE.
The 'Girl with the Highest Pitched Bark' was awarded to... CALEE.
THIRD PLACE in the Beauty Contest went to KEELEIGH.
SECOND PLACE went to JOVIE.
THE WINNER OF THE Contest was... SUGARBEAR.
All the girls were breathless with delight, but Sugarbear was weeping with sheer JOY!
They all came forward to receive their prizes, and Sugarbear was crowned Queen of the Cruise!
That evening, all the notice boards on the ship displayed the portrait of the QUEEN OF THE CRUISE -
SUGARBEAR!
The 'Kissiest Girl' prize was a tie and was awarded to... GRACIE and BRISTOL.
The 'Girl with the Longest Legs' was awarded to... MADDIE.
The 'Girl with the Highest Pitched Bark' was awarded to... CALEE.
THIRD PLACE in the Beauty Contest went to KEELEIGH.
SECOND PLACE went to JOVIE.
THE WINNER OF THE Contest was... SUGARBEAR.
All the girls were breathless with delight, but Sugarbear was weeping with sheer JOY!
They all came forward to receive their prizes, and Sugarbear was crowned Queen of the Cruise!
That evening, all the notice boards on the ship displayed the portrait of the QUEEN OF THE CRUISE -
SUGARBEAR!
What a wonderful experience it had been, and all seven finalists had won something, which was to everyone's satisfaction.
END OF PART TWO
Copyright - A P 2006-2007
