Copyright - A P 2006-2007
There was much activity in the main pool the next day, and everyone was having a great time. I suppose they were all making the best of the short time they had left on their cruise, as the ship would be docking in home waters in a couple of days.
The 'cruise of a lifetime' was swiftly drawing to a close. Nobody wanted it to end, but there was to be one more exciting event before it was over, though only a few knew about it.
The first clue that something important and special was to happen was when a notice went up, informing all passengers that they were invited to attend a Wedding - in fact, FOUR weddings! Four couples were about to 'tie the knot' the night before they reached port, and Captain Dasher Dan was to be the celebrant - which of course was a duty that the Captain of a ship was legally able to perform at sea.
The whole ship was buzzing as people tried to find out, or guess, who the lucky couples might be. However, this was a well-kept secret.
On that final day, the crew were busy putting up decorations in the Grande Ballroom, and Murphy F and Guiness were kept busy in the Galley, preparing special dishes for the Reception afterwards.
The Band and the Midnight Howlers were rehearsing special music suitable for the occassion, and four pretty girls were overcome with joy and anticipation. (Four young men were getting more nervous by the minute!)
Yes, you guessed right! Abby, Savannah, Punkie and Jessie were the brides to be, and they had been to the Hairdresser so that they would look their very best. Flowers had been delivered and everything was prepared.
Finally, the big night arrived.
======================================
THE WEDDING OF A LIFETIME!
Everyone was gathered in the Grande Ballroom, ready for the ceremony.
Murphy M, Kodi, Max and Bailey Beachboy waited nervously with Beasley, who was their Best Man. The Ballroom looked a picture.
The Band was playing softly in the background, and Captain Dasher Dan was chatting to the boys to make them feel more comfortable. Jimmy was waiting at the door, watching for the brides to arrive.
Finally, the soft music of the Band was abruptly halted, and the regal chords of the Bridal March sounded across the Grande Ballroom.
All faces turned to the door, and there were gasps of admiration from those who were gathered to witness the special event.
The four Grooms turned to see their beautiful brides approaching, attended by their Matron of Honour, Madame Killian.
They walked majestically up the aisle and joined their future husbands, and Madame Killian took her place beside Beasley, the Best Man.
Captain Dasher Dan smiled down at them with warm emotion, and the ceremony began.
One by one they made their vows to love and cherish, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until they parted in death. Rings were exchanged and Captain Dasher Dan pronounced them 'Man and Wife'.Then they went to sign the register while the Band accompanied the Midnight Howlers in a selection of special Wedding songs, including "We've Only Just Begun" - "I Love You Truly" and "Because".
Oh, it was SO romantic!
After some minutes, Captain Dasher Dan appeared and announced the four happy couples, and the Band struck up with the Wedding March.
Everyone applauded as the four couples came smiling into view, and stopped to have photographs taken. The brides were radiant, and the grooms were looking so very proud.
A lavish reception followed to which everyone was invited, and after the speeches, the floor was cleared for dancing. The newly married couples led with the Bridal Waltz, and then everyone joined them on the floor.
After a short while, the Bridal Party left to spend the remainder of their last evening on the ship, in privacy, in the special cabins the Captain had made available for them.
And so ended the last day of the Cruise.
==============================================
The morning came all too quickly, and it was with some sadness that everyone gathered for the last time on deck, ready to disembark.
What a magical Cruise it had been! New friends were made and romance had warmed many hearts. Four eager young ladies had found their dreams come true, and bright futures were before them.
The boy, and girl scouts were already planning their next cruise, (when they hoped they'd be old enough to order cocktails!) and the scuba diving class now had their tickets to continue diving.
The ship's Band had been signed on for another cruise, and the Midnight Howlers had been booked to appear in some of the best venues in the United States.
The two 'dizzy blondes' - Kansas and Lacey O'Quinn, had dates with Jake and Oliver, while Bailey had arranged to take Cassie out while the ship was in port.
Bella Beach Bunny, with her bodyguard, Ali the Alligator, were being helped ashore by the gallant Beasley, and Maddie, Keeleigh, Bristol, Jovie, Calee and Gracie were being assisted by a charming and attentive Boomer, who was cured of his 'Peeping Tom' habit!
The members of the crew who were going on shore leave included Jimmy, Madame Killian, Ryle and Rufus. Kramer was courting Katie. Ryle was with Sugarbear, the 'Queen of the Cruise'.
Dr. Tipper and Nurse Tara were accompanied by Henry and Truman.
Police Inspector Murphy V was on his way back to Headquarters to see if anything had been heard about the Irish Terrors. He would have been shocked if he could have seen the two chefs who were watching with huge grins on their faces.
"Will you just feast your eyes on that, Guinny," laughed Murphy F as he pointed to the passengers making their way to Customs. "All those people having to go back to the drudgery of boring jobs, while we have the freedom of the sea, five star meals, free medical services, insurance and a job we love!"
Guiness similed contentedly. "Yes Murph! You know what, buddy, I reckon we're the luckiest ones of all!"
He thought for a minute, then said wistfully, "Do you think we'll ever see them all again?"
Murphy F nodded his head. "I'm sure we will Guinny. Just you wait and see!"
THE END
Or is it really THE BEGINNING?
If you have enjoyed these adventures,please be kind enough to make a donation to S'WHEAT RESCUES - the organisation that inspired their creation and made them possible.
To make a donation through PayPal, click on the link below