MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE
PART EIGHT
PART EIGHT
GOING HOME!
There is always a sense of sadness when a Cruise is drawing to an end. The passengers in particular were feeling that sense of "endings in the air" and the mood was almost solemn as the Wheaten Princess set course for the home port, Marseille, where they would disembark and catch their respective planes to their home cities.
The Wheaten Princess would be going into dry dock before returning to the USA, where she first began her journeys to exotic places. But the Cruise was not over yet! There was time to celebrate one more event – a spectacular Costume Ball that Abby had arranged as a "Farewell Party" for all on board.
The notice was boldly displayed on every deck and in the Dining Rooms as well so that no one would miss out.
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The Wheaten Princess would be going into dry dock before returning to the USA, where she first began her journeys to exotic places. But the Cruise was not over yet! There was time to celebrate one more event – a spectacular Costume Ball that Abby had arranged as a "Farewell Party" for all on board.
The notice was boldly displayed on every deck and in the Dining Rooms as well so that no one would miss out.
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ANNOUNCING A "ROARING 20's BALL"!
To be held in the Grande Ballroom on Saturday Night at 8pm.
Costumes available at the NOVELTY SHOPPE on the Promenade Deck.
Be sure to get in quickly and secure your costume!
**** **** ****
This is a farewell celebration, and is open to all crew as well as passengers. It is your opportunity to say 'Good bye' to everyone you have come to know before the ship berths in Marseille on Sunday.
We look forward to seeing you there!
And we thank you all for travelling with S'Wheat Cruiselines, on the
WHEATEN PRINCESS!
Your Entertainment Officer,
Abby. (Lt.)
To be held in the Grande Ballroom on Saturday Night at 8pm.
Costumes available at the NOVELTY SHOPPE on the Promenade Deck.
Be sure to get in quickly and secure your costume!
**** **** ****
This is a farewell celebration, and is open to all crew as well as passengers. It is your opportunity to say 'Good bye' to everyone you have come to know before the ship berths in Marseille on Sunday.
We look forward to seeing you there!
And we thank you all for travelling with S'Wheat Cruiselines, on the
WHEATEN PRINCESS!
Your Entertainment Officer,
Abby. (Lt.)
It didn't take long for the passengers to enter into the festive spirit and mob the little shop for costumes! The boys went mainly for Gangster costumes, while the girls had a great time trying on various 'flapper' fashions from the 20's and early 30's. The only ones who didn't were the two nuns, Inspector Griffin and Major Sydney. The nuns were happy to attend in their formal habits, but Major Sydney had his own idea for a costume. (Which you'll have to wait until the night of the Ball to see!) Griffin just wasn't the 'dressing up' type!
Dasher, Guinny and Bailey had been busy, and had located the original painting that the two nuns had paid for, but been cheated with a forgery. They were informed that the original was being sent ahead by express post, and would arrive at their Convent before they actually returned home themselves. It was joyous news!
Another problem that had been set right was the search for the lost statue of ANUBIS, which Boomer, Kelsie and their party had found. Boomer notified his Aussie friend, Digger Graves, that the expedition had been a great success, and that not only had they found the ANUBIS statuette, but also one of BAST! Both were now on display in the Cairo Museum of Antiquities.
Queenie had, with the help of professor Boomer and Dr Kelsie, located the place where her ancestor had been entombed, and she had felt so proud as she saw her ancestor's mummy being carefully set up in a special place in the museum. There, it would be cared for and treated with great respect from now on.
Romance was blooming at last for Jynx and Finnegan S. Since they had been keeping company in Greece, and had continued the friendship while on the ship, they had picked up again when the ship left Egypt, and now things were looking like they might be 'going steady'. The other Beauty Queens were overjoyed. Young Finnegan was a serious student, and exactly what Jynx needed.
Things were also looking up for Jethro and Harry. Lexi seemed really impressed with Jethro, (who lapped up all the attention!) and Tess seemed to always fall into step with Harry.
Jimmy managed to find time when he was off duty to seek out Nelly, (who was always quick to remind him if he was late!) and Abby, who was having a ball with her new digital camera, took this picture of them all in the Seafarers Lounge enjoying a pre-dinner drink.
Also relaxing in the lounge were Buttercup and Nicky; - but the biggest surprise of all, especially to Dasher and Bailey who were sitting nearby, was their friend Guinny, who had scored for himself none other than the runner up of the Miss Wheaten World contest, Miss Canada, the lovely Keeva!
Dasher, Guinny and Bailey had been busy, and had located the original painting that the two nuns had paid for, but been cheated with a forgery. They were informed that the original was being sent ahead by express post, and would arrive at their Convent before they actually returned home themselves. It was joyous news!
Another problem that had been set right was the search for the lost statue of ANUBIS, which Boomer, Kelsie and their party had found. Boomer notified his Aussie friend, Digger Graves, that the expedition had been a great success, and that not only had they found the ANUBIS statuette, but also one of BAST! Both were now on display in the Cairo Museum of Antiquities.
Queenie had, with the help of professor Boomer and Dr Kelsie, located the place where her ancestor had been entombed, and she had felt so proud as she saw her ancestor's mummy being carefully set up in a special place in the museum. There, it would be cared for and treated with great respect from now on.
Romance was blooming at last for Jynx and Finnegan S. Since they had been keeping company in Greece, and had continued the friendship while on the ship, they had picked up again when the ship left Egypt, and now things were looking like they might be 'going steady'. The other Beauty Queens were overjoyed. Young Finnegan was a serious student, and exactly what Jynx needed.
Things were also looking up for Jethro and Harry. Lexi seemed really impressed with Jethro, (who lapped up all the attention!) and Tess seemed to always fall into step with Harry.
Jimmy managed to find time when he was off duty to seek out Nelly, (who was always quick to remind him if he was late!) and Abby, who was having a ball with her new digital camera, took this picture of them all in the Seafarers Lounge enjoying a pre-dinner drink.
Also relaxing in the lounge were Buttercup and Nicky; - but the biggest surprise of all, especially to Dasher and Bailey who were sitting nearby, was their friend Guinny, who had scored for himself none other than the runner up of the Miss Wheaten World contest, Miss Canada, the lovely Keeva!
Then, outside the Purser's Office Jimmy snatched the camera from Abby and took this picture of her and some other members of the crew, including the Band, who were formally dressed for the welcoming aboard of new passengers for Marseille.
He was just in time to overhear Captain Guiness talking to Cody, the Chief Bar Attendant, about some people being engaged!
Well now, that was a bit of gossip to spread around the ship! The Band members were pondering on 'who' it might, or might not be, (I wonder who Sadie had in mind?) and Shadow burst into song, declaring his dedication to the honourable state of Bachelorhood!
He was just in time to overhear Captain Guiness talking to Cody, the Chief Bar Attendant, about some people being engaged!
Well now, that was a bit of gossip to spread around the ship! The Band members were pondering on 'who' it might, or might not be, (I wonder who Sadie had in mind?) and Shadow burst into song, declaring his dedication to the honourable state of Bachelorhood!
Actually, unknown to everyone excepting those concerned, Tobey and Miss Reilly had asked the Captain to announce their engagement at the farewell 'Roaring 20's Ball'. They had called home and informed their parents, who were in agreement, so the Captain had expressed his pleasure in making the happy announcement.
Not an hour later, he had a blushing Cody before him, requesting that the Captain announce a SECOND engagement at the Ball, that of Miss Morgan to himself!
The shy boy from Iowa had scored for himself MISS WHEATEN WORLD 2008! Talk about Fairy-tale endings!
But it was to remain a secret until the night of the Farewell Ball. (Though with half the crew tittering and tattering about who it might be, their 'secret' may not remain secret for very long!)
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Not an hour later, he had a blushing Cody before him, requesting that the Captain announce a SECOND engagement at the Ball, that of Miss Morgan to himself!
The shy boy from Iowa had scored for himself MISS WHEATEN WORLD 2008! Talk about Fairy-tale endings!
But it was to remain a secret until the night of the Farewell Ball. (Though with half the crew tittering and tattering about who it might be, their 'secret' may not remain secret for very long!)
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THE FINAL PARTY –
THE ROARING 20'S BALL
THE ROARING 20'S BALL
The sadness felt all over the ship was dispelled by the preparations for the Roaring 20's Ball.
Saturday night came so quickly, and Abby was waiting for her shipmates to arrive so she could take pictures for them all to remember.
The first to arrive were three couples; Keeleigh and Murphy; Bella Beachbunny and the Captain, and Nelly and Jimmy. Nelly didn't seem too impressed with her costume, but as she was one of the Beauty Queens trying to look like a gangster, it wasn't surprising!
Saturday night came so quickly, and Abby was waiting for her shipmates to arrive so she could take pictures for them all to remember.
The first to arrive were three couples; Keeleigh and Murphy; Bella Beachbunny and the Captain, and Nelly and Jimmy. Nelly didn't seem too impressed with her costume, but as she was one of the Beauty Queens trying to look like a gangster, it wasn't surprising!
The next group to arrive was hilarious. (At least, Abby thought so!) Lexi and Tess were two glamorous flappers, and Harry and Jethro were very convincing gangsters, complete with lethal looking guns! Dasher and Oscar were of a like mind, and both arrived, obviously, as Rudolph Valentino. However, Oscar thought it safer to change his profile to another famous character!
The arrival of Tuckerotti with his manager, Brady, raised a few eyebrows, and it was obvious that he had made a point of entering at the same time as the two Sisters, Ella and Killian. He still held hopes that Killian might agree to train under his guidance. The Italian Stallion was accustomed to getting his way.
Also making a dramatic appearance at the same time was Major Sydney with Inspector Griffin. Griffin was not remarkable (he considered it child's play to dress up!) but his friend Sydney was resplendent in his old Guards Uniform. So stunning was he, that he turned several female heads in admiration! (What is it they say about a man in uniform being irresistible?)
Bailey Beachboy was dressed as a Football Fan, and got quite a surprise when he saw how Abby was attired.
Abby had handed her camera over to Jimmy again and had him take a picture of them all together. She cut a rug in traditional 'flapper' style and looked quite naughty, actually!
Also making a dramatic appearance at the same time was Major Sydney with Inspector Griffin. Griffin was not remarkable (he considered it child's play to dress up!) but his friend Sydney was resplendent in his old Guards Uniform. So stunning was he, that he turned several female heads in admiration! (What is it they say about a man in uniform being irresistible?)
Bailey Beachboy was dressed as a Football Fan, and got quite a surprise when he saw how Abby was attired.
Abby had handed her camera over to Jimmy again and had him take a picture of them all together. She cut a rug in traditional 'flapper' style and looked quite naughty, actually!
After this little diversion, Abby resumed her place in the ship's foyer - catching people with her camera as they made towards the Grande Ballroom.
She looked at some of the couples arriving, and wondered who had become engaged. She wondered if Stella, the fortuneTeller, had seen it in her crystal ball!
Just then, Cody came down the stairs with a tommy gun and made a smart crack about the fact that Abby was 'aiming' with her camera from the front, and he 'had them covered' from behind!
She looked at some of the couples arriving, and wondered who had become engaged. She wondered if Stella, the fortuneTeller, had seen it in her crystal ball!
Just then, Cody came down the stairs with a tommy gun and made a smart crack about the fact that Abby was 'aiming' with her camera from the front, and he 'had them covered' from behind!
Reese and Sweetie, Riley and Shana, and Kramer and Punky were the next to roll up for the camera. Reese was a very impressive Charlie Chaplin, and Sweetie had beaten Punky to that pretty gown they'd both had their eyes on in the Novelty Shoppe! Still, Punky definitely looked elegant in her second choice.
Abby couldn't help laughing when she saw Boomer, Nicky and Clancy arriving with their glamorous partners, Sadie, Buttercup and Maggie. Boomer was dressed as a 20's tennis player, while Clancy was another version of Charlie Chaplin and Nicky looked like some early version of Zorro!
Next to arrive in splendour were two more of the Beauty Queens, accompanied by Shadow and Finnegan S. They were followed by Scooch and Rudy.
Abby smiled as she thought that now, she had seen THREE Rudolph Valentinos! (Or was it three Lawrences of Arabia?)
Abby smiled as she thought that now, she had seen THREE Rudolph Valentinos! (Or was it three Lawrences of Arabia?)
Abby decided to call the next group photo she took, the 'MUTUAL ADMIRATION SOCIETY'!
When you look at the picture, you'll understand why!
When you look at the picture, you'll understand why!
The final group rolled up and Abby got the giggles along with Maeve when she saw Finnegan B and Finnegan P.
The boys had got together and come up with costumes that no one else had thought of, (or dared to wear!) They made a very convincing LAUREL AND HARDY. They brought back a lot of happy memories for many, of bygone days at the local cinema, eating popcorn and ice cream at Saturday Matinees.
The boys had got together and come up with costumes that no one else had thought of, (or dared to wear!) They made a very convincing LAUREL AND HARDY. They brought back a lot of happy memories for many, of bygone days at the local cinema, eating popcorn and ice cream at Saturday Matinees.
Everyone really got into the spirit of the 'Roaring 20's' and they danced to the music of Irving Berlin. The mood of the Party was typical of those carefree days, and the knowledge that they were at the close of their Cruise probably added to the atmosphere, which seemed to suggest that no one wanted this magical evening to end.
Captain Guiness and Abby, who had changed back into their uniforms for the closing of the festivities, mounted the stage and Guiness tapped the microphone to indicate that he was about to make an announcement. Gradually there was a respectful silence as voices died down.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Guiness began. "As you know, we will be arriving in Marseille in the morning, and it will be the parting of the ways for most of us as each departs for his/her own homeland."
"We thank you for travelling with us on this splendid Cruise Liner, and we hope you have all enjoyed your adventure and will join us again some day." (He paused as cheers broke out.)
"Many of you have made new friends, and some of you have met your chosen partners on this cruise. I take great pleasure now in making a very special announcement." He paused and looked around the room, then beckoned to some happy faces at the rear of the dance floor.
(Abby and Scooch were finally going to discover who got engaged!)
Guiness motioned for the two couples to stand with him on the stage, then he shook them by the paws and announced to the gathered audience:
Captain Guiness and Abby, who had changed back into their uniforms for the closing of the festivities, mounted the stage and Guiness tapped the microphone to indicate that he was about to make an announcement. Gradually there was a respectful silence as voices died down.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Guiness began. "As you know, we will be arriving in Marseille in the morning, and it will be the parting of the ways for most of us as each departs for his/her own homeland."
"We thank you for travelling with us on this splendid Cruise Liner, and we hope you have all enjoyed your adventure and will join us again some day." (He paused as cheers broke out.)
"Many of you have made new friends, and some of you have met your chosen partners on this cruise. I take great pleasure now in making a very special announcement." He paused and looked around the room, then beckoned to some happy faces at the rear of the dance floor.
(Abby and Scooch were finally going to discover who got engaged!)
Guiness motioned for the two couples to stand with him on the stage, then he shook them by the paws and announced to the gathered audience:
"Cody, who is our Chief Barman on the Wheaten Princess, has announced his engagement to Morgan – MISS WHEATEN WORLD 2008!"
There was a hush over the crowd, followed by loud applause and shouted greetings from the passengers and crew alike.
Morgan and Cody looked overjoyed.
"And," - continued Guiness with a raised paw to quieten the gathering. "Another couple have also announced their engagement." He turned to the other couple on stage and extended his paw in congratulation, then beamed at the gathering as he proudly presented them:
"Mr Tobey and Miss Reilly!"
He turned it over to Abby, who continued with a joyous, "Let's hear it for Cody, Miss Morgan, Tobey and Miss Reilly!"
There was thunderous applause, cheers, yelps of delight and foot stamping.
The two happy couples spent the remainder of the evening drinking toasts with well-wishers. (Abby wondered how they would ever walk off the ship unaided the next day!)
There was a hush over the crowd, followed by loud applause and shouted greetings from the passengers and crew alike.
Morgan and Cody looked overjoyed.
"And," - continued Guiness with a raised paw to quieten the gathering. "Another couple have also announced their engagement." He turned to the other couple on stage and extended his paw in congratulation, then beamed at the gathering as he proudly presented them:
"Mr Tobey and Miss Reilly!"
He turned it over to Abby, who continued with a joyous, "Let's hear it for Cody, Miss Morgan, Tobey and Miss Reilly!"
There was thunderous applause, cheers, yelps of delight and foot stamping.
The two happy couples spent the remainder of the evening drinking toasts with well-wishers. (Abby wondered how they would ever walk off the ship unaided the next day!)
And so the new day dawned.
The sun came up with a golden glow and, before anyone went ashore, one of the human passengers assembled the whole Canine Company of the Wheaten Princess to have a group photograph taken.
It would be a lasting memento of a wonderful Cruise, and 59 wonderful dogs who made this trip to the Mediterranean together.
It would be a lasting memento of a wonderful Cruise, and 59 wonderful dogs who made this trip to the Mediterranean together.
Many would meet again; some would not, but not one would be forgotten.
Abby and Bailey Beachboy exchanged telephone numbers, as did several others, including the Captain and Bella Beachbunny! It seemed that almost everyone had started what promised to be a lasting relationship. What a wonderful note on which to end a Cruise!
Speaking of notes, the ship's Band and the Passionate Pooches sang one last number as passengers made their way ashore for the last time. They sang the beautiful old Vera Lynn song of the 40's, 'WE'LL MEET AGAIN'.
There were tears, but smiles shone through them as the passengers hugged each other 'goodbye' and promised to keep in touch. This Cruise had brought a great deal of mystery, and all the problems were solved. Queenie found her ancient Egyptian Ancestor, (AND a rich New York Banker by the name of Seamus!) - Bailey, Dasher and Guinny uncovered the Art Forgery Crime Ring, and the two nuns would soon see the genuine masterpiece they had purchased for their convent in its special place in their chapel.
Abby and Bailey Beachboy exchanged telephone numbers, as did several others, including the Captain and Bella Beachbunny! It seemed that almost everyone had started what promised to be a lasting relationship. What a wonderful note on which to end a Cruise!
Speaking of notes, the ship's Band and the Passionate Pooches sang one last number as passengers made their way ashore for the last time. They sang the beautiful old Vera Lynn song of the 40's, 'WE'LL MEET AGAIN'.
There were tears, but smiles shone through them as the passengers hugged each other 'goodbye' and promised to keep in touch. This Cruise had brought a great deal of mystery, and all the problems were solved. Queenie found her ancient Egyptian Ancestor, (AND a rich New York Banker by the name of Seamus!) - Bailey, Dasher and Guinny uncovered the Art Forgery Crime Ring, and the two nuns would soon see the genuine masterpiece they had purchased for their convent in its special place in their chapel.
Griffin and Sydney had brought about the capture of the criminals who sought to steal Professor Boomer's treasure map, and Jethro and Harry had reformed their ways and had made arrangements to stay in touch with Lexi and Tess.
The Champion swimmers would go on to even greater things, such as the next Olympic Games. (Even if some got engaged or married in the meantime!)
The Passionate Pooches had been booked to perform in Paris, so they would not be heading back home for some time yet.
The Beauty Queens would raise lots of money for their charities, and Morgan, the new MISS WHEATEN WORLD, was the Guest of Honour at the Wheaten Meetin' of the S'WheatRescue Group that she had named as her Charity. She planned to go with Cody, who was determined not to let the lovely lady out of his sight!
Shana, and Keeleigh, who had become firm friends on the Cruise, were both fortunate to have their boyfriends, Riley and Murphy, carrying their luggage for them as they went ashore. They promised to stay in touch too.
The Ancient History Students were keener than ever now to complete their course and go on to advanced studies such as Archaeology, Egyptology and Anthropology.
Boomer and Kelsie had a deep feeling of satisfaction in their hearts. They would no doubt soon be off on another expedition!
Poor Tuckerotti, however, did not have a 'deep feeling of satisfaction' in his heart. He had asked Sister Killian again if she had made a decision, but she only told him that she needed time to think. She needed to return to the normal surroundings of her convent, where she would be able to see things more clearly and not make a rash decision. She promised him she would notify him as soon as she had reached a decision. He could only hope – and Brady assured him that whatever Sister decided, he was sure it would be the right decision.
And so the curtain came down on yet another Cruise of the Wheaten Princess.
Stella the Fortune Teller stood on the deck with Abby and Guiness, and she summed it up with this little verse as she watched the last of the passengers go ashore, and the final notes of 'We'll Meet Again' died in the breeze:
The Champion swimmers would go on to even greater things, such as the next Olympic Games. (Even if some got engaged or married in the meantime!)
The Passionate Pooches had been booked to perform in Paris, so they would not be heading back home for some time yet.
The Beauty Queens would raise lots of money for their charities, and Morgan, the new MISS WHEATEN WORLD, was the Guest of Honour at the Wheaten Meetin' of the S'WheatRescue Group that she had named as her Charity. She planned to go with Cody, who was determined not to let the lovely lady out of his sight!
Shana, and Keeleigh, who had become firm friends on the Cruise, were both fortunate to have their boyfriends, Riley and Murphy, carrying their luggage for them as they went ashore. They promised to stay in touch too.
The Ancient History Students were keener than ever now to complete their course and go on to advanced studies such as Archaeology, Egyptology and Anthropology.
Boomer and Kelsie had a deep feeling of satisfaction in their hearts. They would no doubt soon be off on another expedition!
Poor Tuckerotti, however, did not have a 'deep feeling of satisfaction' in his heart. He had asked Sister Killian again if she had made a decision, but she only told him that she needed time to think. She needed to return to the normal surroundings of her convent, where she would be able to see things more clearly and not make a rash decision. She promised him she would notify him as soon as she had reached a decision. He could only hope – and Brady assured him that whatever Sister decided, he was sure it would be the right decision.
And so the curtain came down on yet another Cruise of the Wheaten Princess.
Stella the Fortune Teller stood on the deck with Abby and Guiness, and she summed it up with this little verse as she watched the last of the passengers go ashore, and the final notes of 'We'll Meet Again' died in the breeze:
Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again
Then she raised her voice and sent them all this Irish Blessing:
May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.
May songbirds serenade you every step of the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue,
And may happiness fill your heart each day,
Your whole life through!
May songbirds serenade you every step of the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue,
And may happiness fill your heart each day,
Your whole life through!
The Passengers and Crew of the
bid you all
AU REVOIR
Copyright A P 2008-2009
INTRODUCTION TO
LIAM'S YARNS
LIAM'S YARNS
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INTRODUCTION TO THE SEQUEL
CRUISE 4
WHEATEN PRINCESS