Page 22 of The Cruise Club

Peter stared nervously at the party and clenched his hands. Everyone appeared to be red-faced and swaying and he was doubtful that he’d manage to manoeuvre his inebriated guests up the hill to the minibus.

‘We’re leaving for the return journey to the ship!’ he suddenly announced.

Reaching for his clipboard, he was grateful that their driver had driven swiftly to the harbour following Peter’s urgent call. Now, surveying the scene, he thought of the uncooperative goats they’d met on the road.

‘I’m like a frazzled shepherd,’ he muttered as he saw Debbie hug a lamp post as though it were a long-lost friend while Don, staggering slightly, attempted to ease her away.

Betty, meanwhile, was wobbling towards the bar.

‘No! Betty, the bus is over here. No, overhere!’ Peter repeated, gesturing wildly.

He was relieved to see Sid and Fran take charge of the older woman and manipulate her into her chair with a fireman’s lift.

As the giggling guests were finally ushered onboard the minibus, Peter closed the door, and the engine chugged to life. He wondered if his colleagues accompanying other cruise guests had as much trouble with their charges and with relief, settled deep into his seat and stared out of the window.

Spiros and his family stood with Jimmy, by their taverna,and waved at the retreating guests. Raising his hand and forcing a smile, Peter considered if being a tour rep in Ibiza with a party of wild young millennials would be easier than caring for the vintage squad in the minibus. This lot made herding cats in the middle of a storm look easy.

As Peter waved goodbye to Spiros, he whispered, ‘I should’ve taken that office job…’

Chapter Eleven

The following day, there was as an excited ripple amongst the passengers as one of the cruise’s most anticipated highlights began. Today, theDiamond Starwould navigate the Corinth Canal, a narrow waterway that connected the Ionian Sea to the Aegean. The ship would sail through the Isthmus of Corinth, a small stretch of land separating mainland Greece from the Peloponnese peninsula.

A little before midnight the previous evening, theDiamond Starhad cruised smoothly away from Argostoli, her sleek hull cutting through the deep waters. Under the night sky, the island’s green slopes faded into the horizon as the ship chartered her course eastward, and as many passengers retired, Captain Bellwood’s voice issued a gentle reminder that they would sail through the night. For those eager to fully experience the wonder of the Corinth Canal, he urged them to make sure that they were on deck shortly after breakfast.

Fran and Sid stood in the sunshine at the bow and held hands as they eagerly watched the vessel approach thenarrow entrance of the canal. Passengers clustered around, and it seemed as though everyone, including the crew, was ready to experience the breathtaking passage that was about to begin.

Fran waved energetically when she saw Carmen edging through the crowd. ‘Come and join us, we’ve got a good view,’ Fran added as Sid helped Carmen position Betty.

‘I can’t see why we had to get up so early,’ Betty grumbled. ‘I didn’t finish my breakfast…’ But her protest was quickly drowned out by the excited chatter around them.

‘Room for one more?’ called a familiar voice.

Don appeared, clad in running gear and Fran thought that Don’s beige Lycra looked like sausage meat struggling to escape its casing. ‘Yes, plenty of room,’ Fran said as Don squeezed alongside. ‘You must have been up early, have you been for a jog?’

‘Got to keep in shape,’ Don said, running a hand over his vacuum-sealed belly. ‘Ten laps around the exercise deck before breakfast,’ he added proudly.

‘Does Debbie run with you?’ Fran asked, silently thinking Debbie wouldn’t be blamed for running in the opposite direction.

‘No, she prefers a lie-in. I’ve left her searching our room.’ Don frowned. ‘She’s misplaced a necklace.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ Fran said, her curiosity piqued. ‘Not that pretty chain with the diamond droplet she wore last night?’

‘Aye, that one. Cost me a pretty penny, I can tell you.’ Don shook his head. ‘I’ve told her to stay below until she’s found it.’

Fran was about to suggest that Debbie was missing a memorable part of the cruise, but to her relief, Debbie suddenly appeared. Fran offered a sympathetic smile but noted Debbie glare at Don, as she stood beside Carmen.

‘Any luck with the necklace?’ Fran asked, but Debbie shook her head. ‘You need to report it to guest services and I’m sure it will turn up,’ she added.

‘Listen, the purser’s speaking.’ Sid’s eyes were wide with anticipation, and he peered towards the tugboat that would guide their ship. Peter’s voice crackled from the public address system, and a hush descended over the deck.

‘Good morning, everyone,’ Peter began, ‘I hope you’re all ready for this truly unforgettable moment because we will be entering the legendary Corinth Canal in a few minutes.’

‘Look,’ Sid pointed, ‘the tugboat’s ahead and is guiding us through!’

Bodies leaned in, cameras at the ready as the tugboat began its work.

‘Captain Bellwood will take charge of this challenging and remarkable journey,’ Peter continued, ‘so find a comfortable spot with a view because this mysterious man-made marvel is going to be breathtaking.’

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