Page 92 of The Cruise Club

There was a round of applause then Don held up his glass and called out, ‘Aye with prices like this I could have bought a new car but at least a few drinks were included.’ He winced when Debbie dug an elbow in his ribs and one or two guests booed.

Peter ignored Don. ‘So, tonight, we’re pulling out all the stops – we have a fabulous line-up and to kick off the night we have the one and only… Dicky Delaney!’

There was a drum roll as Dicky danced onto the stage and the audience began to clap along as the band played the opening chords of ‘I Gotta Feeling’.

‘Tonight’s the night!’ Dicky called out before launching into the chorus encouraging everyone to join in.

‘How areyoufeeling?’ Dicky asked when the song ended, and he searched the crowd. ‘I see a few familiar faces.’ He pointed to Debbie and waved. ‘This beautiful lady sang “My Way” so many times this week, Sinatra’s turning in his grave. But all credit to you – you certainly sang it… your way!’

Debbie took to her feet and blew Dicky kisses while slapping Don’s hand away as he attempted to pull her back down.

‘Is that your husband?’ Dicky asked and laughed when Debbie replied that, unfortunately, it was.

‘Ah, Don, our Yorkshire friend, who is so careful with his money,’ Dicky said and remembered the countless times Don had heckled him during the cruise. ‘Why did Don sit on a coin?’ Dicky questioned the audience. ‘Because he wanted to make sure it didn’t roll away.’

Don turned a shade of red as Debbie cupped her hands to her mouth and called out to Dicky for more.

‘Hey, Don, don’t worry, mate, just keep doing whatever Debbie does, and you’ll get somewhere in the end.’

Striding across the stage, Dicky asked the audience if they’d enjoyed the food on the cruise. ‘That twenty-four-hour buffet is a dangerous place, isn’t it?’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘You tell yourself you’ll just have a salad, and five minutes later, you have a plate stacked higher than the ship, balancing a pudding on top!’

Laughter spread, and many guests nodded in agreement.

‘Have you been on the excursions?’ Dicky looked out at the audience. ‘You know, like the one where you’re made to walk for hours to see a pile of rocks? My favourite is a trip to a local market where it’s all about the culture, but do we really need an embroidered tea towel and a glow-in-the-dark statue of Adonis?’

‘Wedo!’ Sid called out, then turned to Fran, and the pair began to giggle.

Dicky continued with more senior-friendly humour, and by the time his act ended, everyone was in stitches. ‘Anyway folks,’ he said, catching his breath, ‘you’ve been a fabulous crowd all cruise, and since tonight’s the big send-off, don’t forget there’s still plenty to do. You can dance the night away in the Mermaid Theatre, and if you don’t fallasleep, an open-air movie will be shown under the stars, but don’t forget your blankets. My favourite is the midnight fireworks on the promenade deck, and I hope to see many of you there.’

Dicky paused, and the room became quiet. ‘Always remember that you’re all part of one big family to us. And now, as members of theDiamond StarCruise Club, let’s have some fun and enjoy the rest of the show!’

As Dicky made his exit, the curtain rose to reveal theDiamond StarDance Troupe, who delivered a jaw-dropping performance to high-energy tunes. With choreography paying homage to the many places they’d visited on the cruise, the dancers brought to life a blend of samba, flamencos and Zorba, blending all in a whirlwind of colour.

When the dancers took their final bow, Melody took to the stage, and her presence lit up the room. Wearing impossibly high heels beneath her floor-length silver sequinned gown, she shimmered with each confident step, the voluminous skirt cascading like a waterfall of diamonds. Melody’s towering blonde beehive, studded with sparkling gems, held a tiara perched on top. As she strutted with confidence, the audience was mesmerised by her powerful voice and belting out lyrics to classic diva tracks and popular songs, she invited everyone to sing along. Every twist and turn were met with cheers, and as the final song approached, Melody turned towards the side of the stage, where Dicky stood watching her with a proud smile. With a graceful movement, she reached for his hand, pulling him towards her as they made their way to the centre of the stage.

Together with theDiamond StarDance Troupe, theentire cast united for the final song. ‘We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when…’

The audience was on its feet, clapping and shouting their appreciation, when suddenly, bursts of golden light erupted from the front of the stage, as stage fireworks brought the act to its showstopping conclusion.

‘Goodness me,’ Fran said as she collapsed back into her seat, her eyes wide with wonder. ‘Wasn’t that magnificent?’

‘Does anyone fancy a dance before the midnight fireworks?’ Theo called out.

His suggestion hung in the air momentarily, then Betty piped up as if on cue. ‘Well, I’m up for it, and unless you lot are ready for bed, I suggest we all make our way to the Mermaid Theatre.’

In an instant, everyone rose, eager to continue the evening.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

The Mermaid Theatre, filled with guests dressed to impress, hummed with music, clinking glasses, and the sound of conversation. Tonight, the band, in fine form, played an upbeat mix of classical and modern music that coaxed even the shyest onto the dance floor. Captain Bellwood was in attendance and circled the room, chatting with guests and exchanging friendly words, curious to know how everyone had enjoyed the cruise. Gold epaulettes enhanced his crisp uniform, and his presence added an elite air to the evening.

Betty had already danced with the captain and now her poor old bones seemed to find another new lease of life as she danced with Theo, her head held high, guiding him in a waltz.

At the centre of the ballroom, Debbie was having the time of her life and laughed aloud as she cavorted with Kyle, the pair playfully swirling across the floor. At the same time, Don, unimpressed with his wife, looked miserable as he stood by the bar and ordered a pint and a whisky chaser.

Colin and Neeta were doing their own thing andhad leaped on the stage. Colin’s tie was loose, and he’d unbuttoned his jacket. Lunging forward, he offered Neeta his arm and in one smooth movement, she was in his grasp, and he spun her mid-air. Several guests applauded, but Betty, not to be outdone, upped the ante as she glided past the stage and dipped dramatically backwards, her gown sweeping the floor. Theo, caught off guard, managed a heroic, backbreaking save.

The number ended, and many guests returned to their seats, including Theo, who collapsed and looked as though he needed a stiff drink and several painkillers, but he raised a hand when he saw Carmen and, with a wink, gave her a thumbs up as the music began again.

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