Rejuvenation Cruise

By Jess Dizon

The author lives in Hawaii, Writing science fiction is one of his current avocations which includes the websites Speaktagalog.com for teaching Tagalog and Dfarm.net for aquaponic farming. He got the inspiration for the novel during a Hawaiian cruise. This novel is the first of a series of cruise novels.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Media Reviews
• Release date: Jun 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781958091302

Book preview

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Copyright © 2022

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author and publisher, except by reviewers, who may quote brief passages in a review.

ISBN: 978-1-958091-31-9 (Paperback Edition)

ISBN: 978-1-958091-32-6 (Hardcover Edition)

ISBN: 978-1-958091-30-2 (E-book Edition)

Some characters and events in this book are fictitious and products of the author’s imagination. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Book Ordering Information

The Media Reviews

99 Wall Street #2870

New York, NY, 10005 USA

www.themediareviews.com

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Printed in the United States of America

To my cruise companion Bu

Contents

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

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Day 1

Captain Bond watched the scene in front of him, a view of the magnificent cruise ship, soon to be humming with activity as the guests and crew went about their various pursuits. A long deck punctuated in the middle by a swimming pool, split in two for deep and shallow water activity. On both sides of the swimming pool were rows of deck chairs waiting for sun bathers to lounge. Blue umbrellas highlighted some tables on the sunny deck. Yellow and blue umbrellas shaded the bubbling Jacuzzi hot tubs on opposite sides of the pool area. A canopy covered his view of the restaurant and bar on one end of the swimming pool just below his deck. He could see the opposite side, three decks outlined in front of him, empty deck chairs behind railings. There were meeting rooms, exercise machines, restaurants, and staterooms there. He knew the configuration of every deck on the ship.

This was his domain and his mission. As captain of the ship he was responsible for the cruise. He trusted his staff and crew to carry out their designated functions to run the ship. The welfare of the guests on his ship was his primary concern. The cruise ship was to cater to the enjoyment of the guests. This was their mission. He and his staff were responsible for the success of the cruise. The success of each cruise brought him and his staff closer to their ultimate goal. So far, only he had an intimation of that ultimate goal. He was waiting for an opportune time to involve his staff. It was only a matter of time and they will be in tune with their ultimate fate.

Captain Bond gazed at the horizon. His thoughts were far away in a distant state he longed to return to. It has seemed like eternity since he left that state. He has longed to return to that state. That was his reason for the impeccable performance of his mission. He felt that his performance determined how soon he was to return to that former state, although he was not sure what that former state was. All he felt was that he and his staff were to be returned to that former state depending on their performance.

He tried hard to recall how and why he and his staff were in this condition. His human limitations, however, kept him from seeing beyond their current situation. Sometimes in his dreams, he had glimpses of events which he could not associate with fully. They are what might be termed other worldly. He had glimpses of great temptations of power, glimpses of struggles, glimpses of defeat, glimpses of judgements, glimpses of mercy, and glimpses of a promise of return. The clearest glimpse he had was that of a loving being promising them a return to their former state if they succeed in their temporary mission.

Captain we are ready to board. A voice behind him interrupted his thoughts. Krauss Snodgrass, the facilities director, was standing behind him holding a Cruise tablet in his left hand. The captain faced Krauss. Krauss handed the tablet to the captain and waited. Captain Bond briefly looked at the screen of the tablet, summarily touched the surface to see some display of information. He gave the tablet back to Krauss and said, Very well Mr. Snodgrass let us proceed. Hearing those words Krauss quietly went below deck and assumed his duties. Captain Bond briefly resumed his perusal of the deck scene. His thoughts focused on the ship and did not wander on his earlier musings, then he went to his station.

The cruise began with the boarding of the guests on Pier 2 in Honolulu at three in the afternoon on a Friday. Upon arrival at the pier, the guests left their luggage in a designated area for delivery to their staterooms. The cruise guests were all gathered at the pier and waited patiently. They passed through security checks. As they arrived, they were welcomed by cruise staff who greeted them with flower leis. Guests were guided to guided to join their groups, sorted according to their stateroom assignments on the cruise ship. After embarkation they were led to where the life boats were located to hear a short lecture on emergency procedures. Like the pre flight announcements on a commercial airline, the drill became familiar to them.

Emma and George Smyth knew the drill from previous trips. They were experienced cruisers having been to Alaska and the Caribbean. This cruise was, however, different. They heard that its destination was a magical island and they wanted to find out. Sue and Lenny Holt have also been on other cruises before. They were on vacation from their farm in Australia. They liked the other cruises so much that they wanted to try this one too. Linda and Fred Jocano, however, did not know what to expect. This was their first cruise. They went on the cruise as part of their Hawaiian holiday from the Philippines. It was all new to them and they anticipated being surprised. They just thought to follow directions from the staff and crew.

Emma sensed that Linda and Fred were new to this experience. Don’t worry, it will all be wonderful, she said to Linda. I hope so, replied Linda. George was surprised at the conversation between the two women, who never met before. That’s right, said George to Fred It will all be wonderful, take it from us. Fred was doubly surprised by George’s friendly rejoinder to Emma. You have been on this cruise before? asked Fred. No, but we have been on a similar cruise by the same company, it is our second time on their cruise line, said Emma.

Farther down the line, Inga and Max Grolsch were itching to go to their staterooms and unpack. They have been on other cruises before and knew what to expect. They had certain anticipations from this cruise, however, and wanted to try something out on Paradise Island. They have heard about the healing waters at the water fall on the island. Max had poor eyesight and was desperately seeking a cure. Etsuko and Yoko Miyamoto had never been on this cruise before and were, like Linda and Fred, just going along with the flow. They have, however, been on other cruises. Fabio Lombardi and Enrico Grimaldi were also novices to holiday cruise ships but have heard enough good things to try it while on their holiday in Hawaii.

Their anticipation was ended when Arnold Helm, the ship engineer, called their attention. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. You can go to your staterooms shortly, after we go through a brief orientation on the emergency procedures in case we have to use the life boats. He then described the mandatory information on the use of the lifeboats. The guests listened attentively. They were also told that the first event of the cruise was a welcome introduction to the staff and crew to the guests in the main auditorium at 5 p.m. on Deck 3.

Conrad Spooner waited patiently in the auditorium for word from Krauss. His staff and crew of 200 men and women had accomplished their preparations in the staterooms, bars, restaurants, lounges, spas, salons, and other meeting rooms. Some of the staff were now assembled in the auditorium waiting to welcome the guests. Alice, Ana, and other crew members were in the auditorium with Conrad. Look at him, said Ana, He seems so anxious but he can only depend on us to look good, Alice whispered to Ana, Do not be so harsh with him, he is only doing his job like the rest of us. We have chores to do for the guests. Lets make it good for them. Ana nodded in accord. The other staff waited for Conrad to say something soon.

Elliot Beaner, the culinary director, also waited for word from Krauss. He and his crew of 100 men and women were ready to serve the first meals of the day. Some of his crew were also in the auditorium waiting to be introduced to the guests. Most were already in the various dining rooms at their assigned stations. There were 3 main dining rooms, the Starlight, Oasis, and Grillhouse. Dining in these facilities was included in the cost of the cruise, except for the alcoholic beverages. There were three more specialty dining rooms which guests can patronize for an additional charge. In addition there were 5 bars and lounges ready to serve the guests meals throughout the day.

My my, the food smells so good today said Ellen to Tony. He looked at her and said, Yes, I know. I already tasted it. Ellen pretended she did not hear him. Noel whispered to Tony, You better watch out, if you know what I mean. Tony winked at Noel and smiled. Ellen smiled at the gaiety of the two men.

After the emergency orientation was over the guests dispersed to go to their staterooms. The cruise ship had ten decks of which five were allotted for the guest staterooms—Deck 5 to Deck 9. Guests entered the cruise ship on Deck 3. Corridors, stairs, and elevators allowed the guests to move about the cruise ship. Elevators and stairs were located in the forward and aft sections of the cruise ship. On Decks 7 and Deck 8 there were doors which opened to deck promenades on both sides of the cruise ship.

The guests went to their respective staterooms and found their luggage waiting in front of their stateroom door. Fabio and Enrico, Yoko and Etsuko had staterooms on Deck 9. Staterooms on this deck were suites, with two bedrooms, a living room, bathroom, and balcony to view the outside. Sue and Lenny, Linda and Fred had their staterooms on Deck 8. Their staterooms were large and spacious enough not to bump into each other to go from closets to the bed or bathroom. They had queen beds, a desk and two chairs, a television, and refrigerator. Sue and Lenny had their stateroom on the outer side of the ship with a window to view the outside. Linda and Fred’s staterooms were on the inner sections of their decks with no view of the outside.

Inga and Max, Emma and George had staterooms on Deck 6 and Deck 5 respectively. Their staterooms were smaller, had twin beds, closet, small desk and chair, television, small refrigerator, and a bathroom. A large round mirror adorned the wall by the head of the bed, it added a feeling of space to the small stateroom.

The fixtures in the staterooms were all finely made. The craftsmanship in the design of the wood panels as well as the plumbing fixtures in the bathroom was apparent. Everything was clean, neat, and tidy. Complementary wine was available on upper deck staterooms. A pitcher of ice with drinking glasses on a shiny metal tray adorned the desk. Towels were neatly folded or hung in the bathroom. In their staterooms the guests found a Cruise tablet containing information about the cruise and the ship. The ship maintained a local area network accessible on the Cruise tablet to connect to the Internet. For those used to traditional brochures there was printed information about the facilities on board, a map of the ship, list of restaurants, and summary listing of daily activities for the duration of the cruise. Each day they obtained a new schedule of activities.

After unpacking their luggage, Yoko and Etsuko read the bulletins about the ship facilities. From the balcony they could see that the cruise ship was still docked. They decided to explore the ship starting with the upper decks. As they left their stateroom they could not help but notice the hotel like atmosphere of the ship. Thick carpeting on the floor, rows of stateroom doors lined the corridor. Stateroom numbers were on the door frames with a small open box for messages. Walls were evenly lighted along the corridors. Framed art work punctuated the walls of the corridors.

They walked towards the aft side of the ship. At the end of the corridor they opened a door. This led to a wide corridor. On one side of the corridor was a set of windows showing the promenade of Deck 8 and an open deck below with the swimming pool of Deck 7. Opposite the windows were the elevators. There were stairwells on both sides of the elevators leading down to Deck 7. They took the stairs down to Deck 7. The corridor on Deck 8 had doors on opposite sides leading to deck promenades. They took the door on their right and went down to Deck 7.

On the promenade they saw an open sun deck with a bar and a swimming pool. Deck chairs lined the sun deck. There were no people on the deck chairs. The bar had a few customers. Early imbibers, thought Yoko. A few people were standing on deck or by the railings looking at the pier activities. They walked on the promenade toward the aft end of the ship where they saw signs for the Starlight Cafe.

The corridor leading to the Starlight Cafe was lined with shops. We should see these shops, said Yoko, But first let us see the cafe. Etsuko agreed and they passed the shops. At the end of the corridor was another door which led to the Starlight Cafe. In front of the door was a ship attendant, Ellen, holding a sprayer. As guests arrived Ellen offered to spray their hands with disinfectant. Yoko and Etsuko were surprised as the attendant offered to spray their hands. They obliged.

Upon opening door, the wonderful aroma of food greeted them and in front of them they saw many stations serving all kinds of food. People were already busy perusing the food and picking what they wanted. It was a vast buffet. Yoko smiled with delight. This was what she had expected.

The first station they looked at was the hot entrees, a chef stood inside the station carving a big chunk of roast beef for the guests. Around him were other meat dishes on serving trays from which the guests can serve themselves—roasted chicken, ham, stewed lamb, and pork ribs. They passed on to another station, a salad bar. Then on to the soup station, the sandwich station, the vegetable station, the dessert station, the pasta station, the pastry station, the grill with hot dogs and hamburgers, the fruit station and beverage station. Finally, Yoko went to the dessert station and picked up a plate. Etsuko followed. Yoko selected a large cream puff while Etsuko chose a slice of black forest cake, then they moved to the hot entrees. Yoko asked the chef for a slice of rare roast beef. Etsuko took a corn on the cob and steamed broccoli. Yoko then went to the fruit station and took two slices of pineapple. Etsuko took an apple. There was so much to choose from. They decided to try the rest later.

After filling their plates with their chosen foods, Yoko and Etsuko maneuvered among the other guests to find a table. They walked towards the beverage station and saw a row of tables. They picked a table next to a window and set their plates on the table. On the table was a small container with rolled cloth napkins containing silverware, and salt and pepper shakers. They sat down and were about to eat when the ship intercom came alive,

Ladies and gentlemen, we would like your attention. There will be a special welcome from the staff and crew at the auditorium on Deck 3 in 5 minutes. All are welcome.

Yoko and Etsuko were startled. They looked at each other, as if asking the other what to do. Etsuko was the first to speak, Let us finish our meal and go there later. Yoko nodded and proceeded to unroll the cloth napkin and get her silverware. They leisurely ate their meal.

George and Emma, Inga and Max were in their staterooms when the announcement was made. They were napping. The announcement woke them up. Shall we go? asked Inga. Sure, why not, replied Max, Give us a chance to meet the captain and crew. George and Emma decided not to pay attention to the announcement, they wanted to take a nap.

Fabio and Enrico were on their balcony when they heard the announcement. It’s time to start the cruise, said Fabio. It’s about time, replied Enrico. They walked away from the balcony and went to get their cameras. Enrico and Fabio were former actors and always carried cameras wherever they went.

Linda and Fred were also in their staterooms when they heard the intercom announcement. Linda said, Look at the brochure and see if that is in the program. Fred found the brochure on the desk and read it. Here it is. The first event of the day. On Deck 3 auditorium. said Fred. Alright let’s see it. Then we eat. said Linda. She stood up to get her purse and Fred opened the door.

Sue and Lenny were on their way out to explore the ship when the announcement came over the intercom. That is just in time, said Lenny. Sue closed the cabin door and they walked towards the elevators. As they walked through the corridor, Sue saw Linda and Fred come out of their stateroom. Linda and Fred saw them too and smiled. Hello again. Are you going to the auditorium? said Linda. Yes we are. replied Emma. All four went to the elevators and joined other guests headed for Deck 3.

Deck 3 was the main access and exit on the cruise ship. It had no outside promenades. The auditorium was situated on the aft section of Deck 3. It had two entrances located on opposite sides of the elevator corridor. The auditorium had a circular open space in the middle, like a disco dance floor, as well as a small stage. Tables and chairs formed an arc around the open space. Sue, Lenny, Linda, and Fred entered the auditorium and found chairs near the auditorium stage. Other guests seated themselves at the tables around the open space. Inga and Max arrived soon and found seats at the back of the auditorium.

At 5 p.m. the lights in the auditorium dimmed and spotlights danced on the stage and the open space. Conrad Spooner entered the open space and went to the stage with a microphone. The lights stopped dancing and a spotlight opened where he stood.

Ladies and gentlemen welcome to your cruise ship. The staff and crew have prepared a special show to entertain you with their talents. First let us welcome Andy Matsunaga with his rendition of ‘Music of the night’ from The Phantom of the Opera.

Andy came from back stage, took the microphone from Conrad, who exited back stage, and sang. After his song, the guests applauded appreciatively. He then exited back stage. Conrad’s voice boomed announcing the next performer. One after another five staff or crew members entertained the guests with song. The audience loved it. As the show progressed, ship waiters went around the tables asking the guests if they wanted to order anything to drink. Sue ordered a bloody Mary and Lenny asked for a bottle of beer. Linda asked for coffee and Fred ordered a bottle of beer. The waiter came back a few minutes later with their drinks and a mug of assorted nuts.

After the staff performances, Conrad came out from back stage and asked the audience, Are you having a good time? The guests responded with a loud YES! Conrad then said, Thank you ladies and gentlemen. We are here to make sure you enjoy your cruise. In the next few days we will try our best to serve and entertain you. I would like to introduce to you the people who make this cruise possible. Here they are, the officers, staff and crew of Le Fontaine!

The spotlights started to dance and point towards the approaching staff and crew who paraded from the two entrances to the auditorium. Two single lines moved toward the open space in the middle of the auditorium as loud music filled the room. Staff and crew marched in. Some of them wore naval uniforms, some wore suits, some wore their work clothes of various colors depending on the function they performed, blue for those running the ship, white for stateroom attendants, yellow for restaurant servers, and so on.

As the officers, staff, and crew stood in front of the guests, Inga and Max could not help but notice the age difference among them. The officers and staff were far older than the crew. They were middle aged or older while the crew were either in their late teens or early twenties. It did not seem odd but it was striking.

The music stopped. Conrad then introduced the officers. Captain Bond was the first to speak, I am pleased to welcome you all to Le Fontaine, the pride of Paradise Cruise, our home for the next few days as we sail to Paradise Island and back. We are here to make your cruise a happy and enjoyable one. Please let us know how we can serve you and we will do our best for you.

The audience applauded. Conrad then introduced the other staff of the cruise ship. After the introduction, the officers, staff and crew paraded out of the auditorium. Conrad spoke as they left the auditorium. Ladies and gentlemen, the night is young and we are on a cruise. Let us enjoy and be glad.

The guests slowly walked out of the auditorium. Some went back to their staterooms, but most went out in search of food. That was not a difficult task, the cruise ship had a complement of dining rooms to choose from. The Starlight, a buffet on Deck 8, offered a variety of cuisines to choose from. Two sit down dining rooms on Deck 4, Oasis and Grillhouse, were more formal eateries with assigned seating and menus which changed daily. There were also three lounges which featured live entertainment while dining—Nevada, Oregon, and California. In addition there were 5 bars and lounges ready to serve the guests throughout the day.

Inga and Max were among the first out of the auditorium. Inga asked Max, Where would you like to have dinner? Max said, Lets have a nice sit down dinner and be served. Alright, lets go to the Oasis said Inga. As they walked out of the auditorium, Inga said, Max, would you like to invite Linda and Fred join us for dinner? Max replied, That’s a fine idea dear, lets. Max approached Fred, Would you and your wife like to join us for dinner? Fred looked at Linda who also heard Max’s invitation. Linda said, Oh that would be nice. Upon hearing this, Max said, Excellent, shall we try the Oasis? Linda and Fred nodded and they all headed for the Oasis on Deck 4.

When Sue and Lenny woke up from their nap they decided to have dinner. Where shall it be for dinner Sue? asked Lenny. How about the Oasis for some steak? replied Sue. Sounds like a plan, lets do it. They washed up and dressed to go to dinner. As soon as they were ready they went out and took the stairs down to Deck 4. George and Emma also woke up from their nap and decided to have some food.

Enrico and Fabio were in an adventurous mood. I am hungry for some pasta, how about you? asked Fabio. I’ll go along, let’s try the buffet and see what they have." They headed for the Starlight. Other guests had the same idea to eat at the buffet. Enrico and Fabio were surprised to see so many people at the Starlight so soon. Just like Etsuko and Yoko, they perused the various stations before making their selection. Once they came upon the pasta station they made their selection—fettuccini for Fabio and cannelloni for Enrico. Various sauces were available for their pasta selection. Fabio picked a marinara sauce, Enrico did the same. Then they headed for the salad bar. Again, they were greeted with more choices. Enrico put some lettuce on his plate and poured some Roquefort salad dressing over it. Fabio picked some tomatoes, olives and pickled peppers.

After filling their plates they looked for a table. All the tables nearby were occupied although there were some empty chairs. Enrico wanted a window seat. He moved towards a table by the windows where Yoko and Etsuko were seated. Fabio followed. May we join you ladies? he asked politely. Yoko replied, Yes, please do so.

Enrico sat down next to Etsuko and Fabio sat next to Yoko. Fabio said, Please pass the silverware. Yoko took two rolled silverware and placed them in front of the two men. Thank you. said Enrico. You are welcome. replied Yoko. Enrico and Fabio reached for their silverware and unrolled the napkins. They all ate silently for a while. Then Enrico said, I am going to get some coffee, would you like some? looking at Fabio then at the two women. Fabio said, Yes please, black. Etsuko and Yoko hesitated then, simultaneously said, Yes please. Cream or sugar? asked Enrico. Again the two women replied simultaneously, Yes please. The way the women responded elicited laughter from them all. That broke the strangeness among them and seemed to lighten the awkwardness. Enrico stood up to get the coffee.

Fabio introduced himself My name is Fabio. Glad to meet you, I am Yoko and this is my sister Etsuko said Yoko. Have you been on this cruise before? asked Fabio. "No, this is our first cruise to

Paradise, and you? said Yoko. This is also my first cruise replied Fabio What made you choose this cruise? Actually we were curious about the healing waters of Paradise said Etsuko. Just like us then, this is our first cruise, and are also curious about the healing waters of Paradise" said Fabio.

When Enrico returned with a tray and four mugs of coffee, he found Fabio and the two women conversing. Enrico set down the tray. Fabio reached for a mug of coffee and set it in front of Etsuko saying, Enrico, this is Etsuko, Etsuko this is Enrico. He did the same gesture and introduction for Yoko. Glad to meet you. said Enrico and passed the packets of sugar and cream to the women. Fabio filled Enrico in on the conversation saying, Etsuko and Yoko are from Japan and are on the cruise to try out the healing waters of Paradise Island. Enrico said, That is also our goal on this cruise, we have heard about the healing waters of that island and want to try it.

Yoko said, We are probably not alone in this, the other people on the cruise may have the same purpose. Etsuko added, It is a fantastic story and we hope that there is something to it. The conversation continued concerning what they have heard about the healing waters of Paradise.

Is there anything particular you want healed in the healing waters? asked Yoko. Well now that you ask, said Enrico My memory is getting pretty bad, and I would not mind improving it. Yoko looked at Fabio. Me, oh I suppose I can always look younger he said involuntarily. We all want to be young again said Etsuko. If only that were possible added Yoko. They all fell silent for a few moments.

When the elevator door opened, Sue and Lenny saw Emma and George in it. Hello again mates, where are you off to? said Lenny. To dinner at the Oasis, and you? replied George. What a coincidence, that’s where we’re going too. said Sue. Good, lets all see what they have to serve. said Emma. Oh you’ll love the sea food said Sue. The doors opened on Deck 4. To the left of the corridor they saw the hallway leading to the Oasis. Other people were headed to the Oasis. A greeter, Anna, met them near the entrance and offered to squirt their hands with disinfectant. Sue and Emma found this amusing. George and Lenny obliged. When they reached the entrance to the Oasis there was already a crowd lined up to get in. They joined the line.

An attendant, Tony, greeted them as they reached the front of the line. Two? asked the attendant. Four corrected Lenny. Tony led them to a table for four. He offered to move the chairs as they sat at table. He was a young man in his early twenties, tall, dark haired and lanky. Tony gave them each a menu.

Sue and Emma paid close attention to the decoration while Lenny and George immediately looked over the menu to see the selections. The menu listed three items, starters, entrees, and desserts. For starters, the selection listed smoked salmon pate, cold cuts, soups, and salads. For entrees, they found roasted prime rib, honey glazed ham, barbecued pork chops, grilled sausage, coconut shrimp and snow crab clusters. The desserts included various cakes, flans, bread pudding, and ice cream.

The two couples looked at the menu and made their selections. A waiter returned to take their orders. My name is Jake and I am your waiter this evening, he said Would you like anything to drink before dinner? When no one replied, he asked What would you like from the menu? Sue asked for smoked salmon pate, barley soup, paella, and ice cream for dessert. Nice choice, said the waiter. Emma asked for soup and salad, grilled sausage, and bread pudding. Good combination, said the waiter. George ordered smoked salmon pate, coconut shrimp, and chocolate cake. Nice choice, said the waiter. Lenny asked for onion soup, pork chops, and strawberry cake. Good combination, said the waiter.

After Jake left, the guests talked about the waiter. He certainly was pleasant, said George. Yes, and he did not push any particular dish, added Sue. If I were a waiter I would like to serve like him,