The Port and the Ship
The train traveled slowly to the station in Monaco. Georg stood to announce.
"We need to get off here and board a bus."
He could hear his children's excited voices; he was pleased. Georg stepped off the train first and then helped his wife. And the bus driver spoke to them.
"It's a very short ride to the dock. The MV Astoria is waiting to give you an excellent sail to America."
Georg didn't ask but he was curious as to what the initials MV stood for. Because it was a short ride to the dock, the bus was there very quickly. The driver had parked the bus; then stood to give instructions.
"No need to hurry. The Astoria doesn't set sail for another hour. She's still being loaded with produce for the trip."
Now Georg had instructions. "Everyone, be sure you have all your belongings."
"Georg, I'll check each seat as I come down the aisle."
"Thanks Franz."
Georg helped Maria to exit the bus. Immediately she had a good look at the ship.
"I'm glad to see it's not as big as I thought it would be."
"But it's big enough to give us a nice sail to America."
By now everyone else had exited the bus and Georg heard.
"We're all here Georg and I didn't see anything being left on the bus."
"Thanks Franz."
A port attendant now spoke to Georg. "Sir, under what name was the reservation made for the Astoria?"
"That would be Georg von Trapp."
The man checked his passenger list. "I see you have a reservation for fourteen."
"That's correct."
"One of the ship's stewards will take your bags on board the ship and deliver them to your cabins. Now tell your group to follow me."
"Everyone, leave your bag here; the ship's crew will take them on board. We need to follow this gentleman."
Now Georg could hear the children. "Friedrich, this is so exciting."
"It certainly is Kurt."
Liesl was of another opinion. "Father, it's so big."
"As I told your mother, there will be many crew on board to help us find our way. We need to follow this man."
Isabel and Katia each held the hand of Gretl and Marta very tight. Neither spoke. They weren't walking very fast. Franz was behind them. They were now at the ship's bridge.
The port attendant spoke to Georg. "I leave you now. Once you go on board her, there will be stewards to help you find your cabins."
"Thank you, appreciate the information."
Georg took Maria's hand. "It's time to go on board our ship."
The ship's bridge was wide enough so they could walk it in pairs. Maria and Georg being first saw the interior.
"Georg, this is nothing like I imaged."
"It is rather stunning."
A ship's steward heard them. "I hear that all the time; she is ornate but very enjoyable. May I have your name sir?"
"Georg von Trapp."
"Your cabins are port side on the middle deck. Follow me."
Franz made sure everyone had heard the steward; he remained last.
The ship's entrance had a large staircase on their right; they climbed that staircase to the next floor. Here there was a hallway which could have been in a fancy hotel.
"Father, the hallway even has carpet; it's most unusual too."
"I'm as surprised as you are Brigitta."
They had walked to a mid-point of the hallway. Here the steward spoke again. "Mister Trapp, I'm sure you don't want your youngest girls to sleep alone."
"No sir and I'm positive my wife agrees with me."
"He's correct; what do you suggest?"
"This ship was designed to be a family ship. It still has all the glamour our wealthy passengers desire. On this deck are several large rooms; this particular room has four twin beds. Let me show you."
The steward opened the door and invited them to follow him. "This is perfect, Georg."
"Mother, can we see too?"
"You can all come in."
Isabel and Katia let loose of the girls' hands. They entered the room followed by Brigitta and Louisa.
"This is nice but where is Liesl going to be, Father?"
"Maybe there's a room for her, Katia and Isabel."
"There is sir. It's opposite this one."
This room was almost an exact duplicate; only the interior colors were different.
"And now sir, this next room is for you and your wife."
Maria was almost speechless when she entered it. She took a deep breath. "This could be a room for a king and queen."
"I've heard that many times and it has been used by royalty. Monaco has never had a king or queen. Instead they have princes and princesses. Princess Charlotte and her husband were quests on the first voyage of the Astoria. In her honor the room was redecorated and is often referred to as the Princess Charlotte room."
"This is perfect for us Maria. Remember you told me you felt like a princess going to dinner with a prince. Now that prince and his princess can live like them for a few days."
"And those days will go by quickly; this ship has a lot of things to do as we sail to America. As soon as you are ready we can go topside to see the ship leave port."
When everyone in the group was ready, they joined Erwin, Hugo and his family on the top deck and watched the ship set sail for America.