The Cruise Ship

They still had a distance to walk when they caught a glimpse of the ship docked at the port. The sight of this gigantic ship brought comments like. "I never dreamed it would be so big." And others said. "You could get lost in it."

Georg responded to that comment. "I'm sure you could. I am also sure there will be many stewards around to be sure you won't."

As they came closer they could clearly read the ship's name. In big letters near the front of the ship was its name, Queen Mary. They weren't among the first to cross the bridge. A group of fourteen which contained children walked much slower than many others in the crowd had.

It made no difference to the children. They were still gawking at the ship. Soon they had approached the foot of the bridge. Once again Georg handed the attendant all fourteen tickets.

He didn't bother to count them. He simply said, "Welcome aboard the Queen Mary. She's ready to give you a spectacular sail to America."

As soon as they crossed a group of stewards were at their service to help carry their bags. Stefan still guarded Maria's guitar. In a moment one of them spoke.

"Follow me; one of us will bring up the rear, sir. I'm sure you're concerned someone might stray away."

"You read my mind; even the adults in my group are mesmerized by the size of the ship."

After traversing stairs, passageways and using an elevator, they arrived at their cabins. Brigitta spoke those same words Maria had when she first came to see the castle. "I feel like Hansel and Gretl. Where are my breadcrumbs?"

Everyone, including the stewards laughed. "Don't worry young lady. One of us will always be stationed in the passageway to escort you to where ever you want to go."

Then he addressed Georg. "You have cabins of all sizes assigned to you. I leave it to you to choose."

"Very well, my group isn't picky. It shouldn't take us long."

And it didn't. Maria found the perfect cabin for her and the little girls. Katia and Liesl, Brigitta and Louisa and the two boys each had a cabin with twin beds. The two sets of men found similar accommodations. Georg was the only one to have a cabin with a double bed.

The stewards had followed them with their bags. After using the facilities the group began to gather in the passageway, Kurt was anxious; he was the first of the children out of his cabin.

"Papa, how many people are on this ship?"

"I don't know a number; I do know it's a lot."

"I can answer your son, sir. She carries about 2100 passengers and 1100 crew members."

"Why do you refer to the ship as a she?"

The steward smiled. "The best answer I was told comes from an old tradition of naming many things as feminine, like the earth is sometimes called Mother Earth. Most people tell you it's just tradition."

"Where are you taking us now?" Louisa asked.

"Up to an open area on the front of the ship to watch her depart."

"Do all those people come to watch?"

"No, many of them are frequent travelers; most will be down in one of the lounges having a good time."

The navy men all knew that was a polite way of saying they were in one of the lounges enjoying the drinking spirits or smoking a good cigar.

"I won't walk too fast. We have thirty minutes until the ship departs."

Again another steward was at the end of this parade of people. And again they traversed stairs, passageways and used two elevators to finally arrive at the front of the ship. They were on a viewing area located on the highest deck of the ship.

They were told. "We are on what is called the Sport deck. It has a place to walk all the way around it. Many people enjoy it first thing in the morning. Directly behind us is one of our fabulous restaurants. This deck also has tennis courts, a gymnasium and many other rooms to play a multiple of different sports. There's also an outdoor area for other games.

"This deck also has one of the several movie theaters onboard. On the far end are the quarters for the ship's captain and his officers, directly above is the wheelhouse, the place from which the captain controls the ship."

No one spoke; they were very much in awe of what they had just learned about the ship. They were among a handful of people who had come to watch the ship depart. The sun had set but darkness hadn't set in yet. They had a good view of the English Channel which the ship had to travel until it emptied into the Atlantic Ocean.

The steward didn't have time to warn them. A loud deep slightly creepy dull bass horn sound penetrated the air; it sounded for a very long time. Like they had on the ferry, the group was startled; some covered their ears.

When it stopped, the steward spoke. "We're underway everyone. If you look towards shore, you will see the lights get further and further away."

He heard a question. "Will our sail always be so smooth?"

"Yes, young lady; I'm surprised you used the word sail. Are you familiar with sailing terms?"

"I read a lot."

Georg let out his breath. He had wondered how Brigitta was going to answer. Kurt now got his attention.

"Papa, can we eat now?" Kurt refrained from talking about his stomach. Instead Brigitta did. "My stomach tells me it needs food."

"Children, we're going there now. The dining room which most families use is not far. We can use the next set of stairs."

They followed the steward down them and it was as he said, not far. "Here we are, the Sun Deck Restaurant."

They were standing before an entry whose double doors were wide open. It gave the group the first view at the opulence of the ship. They stood in amazement looking at a room no one knew how to describe; it was different from anything any of them had ever seen.

The stewards had witnessed their reaction many times. One of them spoke. "Even we were surprised at this décor; it is quite different."

The arched entry had massive sleek columns on each side. Their eyes were immediately drawn to the walls of the dining space.

Liesl commented. "Papa, are the walls covered in wood? I can see what looks like the design of the wood's grain."

"An excellent description Liesl, and the wood below that strip of mahogany stained wood has a dark coral color."

The lead steward spoke up. "This room is an example how the entire ship is decorated. We were all told it is a new design called, Art Deco. The chair cushions are upholstered in the same vibrant colors used in the rubber titles in the floor which you can see are tones of red, orange and cinnamon. The lighting comes from the specially made light fixtures in a silver bronze; a color which blends with all the others. I'm sure you have noticed the window treatments which have many different vibrant colors.

"The colors used here are not as bold and bright as colors used elsewhere. Along with sleek aesthetic, symmetrical geometric shapes, you will see colors like bright yellow, deep purple, ruby red and turquoise."

It was Georg who responded. "I speak for all of us. This ship is more than any of us ever imagined. We need to take our seats."

"Since this is the family dining room, there are many tables which seat ten, a perfect number for you, your children and the Mrs."

Katia heard that; she immediately spoke. "I'll sit at your table Georg so I can help with the children."

And then Sidney spoke. "The men can sit can sit at this table with four chairs. We can still converse with everyone."

Katia confused the poor steward by sitting beside Georg. Maria was on the other end between Marta and Gretl; she knew they usually needed help cutting their meat. The other children took their places quickly.

While they read the menu, waiters began to fill their water glasses; others brought out baskets of crackers and different kinds of bread; another brought various kinds of cheese spreads.

Maria heard Marta. "Fräulein, can you read the menu to me? I can't read more than a few words."

"I can read most of it; even I don't know all the foods the words describe. I can read, Wiener schnitzel. It comes with potato dumplings and a vegetable. Shall I order you a small portion?"

"Yes, Fräulein."

Maria heard a "me too," from Gretl. She ordered the same for herself. The others were still pondering. By now the steward knew he was wrong about Maria being a Mrs. but no one said anything. Everyone, including the steward pretended it hadn't happened.

Soon Louisa placed her order. "I'll have veal scaloppini with potatoes and green vegetables."

And from Friedrich, "I'll have the same."

Liesl asked a question. "What's pasta, sir?"

"It's an Italian food usually made with a special flour and water, occasionally eggs are used. It comes in many shapes and sizes; some are long, small and round others are squares which have meat or vegetables between two of them. All are cooked in boiling water and are usually served with a tomato sauce."

"That sounds delicious. I'll order the spaghetti with a salad."

"And you young man," said while looking at Kurt.

"Can I have a double serving of ravioli? I'm very hungry."

"You may; our serving size isn't large enough for a growing boy like you." The waiter saw his broad smile."

And young lady, whose name I believe is Brigitta, what would you like to order?" She gave him a big smile as well.

"Wiener schnitzel is my favorite too."

Katia, Georg and the four men also placed their orders. Everyone heard.

"Your food will be out shortly."

Now they indulged in the crackers, bread and various cheese spreads. They didn't have time to stuff themselves; their meals were brought out in about ten minutes.

There was silence while they ate. It had been a long time since the snack they had on the train. When the head waiter noticed everyone had finished, he spoke.

"Is chocolate cake and ice cream okay for your dessert?"

He saw smiles and heard many "yesses."

When Kurt finished his, he remarked. "I'm stuffed." And several others said, "me too."

"Maybe you're all too full to go to bed right away. This would be a perfect time for us to show you the rest of the ship." They heard from one of the stewards.

Georg stood. "An excellent idea, I'm sure some of you may need to use the bathroom first." His eyes were directed at Marta and Gretl."

It was only a matter of a few minutes before they were ready. The lead steward explained. "We'll begin on this deck and work our way down. The Sun deck has many of the most extravagantly decorated cabins; American movie stars and dignitaries from many countries use them.

"Also on this deck is one of many lounges and smoking rooms. At the end is another movie theater. Now, we'll take the elevator down one level."

Once it had stopped he announced. "This is the Promenade deck, home to two lounges and many more cabins. Our theater for live stage productions is here, as well as a library, drawing room, music room and playroom.

"I know that sounds juvenile but it isn't; children there are all kinds of things to do in there. Now, we need to go to the Main deck. It is mostly filled with cabins; it also has a playroom."

The next deck was named A. It too had many cabins. In the middle there was a huge restaurant whose entrance was actually on the C deck. They were also told there was not much to see on the B deck. The stewards' quarters were there as well as a dining saloon.

The steward did show them a surprise. "We're coming to a balcony. Does anyone have an idea what it may overlook?"

They had none. "Keep walking and tell me what you see."

"I see water." Louisa shouted. Her papa continued. "I don't believe it; it's a swimming pool. Do passengers really use it?"

"Not very much unless there are a lot of children. Occasionally some of the men like to swim laps in the morning. There's also a small one on the G deck. Decks D and E are filled with stores. One can buy almost anything onboard. The last three decks house everything needed to run the ship.

"You've seen everything. Now we can take the elevator back to your cabins."

"Thank you so much."

The steward responded to Maria. "You're most welcomed. I see two little girls who look mighty sleepy." They both nodded.

The group only had a short distance to walk to the elevator. It went up to the Main Deck where there cabins were located. Soon Maria and the girls were at their cabin.

"I better get you both inside before you fall asleep in your shoes."

"Let Papa give you kisses first."

Maria got a quiet "goodnight, Maria" and a wink. Georg's wink had become a regular occurrence but Georg's smile was different. Maria didn't ponder right then. She too spoke a quiet, "goodnight, Georg."

She had no way of knowing his smile had become even broader as he was remembering the steward's use of the word Mrs. He poked his head in each of the other children's rooms to say goodnight.

Georg didn't think he had to remind them to stay in their cabins in the morning. He felt certain they would sleep later than usual: it had been a long day.

He had been wrong. While he was dressing the next morning, he heard. "Boys, you can't go explore the ship by yourselves."

Georg hurried to put on his shoes. When he opened his door, he saw not only the boys but also Louisa and Brigitta and Liesl had joined them.

Kurt spoke. "We couldn't sleep any longer, Papa. We wanted to see the playrooms."

"And Papa, I want to see a sunrise. I'm sure it is spectacular on a ship."

"Sir, we have about thirty minutes before it begins to get light. I could take you to the same deck where you saw the ship leave the port. And then we could have a good look at one of the playrooms before you have breakfast. And my name is Adam. May I use all of your names to address you?"

"Most certainly, no need to be so formal."

"Very well. It seems not everyone in your group is awake yet."

"You're correct; we're missing Maria and my youngest daughters. I'll go wake them."

Maria had heard the chatter. She was dressed and in the process of waking the girls when she heard a knock on her door; and a voice saying. "Wake up, sleepyheads."

Maria recognized the voice. She opened the door. "I couldn't believe my ears; I was so surprised to hear the children's voices."

"I was too. As soon as the girls are dressed, we're going up on deck to see the sunrise."

"The girls just woke up; I'll hurry them."

They had heard their papa; now they rushed. They were excited.

Adam spoke. "I count fourteen heads; we can head out. Mark will bring up the rear, Georg."

No one really knew if they took the same route as yesterday; there were many stairs and elevators they could use to get to their destination. When they arrived they saw a few other passengers waiting to view the sunrise. It was as Adam had said. The sky had begun to lighten.

He explained. "We are in the rear of the ship because the sunrise follows us. It has already risen in London."

Friedrich commented. "Our attendant on our airplane told us something similar. He had to add the fact that the plane flew faster than the sun rose. When we reached our destination, the sun had just begun to rise there."

"The ship doesn't travel that fast. Everyone needs to keep watching; the sky will change quickly."

Georg had been glad the stewards hadn't asked any questions about their airplane travel. Although he suspected they knew they were from Austria.

Everyone kept their eyes glued towards the horizon. There was nothing but water between it and the ship. Soon they saw a defused line of light yellow extend under the horizon. In a matter of seconds their eyes focused on a brighter yellow which quickly had become the round edge of the sun itself. Above the horizon, the light molecules were displayed as a very pale orange to a very pale pink which appeared fluffy like wispy clouds.

Then the brilliant sun broke above the horizon. It rose quickly; the colors became more intense. What had been pale were now deep shades of pink orange close to the horizon but a yellow orange colored the sky above. A quarter of the sun was bright yellow.

It didn't take long for the sun to be totally above the horizon. It brightened the sky with a deep pale shade of yellow which became paler as it continued to rise. Now its rising was complete. Everyone knew it would continue to get higher and higher as it made its circle around the earth.

Adam added. "If there are clouds present as the sun rises you will see other colors such as deep pink and pale purple. And sunsets are just as spectacular."

"This was awesome, Adam. I'm glad we came up."

"My pleasure, Maria, even I still enjoy them. I'll take you by one of the playrooms before we have breakfast."

Adam had been true to his words; the playrooms weren't for little children. This one had a miniature bowling alley, a room with a net for volleyball or badminton and several Ping-Pong tables.

Adam also told them. "The other playrooms onboard have places to paint or make things out of clay and one has a room where ballet lessons are given."

"Children, I don't think you will be bored."

"I don't think so either, Fräulein."

Adam now led them back to the Sun Deck Restaurant. There were others there already enjoying their breakfast. The group easily found a table to seat ten and one for the four men. Louisa began to read the breakfast menu.

"Papa, there are some strange foods on the menu."

"I see there are. I doubt anyone wants fruit compote or kippered herrings."

"I don't think so either Papa."

"Let me make some suggestions. You may want to begin with a glass of pineapple juice. Then you could choose between simple cooked oats or an oat porridge which has other things cooked with it.

"Another choice is eggs. The eggs come poached, which means cooked in hot water, or fried. You also have your choice of different kinds of breads to go with your eggs. They also have them cooked as an omelet with your choice of vegetables, meat or cheese in the middle. Or you could have pancakes made from different kinds of grains."

"Thank you Papa, now it's going to be difficult to decide; everything sounds so good."

The waiters waited patiently for the group to decide. Everyone ordered pineapple juice. It was a juice most had never had. One by one each ordered from the suggestions Georg had made.

After they finished, one of the waiters asked. "Did you enjoy breakfast?"

"We did." Georg answered. "My children had foods they had never had before. Please give the chef our complements."

Kurt was now out of his chair. "Can we go see one of the playrooms now?"

"Yes, Kurt we can."

"And Georg, the four of us will go explore the ship."

Maria spoke to Georg. "You can join the men. I think Katia and I can look after seven children."

"Thanks for the suggestion. I'll stay with you and the children."

In moments the men had left and Adam led the children along with Georg and Maria to the nearest playroom.