(This story is loosely based on my first cruise, obviously the names have been changed to protect the innocent and I'll leave it up to your imagination as to what is real and what is not, you may be surprised! If there is enough interest, I will submit more of the story. It does become more involved with more people as it goes on. )
It was my first vacation in 6 yrs. My first vacation since my marriage broke up. I had given my travel agent (one of my best friends from college) carte blanch as far as choosing what type of vacation I was going to have. It was going to be a last minute booking, although I had already arranged with work to be off then. I've basically worked seven days a week for the past 6 years. With my marriage over, I buried myself in my work. It was my way of coping. My ex, Debbie had gone on a girl's vacation and came back and told me it was over. No warning, no previous "I'm not happy anymore" no signs or signals that I could even see looking back. It was a horrible end to a 10 yr marriage. I was devastated to say the least. I hated women and decided to have nothing to do with them until I felt good about myself again. I'm no stud, I'm 58 yrs old, 6'3", slimish build, with grey hair and goatee. Basically I had the classic dad bod.
Besides work, I loved walking. I walked 5 miles a day to stay in shape. I met a lot of women on walks and yes, I got laid often enough. I just didn't want any relationship. I didn't golf or anything like that, I just walked and stayed to myself when not at work mostly.
It was Thursday afternoon when Bonnie my travel agent called. "I got a killer deal for you!"she announced. "How would you like an 11 day cruise to the western Caribbean?" Flight, hotel, cruise fare, drink package,spa package, and all gratuities paid for up front, $4500 US?" it was an all in one breath statement.
"Whoa! Breathe" I said. "It sounds great to me. When do I leave?"
Your flight leaves Sunday morning, you'll spend 2 nights in southbeach Miami and leave from there. Then you'll fly back home on the Saturday 13 days later. Do you want me to book it?" She asked.
"Yes, yes, a thousand times yes." Was my response. I had never been on a cruise before. And 2 weeks off work was going to be great. I went home and packed. A lot of shorts and t-shirts, socks, limited underwear(I hate wearing them, I prefer to let the boys hang free), and a few dress pants and shirts and my favourite tie. I figured that would do.