Glenn and Linda had been friends for years. There had never been anything between them (that they would admit). There were both in relationships that were stable if not altogether passionate. It was a series of coincidences that led them to their current location.
Getting off of the plane in Florida with neither of their significant others felt strange. Glenn reflected on all of the planning it took for him and Bonnie (his significant other) to prepare for the trip. They both had to work to get the time away and bought the airplane tickets nearly a year ago to get the best deal. The plan had been to go the pier and get last minute cancellation tickets on a cruise ship.
The day before they were to leave for the airport Bonnie was called and asked to work. She knew when she saw what was going on that the department was struggling to keep its funding and if she did not help there might not be a job when she came back.
So they decided that he should go and she would stay. The problem was finding someone else to take the extra airplane ticket. There was some risk since the return trip was for after a cruise that had not been booked that no one would want it. All of their mutual friends had turned it down.
Glenn finally found Linda whom he had known from work and she was in a position to take some time off between jobs. She agreed to pay the change fee and take the ticket. That's how they ended up helping one another with luggage and getting into a taxi.
As Linda and Glenn neared the pier they saw a cruise ship loading and began to get excited. They hoped to be able to buy a berth at the last minute rock bottom price. As they neared the ticket booth it was clear they were not the only ones with this idea. Glenn saw a sign that indicated the cabins available and counted the people in line. It was going to be very close.
As Glenn and Linda got closer to the counter their hopes dwindled. Just before it was there turn, the sign registered "Sold Out" to the sound of groans from the people behind them. The clerk was on the phone and motioned to them to wait.
The clerk hung up the phone and said "We have just had a cancellation and have a small suite with two beds available. Would you be interested?" He slid a paper with the price on it across the counter.
Both Glenn and Linda were shocked at the cost. It was less than they had hoped to pay for two separate rooms.
"Sir?" the clerk said to Glenn as he and Linda exchanged dumfounded looks. Linda quickly nodded.
"We'll take it" Glenn said, quickly producing a credit card.
The next fifteen minutes were a flurry of activity as they registered, got their boarding papers and rushed onto the ship. Less than half an hour later they were in the room. The horn sounded and the ship began to pull away from the dock before they had surveyed their accommodations.
"Small suite" was a barely adequate description. There was one full sized bed and a couch a few feet away that converted to a second bed. They also had a tiny desk with a phone. On a stand in the corner was the requisite TV nearby broadcasting the ships event schedule. They barely had unpacked when the ship fire drill began. Glenn had been on a cruise before and was familiar with the routine. Linda was lost but followed Glenn and before they knew it, they were underway with no particular thing to do.
As they took a deep breath, the Captain came on the TV and welcomed them. "The casino and duty free shops will open once we cross into international waters. Please remember that our agreement is that clothing must be worn when we enter each port of call. We will make announcements on the TV and intercom to provide ample time. We have suspended the formal dress requirement for the formal dining area but do require clothing in that facility for all meals. Thank you and enjoy your stay."
Linda spoke first "What was all that about clothes?" she asked.
Glenn shrugged and said "I don't know."
They continued watching as the screen changed, "Welcome Naturalists, to the third annual clothing optional cruise. We hope you enjoy your experience. Don't forget the sunscreen. Wink. "
Glenn felt himself begin to turn red and he looked at Linda who was already blushing furiously.
Finally Glenn broke the silence, "I don't know what to say. This is not what I expected and we don't even reach our first port to get away for two more days."
Linda could hardly speak. "Do we just stay in here and hide?" she asked.
"We could get room service." Glenn said.
They thought about that for a while and both seemed to come to the conclusion that hiding in a small room for two days was not the best solution.
"I have an idea." Linda said. "We could put on our bathing suits and walk around as if today we preferred to wear something. That way we could get something to eat; I'm starving, and find a bar as I seriously need a drink."
"I like that plan" Glenn answered and started to find his bathing suit.
Soon Linda and Glenn were venturing out of their room. Glenn wore a one piece multicolored suit while Glenn wore long length trunks. As they stepped out on the deck they realized how their idea was not going to work.
There were some people wearing suits but those were g-strings or Speedos but the vast majority of people were completely nude and entirely casual about it. Glenn and Linda could not have looked more out of place if they tried.
Determined to get food and drink, they made their way to the buffet and somehow managed not to stare. They got their food and found the most secluded spot available to eat. Glenn and Linda ate as quickly as they could, in spite of both of them blushing furiously and looking only at their food.
Glenn pulled out the ship guide and located a bar that seemed somewhat secluded. Linda agreed that they should head there right away. Linda led the way while Glenn gave the map directions. He watched the map so closely he forgot to watch where he was going and ran right into a tall middle-aged woman wearing only a sheer robe that was not belted.
Glenn saw the woman a split second before he ran into her and braced himself with his hands. His hands went directly onto her nude and very large breasts. It only took a split second for Glenn to pull his hands away like he had touched a hot iron. His blush followed immediately and seemed to extend halfway down his chest.
