All Aboard

The day was a perfect setting for the first day of a grand vacation. The clouds were sparse and the sun was bright. Two young people in love were at a harbor surrounded by their families and friends waiting to board a behemoth of a ship that floated just off the dock they were standing on. They couldn't help but be in awe at its imposing size, it would put the Titanic to shame. It was called The Grandeur of the Sea.

"These ships are HUGE!" Leena yelled out with excitement. "I can't believe we're about to get on this thing for the next 6 months."

"It's kinda scary to look at. There just so BIG" Manny responded in agreement.

"Everyone have everything? Not going to pull a Kevin McCallister are we?" Randy said, as the head of the group.

No one was forgotten. Everything was packed and gathered. The group was itching to board and be off. Many beautiful destinations awaited, but no one would deny the main attraction was to meander around the ship and day drink their cares away for the next half year by the pool or at the bar, or maybe at the casino.

The crowd was massive. 6,500 people makes more sense spread out amongst a thousand rooms and a bunch of floors. There were boarding times of course, but it was impressive still. These were to be neighbors and shipmates for so long, yet most would still remain nameless and faceless.

A lurch in the sea of people. They were moving. Tickets were being taken and bags being checked. Attendants showed groups to their cabins. Manny was relieved because he was carrying most of his girlfriends bags.

Josh had his head on a swivel. He was not secretive about checking out the women around them. Naomi was feeling insecure, knowing that he wasn't interested in being serious but that's what she got herself into. She was accepting of the fact he was going to sneaking around trying to pick up chicks, and she thought she might try the same and pick up some men herself.

They were shown to their rooms, not knowing exactly what to expect. Down a long apartment like hallway with short ceilings their cabins were all pretty bundled together. Manny and his parents, Leena and hers, Scott and Aiko and finally Josh and Naomi. Four cabins, two on each side of the hall. These were the deluxe units fit with rooms for each person, whereas most people on board would be staying in a single room cabin together or in separate small cabins.

Making themselves comfortable they started to make their rooms their own by unpacking into the furniture and exploring the amenities. There was a stocked mini bar, mini kitchens for full meal cooking, fridges, and anything else you might need to live in a place and feel content.

Manny and Leena had decided to put their things away and meet up to explore the ship. It seems like people had grouped up for their own plans on this first afternoon to get acquainted with the things on the cruise that interested them. Shira, Aiko, and Melissa, the older women and Leena's mother, Manny's aunt and mother respectively, were headed to the spa which was, conveniently, located by the fashion shopping section of the ship. The older men, Manny's dad and uncle Randy and Scott, and Leena's father Jeff were going to the watering hole. Naomi and Josh were off to the club and mall scenes. That left Manny and Leena to go explore the pool and later check out the casino.

The groups separated and found their way around the entertainment palace they were staying.

At the bow was a massive pool complete with diving towers, spring boards, and lifeguard stations. The main crowd was gathered around the poolside bar, though. This was the classic movie scene poolside bar, with coconuts and little umbrellas and everything.

"I'm going to get so tan this year..." Leena said marveling at her surroundings. "And I might be an alcoholic by the time this is over and I'm not even 21..."

This cruise ship allowed those over 18 to drink and gamble and these two would be taking full advantage of those features.

"I'm going to get so fat this year..." Manny followed thinking about the calories in the drinks and the endless food buffets that could be found in the dining area. They wondered around, not looking to get into the water yet until they had explored more of the Grandeur. It was grand indeed.

Manny noticed how many guys around were muscled up, and thought to himself that this would be a good opportunity to get into the habit of going to the gym, considering there was also a world class gym here. Leena did not let this fact go unnoticed either. She wasn't overt when she looked, but a peak here and there was enough for her. She was happy with her man but it was hard to not see the hard bodies. Many of the women surrounding the pool could be mistaken for swimsuit models. Manny was sure he was going to hear all about it from Josh later. Leena saw many beautiful older women too and thought her dad was going to get in trouble a lot this summer.

On the other hand, there were a number of unsightly folk too. Some people who were way to big for the bathing suits, or people who were clearly a little too high on something. It was to be expected though, and part of the experience.

Figuring they had seen enough of this portion, they agreed it was time to check out some of the interior. Getting into an elevator they hit the button labeled "Casino" and the carriage whirred to life. Descending into the depths of the Grandeur the two had no idea of the adventures, or misadventures, that would be found at this den of sin.

Innocently enough they pushed out the sliding elevator doors into the giant room of lights and sounds and flashing numbers.