Chapter 34 Dinner 1: Exploring the Cruise Ship + Captain's Dinner
As guests of the top-tier luxury suites, you have priority boarding rights.
As you pass through the corridor, unlike the outer area, there are more and more passengers here. The sharp-eyed staff quickly recognize you based on your ticket information and come forward to guide you through the crowd to enter through the VIP passage.
However, he moved closer, which made it more obvious that his eyes emitted a kind of indescribable dark light, making you wonder if he had dry eye syndrome.
As you were thinking, you became distracted and subconsciously covered your nose. You didn't want to be so rude, but the person's smell was just too foul.
And it seemed that this wasn't just one worker experiencing this, because you soon discovered that the entire tanker reeked of this fishy smell. It wasn't even the smell of seawater; it was as if you weren't in the pristine waters of the Mediterranean, but some stinking ditch.
The VIP security check is extremely fast. The staff doesn't react much to your slightest resistance or rejection. They simply check your passports and boarding documents with a smile on their face and gracefully gesture for you to proceed.
Walking down the glittering corridor, you feel your heart racing. You feel like someone is watching your back, and after struggling for a while, you turn around but see nothing unusual.
You know you're not overthinking it, you just can't find any clues yet.
As soon as we boarded, two waitresses in white gloves greeted us. One, Anna, looked like a manager, and the other was Mark. They provided each of us with a damp towel and a refreshing welcome drink.
"Welcome aboard Royal Cruises. We'll take you on a wonderful journey," Anna said with a gentle smile.
As Anna led the way, she introduced the cruise ship's facilities to you: "Our suite guests can enjoy exclusive boarding services. There are staff here to help you with your luggage, so you can just relax and enjoy your trip."
Actually, the private entrance leads directly to your luxury suite, but since she's been so attentive to you, you should at least give her a generous tip, right?
The moment Anna received the tip, her expression remained gentle, but you could see her face wasn't as stiff anymore. This gave you a hint: perhaps the tip could "bribe" these crew members. You took out a few more bills and gave them to Mark, who beamed with joy.
Since it's on a ship, the four of you couldn't book a room together directly, so two adjacent suites were assigned to you. You and Xiaoming share a room, while Xiaola and Xiaofang share another.
Xiao La actually preferred to be with you or Xiao Ming, since she hadn't really seen Xiao Fang act reliable. Xiao Fang gave her a dangerous, half-smiling look, and Xiao La scratched her head sheepishly before following him into the room.
You smiled helplessly as you watched their retreating figures. Meanwhile, Xiaoming pushed open the door and entered.
The spacious room features a huge floor-to-ceiling window and a balcony overlooking the boundless sea.
The curtains, made of heavy velvet in a deep, soft color, complemented the room's gentle lighting. The sofa, bed, and chairs were exquisitely designed, every detail showcasing unparalleled taste and sophistication. The space was exceptionally spacious; were it not for the constant, slight swaying sensation reminding you that you were on the sea, it would be comparable to a luxurious room on land.
However, the room wasn't very soundproof, and you could hear Xiao La next door yelling and screaming, "How luxurious! It feels like stepping into a movie scene!"
"And champagne!" Xiao Fang shouted along with Xiao La. These two were quite amusing when they got together, and it excited you and Xiao Ming as well.
You've also noticed the champagne and fresh fruit already prepared on the coffee table. Without further ado, I threw myself onto the sofa and started chugging.
After settling in their luggage, Lisa, their personal butler, arrived.
"Distinguished guests, I am your personal butler, Lisa. From now on, please let me know if you need anything. I will arrange suitable activities and meals for you according to your needs, and even special shore excursions." Lisa's voice was restrained and calm, but her eyes, like everyone else's, were lifeless.
You smiled and nodded at her: "Lisa, could you recommend some activities for us? We just arrived and are a little unsure where to start."
Lisa stepped forward, still kneeling beside you—you're used to the staff here kneeling easily instead of squatting or kneeling on one knee—and smiled as she opened her notebook and began to introduce the cruise ship's attractions to you one by one.
"You can always visit our private pool and sun deck, which are areas exclusively for suite guests, offering a secluded and tranquil environment away from the noise of crowds. If you prefer to relax, there is a top-notch spa on board, offering a wide range of beauty and treatment services."
"We use seawater from one of the world's top ten premium seawater sources for our services, which has excellent therapeutic effects on your muscles and bones," she emphasized.
Since that's the case, it's clear that this is a place with a lot of history.
“A spa sounds nice,” you said softly, giving Xiaoming a wink.
"Yes, we've been playing for days, and we really need a massage to relax," Xiaoming quickly chimed in.
“If that’s the case, then I’ll make an appointment for you.” Lisa was genuinely happy; you could see a glimmer of something in her eyes.
"Do you need it every day?" she pressed.
"Let's try it once, and we'll talk about it if we need it later," you waved your hand.
Lisa seemed a little disappointed, but having already booked the trip was enough, so she continued, "We also have daily exclusive privileges for you, such as welcoming champagne and snacks, a daily fresh fruit platter, a luxurious bathrobe, and a fine coffee machine and coffee beans in the kitchen corner, which you can enjoy at any time."
She then went on to explain the functions of the suite and other precautions. Your attention was elsewhere, but suddenly you caught a glimpse of a faded oil painting hanging above Lisa's head, one that you hadn't noticed at all.
The image shows a ship swaying at sea, with the indistinct silhouette of a deep-sea creature beside it, like a giant shadow lurking beneath the surface.
The oil painting depicts a sunny day, yet its color scheme is somewhat gloomy, as if the main colors of the entire painting are cool tones. With the rise and fall of the cruise ship, there is a feeling that the icy seawater is about to be thrown out.
I feel a bit nauseous and dizzy.
You should look away immediately.
Xiaoming also noticed the painting and frowned. "This painting is strange. It looks like some kind of... sea monster?" She looked at Lisa tentatively.
Lisa smiled slightly but did not respond, as if she hadn't heard. She stood up and poured champagne into your half-empty glasses.
After setting down the wine bottle, Lisa immediately inquired about your dinner arrangements and handed you an invitation: "This is the Captain's Dinner tonight, specially prepared to welcome our distinguished guests."
"Can I not go?" you ask.
“Of course, you can contact me at any time to adjust any of your needs, even including details of the daily itinerary. However, the Captain’s Dinner is the most memorable night of your trip, and I don’t recommend missing it,” Lisa replied politely.
You nodded and accepted the invitation. You certainly didn't want to challenge these staff members right from the start.
Lisa squinted and grinned, then realized that her mouth seemed to be open too wide, to the point that her face was almost split open, so she quickly pinched it back in place.
You and Xiaoming both pretended not to see anything, remaining completely calm throughout. She didn't seem to care much about your reactions either, simply completing her task: "There are certain areas on the cruise ship set up to ensure privacy. Please, dear guests, abide by the relevant regulations so as not to disturb the experience of other guests."
That means you'll definitely have to find a way to explore these areas.
You lower your eyes and ponder how to obtain the necessary permissions without being punished.
After seeing Lisa off, the cruise ship slowly set sail.
You stand on the balcony, hands on the railing, the warm sea breeze barely carrying away the lingering smell of dead fish.
As you watch the coastline of the city gradually recede into the distance, the azure sea shimmers in the sunlight, like a dream. You reach out and pick up a piece from the coffee table on the balcony. Uh, what was Lisa's description of it again? — Baklava — a Middle Eastern dessert with layers of flaky pastry wrapped around almonds and honey, and then drizzled with a thick syrup.
Taking a gentle bite, the sweetness makes your teeth ache a little, but it does suppress the discomfort you've felt since the start of your journey.
You never knew you would react so strongly to the fishy smell. You can only hope to get used to it quickly, otherwise it will be too unbearable.
At this moment, the captain's announcement came over the loudspeaker, but the signal seemed weak, with intermittent static interference, making it difficult to understand what she was saying:
"Dear passengers, welcome aboard Royal Caribbean. This voyage will take you to unparalleled scenic wonders as we explore the mysteries and wonders of the vast ocean. To ensure a pleasant journey for all passengers, we ask that you strictly adhere to the ship's rules and arrangements. Your safety and comfort are our top priority."
"1. All passengers must return to their cabins before midnight. Loitering on the deck and in public areas after midnight is prohibited to ensure the crew can smoothly complete daily cleaning and security tasks. Violators may be advised to return to their cabins."
2. On the cruise ship, if crew members announce that certain areas are temporarily closed or certain passageways are prohibited, please be sure to follow their instructions. Any unauthorized entry into prohibited areas will be considered a violation and may result in penalties.
3. When visiting shore excursions, please be sure to adhere to the boarding time. All passengers must return to the ship before the designated time. Those who return late will not be allowed to reboard and will bear the consequences themselves.
4. Please ensure your room is locked before leaving. Do not bring any flammable or explosive materials, including sources of fire, into your room. The cruise ship conducts regular daily inspections. Violation of safety regulations may result in being asked to check out.
5. After 10 p.m., all rooms must remain quiet to avoid disturbing other passengers' rest. Loud noises are also prohibited in public areas to maintain the quiet and order of the cruise ship.
6. Emergency exits on cruise ships are for emergency use only. Using emergency exits or staircases in non-emergency situations is prohibited for any reason and will be considered a serious violation.
The captain's voice seemed to carry an unquestionable authority. What's even more outrageous is that after she finished reciting this long string of rules, she simply turned off the broadcast and didn't bother to repeat it a second time.
Xiao Ming's eyes widened: "No, did you remember that?"
You chuckle and turn your phone screen towards her: You've been recording all along.
"As expected of you." Xiao Ming breathed a sigh of relief and patted you on the shoulder.
Meanwhile, Xiao Fang and Xiao La, completely oblivious to the rules, are currently complaining bitterly in your group chat after connecting to the cruise ship's paid network.
As soon as you send the audio, you immediately receive two "kneeling" emojis sent in a row.
After indulging in your emperor-like fantasy for a few minutes, you quickly organize everyone to use the entire afternoon before the captain's dinner to explore the massive cruise ship and learn about its layout and facilities.
Something is bound to happen at the Captain's Dinner. It may not be fatal at first, but you should always prepare in advance.
The ship's top observation deck offers passengers a 360-degree panoramic view of the vast ocean.
Most tourists gather here, either for a leisurely stroll or to quietly enjoy the sea breeze. Next to it is a sun deck, furnished with lounge chairs and parasols, providing a great place to relax and sunbathe.
Some crew members in dark blue uniforms stood to the side, their eyes fixed intently on the sunbathing tourists.
"Drying salted fish," Xiao La laughed.
"What?" you asked.
"Ah, I mean, they really look like they're drying salted fish." Xiao La explained with exaggerated gestures, but as she spoke, she found it funny and covered her stomach, then hid to the side.
You pondered Xiao La's words, then looked at the tourists, lost in thought.
The central deck of the cruise ship houses the swimming pool area. It features a large indoor pool surrounded by gold-trimmed marble columns and sculptures in the style of the Southern Gull.
The lounge chairs around the pool were covered with soft towels, and a few guests were leisurely enjoying the tranquility by the water.
Next to it is the spa center, with a gorgeously decorated entrance and a subtle aromatherapy scent wafting from it.
"What's so interesting here?" Xiao Fang asked, noticing that you and Xiao Ming were both peering inside.
You were taken aback, and after asking more questions, you learned that the butler in Xiao Fang's suite did not recommend the spa service as enthusiastically as Lisa had.
You and Xiaoming looked at each other, feeling that there must be something fishy about this arrangement.
"The spa doesn't open until tomorrow, and we'll be sailing all day, so we decided to book the earliest time tomorrow morning, hoping to finish our experience as soon as possible." You explained your situation, feeling a bit of a headache.
Could it be that you were being overly cautious and thus fell into a trap? But since the matter has already been settled, there's nothing more to say.
Glancing furtively at the still-closed spa, the dimly lit statues inside seemed somewhat eerie. Before you could linger, a group of crew members in blue uniforms surrounded you, "friendly" informing you that this was a private area and only customers with appointments were allowed inside.
Their gaze is particularly sharp when you touch the edge of the rules, and your obedient departure makes them somewhat regretful.
Next, you'll explore the cruise ship's dining area. This comprises several restaurants; in addition to the huge all-you-can-eat buffet included in your ticket, there are fine dining options offering Italian, French, American, and South African cuisine for an extra fee. Each restaurant is meticulously designed to reflect its unique cultural characteristics.
Among them, the Yi Shi Restaurant is the most exquisitely decorated, with floor-to-ceiling windows partially enclosing the restaurant, offering a panoramic view of the boundless sea. Although it wasn't mealtime yet, the crew members were already busy inside. Accompanied by soft music and the enticing aroma of food, the fishy smell in the cabin seemed to have faded considerably.
On the other side of the dining area is the banquet hall, where the Captain's Dinner will be held.
The banquet hall doors were closed, but through the cracks, one could vaguely see the crystal chandeliers and exquisite table settings inside.
You roughly measured the size of the banquet hall and thought to yourself: there are at least dozens of luxury suites on the entire ship. Even if each suite only accommodates one adult, it is still more than this small hall can accommodate.
It's understandable that the Captain's Dinner is only for special guests. But why were you chosen? Is it because you're all "outsiders"?
So, will all the guests tonight be outsiders?
In reality, it's normal for a dozen or twenty international students to gather on a vacation cruise ship. But the probability of someone who thinks that people who choose to travel abroad in the UK are a minority actually gathering on this cruise ship is just too low.
Keep your doubts to yourself for now, and continue strolling around as if nothing is wrong, under the watchful eyes of the crew.
The cruise ship's lounge area features a library filled with books of all kinds, covering literature, history, art, and other fields, resembling a mini museum. In a corner of the library, there's also an old-fashioned piano available for guests to play.
Next to the library was an antique exhibition area, displaying various rare artifacts collected on the ship, including nautical instruments, old maps, and a ship in a bottle. Little La stopped in front of an old map, carefully examining the lines and markings on it.
"Does your major involve these things?" Xiao Fang asked curiously.
"No, it's just that this map looks a bit strange." Xiao La stroked her chin, unable to figure it out.
Upon hearing this, you ran over to see as well.
It's just a map on a tattered, dark yellow piece of paper, isn't it? The hand-drawn continental shelf lines are a bit crooked, but other than that, you can't tell anything else.
Just to be on the safe side, under Xiaoming and the others' cover, you secretly take a picture with your phone and study it carefully later.
The same floor also houses an entertainment area, which includes a small theater, a casino, and several bars.
The theater will offer daily performances for passengers, including operas, magic shows, and dance shows; the program for tonight is posted on posters and appears rich and diverse. The casino is the only place on the ship where gambling is permitted, with neon lights and a deep red carpet creating a sophisticated atmosphere.
Everything was still closed. Some bored crew members were rolling dice at a table. When they noticed your gaze, they suddenly looked up and stared at you blankly, as if they had pressed the pause button. In the dim light, the whites of their eyes looked even more striking.
"Let's go." You pulled everyone away quickly.
Finally, there's the deluxe guest room, accessible only with a room key, featuring a private sun lounge area for guests.
The layout here is much simpler; there are none of the statues and decorations that would be placed in a way that would be considered luxurious. Instead, there are only fresh green plants and buzzing air circulators overhead.
You feel your nose has been saved, and after taking a deep breath, you realize that this might be a "safe room".
Just like your own room in a dungeon, outside the rules, dungeons always seem to mercifully provide outsiders with a safe haven under certain rules, as a form of respite.
Since entering this instance, you've been constantly on the move, and the hotel rooms you've stayed in have never felt "uninvaded," to the point that you've almost forgotten they exist.
But then you immediately think, if there are safe houses, does that mean the entire cruise ship is unsafe everywhere?
No, no, no, of course you know that the cruise ship setting is fraught with danger. But for example, during your "trip" the other day, most of the time you were just enjoying yourself like any other tourist in a real world. You didn't need to worry about dying from drinking an extra sip of water, after all, the rules protected you as well.
If we had to draw an analogy, a cruise ship might be more like a landlord who, with a single phone call from Xiao Fang, comes to your home and wreaks havoc. In a rented room, as long as you exist, you are already prey, the kind of predator that you can't and shouldn't guard against.
This feeling sends chills down your spine, and even the warm sunshine on your skin doesn't seem so comfortable anymore.
You walk to the viewing platform next to your private pool, where there are exercise equipment, and start working out your muscles.
"Sis, do you really have to work this hard?" Xiao Fang teases you.
"Stop joking around." You said, panting, as you continued lifting weights. "There might be a lot of situations where you have to climb up and down and be chased."
"You jinx!" Xiao Fang's expression changed, and after scolding you, she obediently joined the fitness group.
The afternoon passed like this: the four of you did a full-body workout, and then obediently massaged and stretched each other's muscles in the pool.
The banquet quietly began after nightfall.
The four of you changed into formal attire—just as if the "you" in the game already knew you'd be attending party after party on the cruise ship. A few slightly formal dresses weren't enough, and each of you even brought a special bag containing several different luxury evening gowns, shoes, and handbags to match.
On the corridor leading to the banquet hall, you're not used to wearing those sky-high heels, and you walk unsteadily, cursing in your heart countless times that this damned Dres Code will be overthrown sooner or later.
The surroundings were quiet; the heavy carpet absorbed the sound of footsteps, and the wall lamps hanging in the corridor emitted a warm glow, casting long shadows of you.
Upon arrival at the banquet hall entrance, two waiters in dark red uniforms smiled and opened the door to welcome you in.
The lighting in the banquet hall was softer and more brilliant than in the corridor. The huge crystal chandelier, which could only be glimpsed during the day, hung from the ceiling, reflecting a magnificent and dazzling light that complemented the luxurious silk tablecloths and neatly arranged silverware.
Your attention is irresistibly drawn to the long table.
It's not because the long table is laden with lavish food; in fact, dinner here is served in a French style, with each course served slowly, from appetizers to desserts, as guests arrive.
It's because, apart from the four empty seats where you four are waiting to sit down, the other twelve empty seats are all occupied.
There is one you, two you, and three you.
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Author's Note: Ahhh, it's winter time now, so the time difference is 7. Posting at midnight in China means I'll have an hour less time! I'll continue updating today in China, love it!!
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