us, it’s obvious Harrison is a seasoned traveller. Maybe he’s even done this particular route before, as he seems to know his way around. I’m rather grateful I can simply follow his lead. My eyes are darting everywhere; I’m taking in as much of the detail as I can and suitable phrases are already jumping into my head in preparation for writing my article.
The lavish display of the lifestyle of the rich and famous is reflected in the sparkling white boats moored up, almost as far as the eye can see. This is how the other half live. As we walk towards the ship it seems to loom up like a huge, white mountain and it feels decadent. The sheer scale is breathtaking and as it gleams, with the beautiful blues of the sky and the sea as a backdrop, it almost looks unreal. Like some clever computer graphic that is so perfect it tricks the eye and the scene suddenly comes alive.
We are quickly welcomed aboard the Vista Blue by the cruise director and some other members of the crew. While we’re waiting for our cabins to be made ready we’re shown into a large room where there’s a buffet all laid out in readiness. Waiters circulate with glasses of wine, cocktails and soft drinks. I simply follow on behind Harrison and after we fill our plates he indicates towards a large table in the centre of the room. We exchange quick ‘hellos’ with the two couples already seated. He’s good at engaging people in conversation and it’s helping to alleviate my nerves as I settle myself down next to him.
As more couples join our table, everyone seems eager to share where they are from and their previous experiences onboard cruise ships. There is a real buzz in the air. Half an hour later our names are called and we are split into small groups. Just before we go off in different directions to be escorted to our cabins, Harrison turns to me.
‘Do you have any plans for after you’re settled in? We don’t sail until eleven tonight and it seems a pity not to spend at least a couple of hours sightseeing. What do you think?’
I wasn’t expecting that and I’m not sure if I should take him up on the offer.
‘I’d love to, but I ought to start work. It’s a huge ship and I want my report to cover as much as possible.’
He looks disappointed. ‘Okay. But as an experienced sea dog I know my way around a ship and I’d be happy to do the tour with you. This is actually my second trip on the Vista Blue, so I know the shortcuts.’
It’s tempting but I’m not sure I feel totally comfortable attaching myself to a stranger.
‘Nothing too strenuous,’ he continues. ‘We’ll catch a taxi into Monte Carlo, walk a part of the F1 circuit and then head off in the direction of the casino. You can’t possibly write a review without selling the benefits of a few hours in port now, can you?’
I find myself laughing at him. ‘Okay. I’ll trust that you’ll get us back in plenty of time before the ship sails. Or I’ll be in big trouble.’
‘I’m very trustworthy.’ He winks at me as we part ways.
At least our cabins don’t appear to be anywhere near each other and I fleetingly wonder if I’ll be glad of that fact.
‘I’ll meet you back here in an hour,’ Harrison calls over his shoulder. ‘Wear comfortable shoes, it’s quite a walk.’
‘This way,’ our stewardess calls and I quicken my pace to catch up with the little group to which I’ve been assigned.
Life doesn’t get any more surreal than this, I reflect. The stewardess looking after my suite is aware that I’m a travel blogger, which takes me by surprise. If the welcome she gives me is the same welcome she gives to all her passengers, then I’m very impressed. She also hands me a folder with lots of information about the ship itself, which I assume is to help inform my article.
As for the suite itself, well, it’s way beyond any expectations I had. Obviously, everything is new but the marble-lined bathroom has what the stewardess referred to as a rainforest shower experience and a separate bath. It also has low level lighting for nighttime use. The walk-in storage space for my clothes is more than adequate for quite a long stay, but then it is a double suite. Everything feels sumptuous – in shades of cream, keeping it light and bright, but with vivid splashes of lime green and rich purples to give it a contemporary feel.
An even bigger surprise is the balcony, with floor to ceiling glass doors, which I wasn’t expecting. It’s a generous size at probably around ninety square feet. Totally unbelievable! I feel spoilt, as if this is all too good to be true.
I’m conscious that time is slipping away and I don’t even bother to investigate the minibar, or try out the impressively-sized TV. I glance longingly at the crisp, white bed linens with the furry purple throw and cushions. I feel like collapsing down onto it and drifting off into a peaceful sleep, but instead I spritz my face with some cold water and apply a little lip gloss.
The route back down to the Observation Bar to meet Harrison isn’t quite as straightforward as I thought it would be and I’m a few minutes late.
‘I thought you’d stood me up,’ he calls out, walking towards me.
My face must reflect the panic that starts to rise in my stomach, then he begins laughing.
‘Sorry, I’m teasing and it’s confession time. I do have a vested interest in making sure your report covers all bases. When I said I work in finance, I do: for the parent company which owns the entire fleet of cruise ships. For me it’s a cheap break away, I’m afraid. It’s a hard life, isn’t it?’ He grins at me and he has no idea how glad I am to hear that in one way, although maybe not the other.
‘Did you know I was coming?’ I ask, relieved that at least he’s not looking for an onboard romance. But also a little puzzled as to why he didn’t say something earlier on.
He stops laughing and gives me a frown.
‘No, of course, not.’ He sounds a little offended. ‘I started speaking to you because I was simply being friendly. When you travel alone you learn to make an effort and I find that people are generally very receptive. But when you told me why you were here I thought you, too, might appreciate a little company. I’m guessing that you don’t often travel without a companion, to be so suspicious of my motives?’
Am I being just a tad paranoid here?
‘Rarely. My companion is usually my nine-year-old daughter. It’s just that my report will need to be totally independent and I can’t be influenced in any way. I mean, everything I’ve seen so far is top quality but I’m also here to discover any potential downside to what’s on offer.’
He strokes his chin, his eyes filled with laughter once again.
‘You think I’m trying to influence you? I’m afraid I’m not that clever; my skills lie with getting the numbers to work. I’ve always wanted to walk the F1 circuit; just the bit from the start of the tunnel up through and around the infamous Grand Hotel hairpin bend. With that in mind, I put together a little sightseeing programme to while away a few hours before I head back to the ship for dinner. It involves some walking and a bit of jumping in and out of taxis. Seriously, there is no catch and sitting next to you on the shuttle bus was a total fluke, I promise. I’m a nice guy, really. Recently divorced, no kids and a big mortgage so I can’t do anything to jeopardise my income. I’d be silly to try to meddle, now, wouldn’t I?’
My eyes scan his face and, in fairness, he has an innocent look about him. He is very attractive with his light-brown hair and those murky-grey eyes. I’m guessing he’s maybe ten years older than me, so early forties. Relax, Leah, because this is what you do for a living now and you can hitch a ride here with someone who already has a little tour put together. What possible harm can it do?
~
We walk back along the quayside to the terminal, where there’s a taxi