Finding a primo spot with an unobstructed view of the ocean, the women set their food and drinks on the table before making a final stop, to the circular set of sinks to wash their hands before settling in.
After they were seated, Millie bowed her head. “Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful day you’ve given us. You know how excited I am to have Gloria, Liz, and my other friends on board. I pray for fellowship, for time to catch up and enjoy one another’s company. I pray for safety, for keeping our bodies healthy. Nourish us with this delicious food you’ve provided. Amen.”
“Amen,” Gloria echoed, lifting her head. “What a thoughtful prayer.”
“I meant every word of it.” Millie sipped her coffee and dug into the eggs Benedict. She sliced off a generous portion and popped it into her mouth. “Cooked to perfection,” she murmured.
“Like this bacon and cheese quiche.” Using her knife and fork, Gloria expertly sliced off a piece of quiche and took a big bite. “How the staff can keep everything fresh, hot, and delicious while feeding so many people is mind-boggling.”
“Day in and day out,” Millie said. “Annette and the galley teams are the hardest-working crew members on board, hands down.”
“I was so excited when you invited me to hang out with you. I already took a peek at today’s schedule.”
“We’ll be doing a little of everything, including bingo.”
“I’m sure we’ll run into Liz.”
“I also have a private tour, as well as trivia, and a popular activity…Siren of the Seas’ limbo on the lido.”
“But first the Sunrise Stride.”
“Which is one of my favorite activities.” Millie listed a few more of the highlights. “If, at any point you’ve had enough, you won’t hurt my feelings if you decide to call it quits.”
“No way.” Gloria shook her head. “I’m in this for the long haul.”
The cousins finished their meal and dropped the empty dishes in the bin near the door. Reaching the walking / jogging track, they found a group of guests, an even mix of men and women, already making their rounds.
Millie and Gloria fell into step, walking at a brisk pace along the designated path. Forward and aft, past the pool, the outdoorrestaurant, Hurricane, the signature tiki bar, and alongside the ship’s massive smokestack to a secluded outdoor seating area they trekked before circling back around.
“I had no idea the walking track wound all the way around the ship,” Gloria huffed.
“Offering one of the best views on board.”
The sun peeked over the horizon, bringing with it tropical temperatures, but not so much that Millie broke out in a sweat.
Back and forth, around and around they walked until reaching the thirty minute mark.
Millie stood on the side of the track, congratulating the early morning walkers who passed by and handing out stickers. “And one for you.” She handed her cousin one.
Gloria flipped the bright blue sticker over. “Sweat. Smile. Repeat.”
“It’s become sort of a game. Passengers like to collect them.” She passed out several more and waited to make sure no stragglers remained. “We’ve reached the conclusion of our Sunrise Stride.”
“What’s next?”
“A morning meeting.” Millie checked her watch. “If we hurry, we won’t be late.”
Taking the nearest set of stairs, they descended to the theater. Through the double doors and along the center aisle, the women hustled.
A large group of entertainment staff stood near the center of the stage, cups of coffee in hand. The tinkle of laughter echoed and faded when Millie, with Gloria at her side, arrived.
“Good morning, crew.”
“Good morning, Millie,” her team enthusiastically replied.
She tapped Gloria’s shoulder. “My cousin, Gloria, is hanging out with me today.”
“Good morning, Gloria.”
