Saturday, October 5 – Later the same day, aboardOcean Wanderer
After they finished their drinks and conversation, Ben and Rob wandered through the rest of Seaside Cove. Rob pointed out the various restaurants, shops, and bars, including a wine bar which also served tapas. They exited at the ship’s forward bank of elevators and stairs and walked down three flights to Deck 5.
“This is the Promenade,” Rob announced. “Most larger ships have a vertical central atrium that spans three of four decks, but Ocean Cruises decided to go horizontal several years ago and this is the result.”
Ben stared in awe at what could only be described as a shopping mall at sea. It was an enormous space three decks high that was the same length as the Seaside Cove area they had just left. There were shops and restaurants down both sides of the wide walkway, including a pizzeria and an English pub. In one corner, Ben spotted a champagne bar, and across from that was a Guest Services Counter. And while there were people everywhere, the space was large enough that it didn’t seem overly crowded.
“This is amazing!” he said. “It looks nothing like the ship I was on before.”
“Yeah,” Rob concurred. “Some lines are really pushing the envelope. They’ve done some amazing things.”
By now they had reached the other end of the promenade and Rob suggested they head up to Deck 16 and check out the pool area.
They got off the elevator and walked around the corner, through sliding glass doors that opened and closed automatically. There was a light breeze, but the sun was shining brightly as they walked past one of the main pools.
Rob pointed to the other side of the ship. “Because the center area is open and looks down into Seaside Cove, there’s another pool on the other side.”
“I know I’ve said this before, but wow. Just…wow.”
Rob glanced at his watch, “It’s been a few hours since breakfast. Are you hungry?” he asked Ben. “There’s a grill over there that serves burgers and fries, and there’s also a buffet back there.” He indicated with his thumb over his shoulder.
“A burger sounds great, actually,” Ben replied.
They headed over to the grill and each got a burger and some fries. There was a toppings bar at the end of the grill where they could add condiments to their burgers. Rob got some lettuce and mayo along with some ketchup on the side for his fries. Ben took some sliced tomatoes and pickles, then added some mayonnaise to his plate. Sitting down at a table off to the side, they had a great view of the Barcelona skyline. A bar server approached and asked if they wanted a beverage. They decided on beer and the server left to get their drinks.
A few minutes later, the server returned with their beers and they tucked in. “Oh my God, this is delicious,” Rob declared, wiping his mouth. “It’s so juicy.”
“These fries are crispy and have just the right amount of salt,” Ben added, dipping a fry into some mayo. “This is heavenly.”
* * *
After lunch they walked around the deck, Ben becoming a bit more familiar with where things were located on that level. When they reached the aft elevators again, Rob said, “My cabin’s not far from here, perhaps you’d like to see it?”
“I think that sounds like a great idea,” Ben replied, smiling.
They rode up to Deck 18 and, exiting the elevator, Rob headed around the corner to the right and Ben followed. As the sensors once again ‘recognized’ him, the screen near his suite door changed to a welcome message and Rob opened the door.
“I have to say, I do find that a little freaky,” Ben admitted.
Rob grinned, “Yeah, I get it. The first time I sailed on a ship with OceanAccess, it freaked me out, too. But I got used to it quickly ’cause it’s so convenient.”
When they walked in, Rob noticed that the cabin attendant had delivered his luggage while he was out.
Ben followed Rob into the suite. His gaze swept the space, taking in his surroundings. “Wow, this is fantastic!” he exclaimed.
“Let me give you the nickel tour,” Rob replied.
“Okay, but can you make it quick? ’Cause there’s something I gotta do,” Ben said, grinning suspiciously.
Rob paused, a bit confused. “Oh, I’m sorry, Ben. If you need to do something, we can do the tour later. It’s fine.”
Ben stepped closer to Rob and whispered, “Actually, the only thing I gotta do is this.”
He wrapped his arms around Rob and kissed him. Rob placed his hands on either side of Ben’s face and returned the kiss. They took their time, enjoying the taste and feel of each other. When the kiss ended, Rob smiled and said, “Forget the nickel for the tour, I like this a lot better.”
Without leaving Ben’s arms, he jerked his head toward the room. “So, this is the dining area and that’s the living room. If you want to see more, I’ll need another kiss.”
Ben chuckled and kissed him gently. They peered in the doorway to the right and Rob said, “This will be Sam’s room when she boards next week.”
