Saturday, the 13th of August, 2022
When you're new to cruising, no one tells you that you can ignore the embarkation time on your boarding pass. That's just something you learn with experience.
One of Harry's favourite parts about going on a cruise is the awe that hits as you pull into port and first lay your eyes on the ship. The Horizon is a fresh-faced, imposing member of an otherwise ageing, scrawny fleet. Bright white paint reflects the sun harshly, and oversized flags fly from the railings along the side. Booming, tropical music and jubilant crew members await the incoming passengers, dancing and clapping to greet everyone willing to shuck out thousands for the trip. Sail Away Cruise Line sure does know how to throw a party.
By the time he's lugging his bags out of the taxi's trunk, the warm Florida breeze and crackling energy around him disperse the drowsiness of jet lag. Harry is vibrating. Typically he prefers a captivating book and warm blanket to curl up in bed with during rainstorms. Nostalgia is probably the main thing taking over his brain now, though, and the thrill of the surf overtakes him.
Memories of summers with his family and friends come to mind, of drinking way too much only to do it again the next day. Going on fantastic journeys through beautiful cultural destinations and then hopping back on board for some of the best dining the world has to offer. Who wouldn't be itching to return?
Written on Harry's boarding pass is the time 12:45 pm. As much as he prefers to follow the rules, it's pretty common knowledge to veteran cruisers that the hosts of your luxury trip are not about to turn you away because you showed up early. Especially not if you beat the traffic. Port Everglades is only about a thirty-minute drive from the Miami airport, but the hotel he'd stayed at was only five away. Between that, his nine am wake-up phone call, and skipping breakfast (only half due to nerves), it's a few minutes to 9:30 am as he rolls into the terminal.
The giant building he enters, vast and industrial in construction, is tranquil compared to how it will be later today, with staff members shuffling efficiently to prepare for guests. Insider knowledge came through today.
"Welcome to the Horizon!" Behind the plastic barrier, a concierge woman greets him with enthusiasm. Her eyes are bright as he approaches. "Excited to get cruising?"
"Can't wait. Been a while," Harry murmurs, still a bit distracted by the size of the space. It's reminiscent of an aeroplane hangar - or what he would expect one to look like - but colourful banners and excited patrons make all the difference. That and the photo backdrops where you can get your first souvenir photos taken, blown-up images of the boat out at sea plastered everywhere.
The attendant raises an eyebrow. She's probably smirking. It would be nice to be able to tell. Conspiratorially, she stage-whispers, "First time out since you-know-what?" It's almost ironic to say, given the masks are everywhere. Why not be explicit? The pandemic. The panorama. The panini.
"Yeah, I've been a bit locked in trying to support the A&E - uh, that's emergency medicine, don't think it's the same thing across the pond, but...." With a sigh, he motions to the room around him. "My boss wanted me to get away. Can't 'get away' from a global pandemic, so this will have to do." As soon as it was out of his lips, his brain began to thump. A rather rude thing to say, Harry. Way to shit talk about the cruise directly to someone who represents the liner, twat. Let's guess: how long before gossip gets around and they start to spit in your food? My money's on 24 hours. He's frowning. Sometimes the masks aren't so bad.
"Oh, you've been on the front lines? Thank you so much for your service!" Her eyes are practically glowing in admiration.
Somewhere in the last two years, that phrase became a catch-all for front-line workers. After years of only hearing it for those in the Military, it still makes him uncomfortable to accept the compliment. He'll probably never get used to it. "Ah, you're welcome."
YOU ARE READING
On The Horizon || L.S.
Fanfiction"Let's enjoy each others' company. You're fit; you're young; you're a bloody doctor. You've got everything going for you." There's a moment of hesitation before Louis plants a gentle kiss atop Harry's head. "I'll be whatever you want me to be as lon...
