Chatterbox: Pudding's Place

Cruise Ship Ski Lodge

You were watching Titanic when it arrived.

You glanced up from your hot cocoa mug to the window, where you were flabbergasted to see a real-life albatross sitting on the outside windowsill. You paused the movie and stood up, shaking off the piles of blankets as you went.

You opened the window, letting cold air into the room, and the albatross hopped right in with the look of someone who can go wherever she wants and knows it. You stared curiously at the bird, wondering how it got there. As far as you knew, no albatrosses lived in your area. You also wondered if it was dangerous.

However, the albatross behaved with surprising decorum. It fluttered onto the top of the television screen and opened its beak. Something dropped onto the floor. When you looked closer, you saw that it was a letter.

You picked it up gingerly and saw that it was sealed with genuine wax, imprinted with an old-fashioned sailing ship. Loathe to rip such a pretty seal, you ran to get a pair of scissors and cut the letter open. You unfolded the letter and saw that it was written in beautiful calligraphy.

Greetings, friend!

I trust that this letter has found you in good health, and in a moment when a vacation would not come unwelcomed! It is with much happiness that I, Captain Phillipa, give you an invitation to come on a trip upon my ship, the Cosmic Pioneer.

The Cosmic Pioneer is the largest cruise ship ever to grace Earth's waters, and not lacking in entertainments, I can assure you. Not only is she home to the Best Water Slides Ever, but she also sports a wave pool, a bouncy castle, and a planetarium. You, along with a chosen group, will embark upon this ship to see the sights of the world!

Please fill out the form below, and I shall look forward to seeing you soon.

With all cordiality,

Captain Phillipa.*

Name:

Age:

Gender:

Appearence:

Luggage: (Ensure that you bring swim things! NO PETS.)

Weaponry: (optional, but perhaps advisable)

(At this point in the form, a companions section would usually be included. However, since this should be a fun and relaxing vacation, no AEs or CAPTCHAs will be admitted. Apologies for any inconvenience.)

*Note: Although I and my crew have the best good will in the world, accidents may happen upon any trip. I, Captain Phillipa, and any other birds or crew members, am not to blame for any injuries, accidents, losses, or mishaps, fatal or nonfatal, that may or may not occur upon this trip.

You filled out the form and folded it up, then handed it back to the albatross, who flew out of the window. The movie suddenly seemed boring, and you turned it off.

What did one bring on a cruise ship? You started packing at once.