Another day at Sea

Captain’s Log, June 1st: Regrettably, we have had to drop Naples from our itinerary. Many passengers were disappointed, especially those who had chosen this cruise so as visit the ruins at Pompeii, but we had little choice in the matter.
Mrs Negibi was unable to negotiate a reduction in port fees, and I was unable to assure her of additional revenues from trips ashore. Therefore she instructed me to proceed to our next destination by an indirect route, so as to have another day at sea.
As a way of cheering up our passengers, we’ve created a special ‘Pompeii Cocktail’ in all our bars, for the special price of $12. I’m sure that will soothe even the most irate passengers.

We are not sure of the situation for Mrs Cropworthy, who had the unfortunate accident at the start of the cruise, as she was to join us at Naples. We’ve suggested that she now fly to Gibraltar to join us on the final part of the cruise. She seems reluctant, even though we have said we are willing to credit her with $50 to be used in the on-board shops. There may also be an issue with those passengers left behind at Vado Ligure, although I have little sympathy for them, as it was their own meanness and negligence that caused the situation. In their case they will not be given the same generous offer.