The compass had other plans.
The cruise director promised calm seas, sunshine, and an afternoon by the pool. Then Robert noticed every compass on the ship pointing toward the dessert bar. Sandy looked at the glowing triangle in the clouds and decided this counted as an upgraded excursion.
As the ocean began to swirl, Robert grabbed the binoculars and Sandy took command of the rail. A sea-monster tentacle waved politely in the distance while the emergency lifeboat launched itself and immediately began circling the ship.
Sandy pointed toward the only patch of blue sky, Robert declared it the scenic route, and the ship sailed safely out with every passenger accounted for. The captain later insisted it was standard navigation. Nobody believed him, but the buffet reopened on time.