Once upon a time far from land, where the water is as blue as a sunny summer’s sky and as clear as glass, a very kind thoughtful man was captain of a small sailing ship.

All his life he had ploughed the seven seas taking precious cargoes from one land to another. Some times he had to fight off pirates and buccaneers.

Why not?

But he prevailed, for he was a great leader and fighter and knew right from wrong. And his crew would happily follow him to the ends of all the oceans of this world and the next. And as he was so brave and would take his ship anywhere, they named him: Captain Why Not.

Then one day Captain Why Not decided to invite some friends on board for he wished to share his love of the sea and show them the wonderful world he and his crew had discovered.

One thing led to another and other captains like Why Not followed his lead.

And along came great fearless sailors like Sindbad and Popeye, whose stories live on to entertain – and in some cases, instruct – children all over the world.

A little history

Centuries passed and these voyages became so popular that people would happily pay to be shown the marvels of the world by sea, while they made friends with the other passengers.

Then seagoing liners appeared in the 19th century to take cargoes and paying passengers to many destinations, some of which even Captain Why Not had never been to.

It was a glorious world until darkness descended and some nasty men tried to destroy the good Captain’s vision.

Sadly, when world wars broke out many of those huge ships were turned into fighting vessels, to carry troops and weapons.

It was a very sad time for the good captains of the world.

The next generation

But goodness eventually prevailed and cruise ships helped rebuild a shattered planet by taking people back home, food and other supplies to those who needed it most, and survivors to new lives in other countries.

The huge majestic liners no longer carried guns or fighting men and women but apart from that they didn’t really change very much until the arrival of huge aircraft in the 1960s that flew people very quickly to global destinations.

A new generation of Why Nots had taken to the skies.

And then one day another kind and far-seeing captain remembered the story of Captain Why Not. He talked to a talented ship’s designer who talked to some visionary men and women with lots of money and shipyards. They realised they could not compete with the growing number of airlines – in speed.

Like nothing before

So they concentrated on making the ship itself the destination. And that destination, like a floating resort, transported millions of passengers to places they’d only dreamt of – in comfort, and style.

And a huge fleet of new cruise ships was built that was amazing to behold.

Somewhere along the way, Captain Why Not’s cousin, Santa Claus, encouraged the creation of special fun ships that would carry children safely and happily across the sea.

It was like being on a magic carpet of delight. And the food and entertainment was great.

And the cruise ships worked closely with the airlines so that the delights of the world were just a step away. All you had to do was pick up a telephone, or search the Internet.

Now, as we now head towards Christmas 2009, thousands of children and their families are booked to enjoy the best Yuletide Holiday they have ever had on ships run by Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Star Clippers and Thomson Cruises, among many others.

There are too many splendid cruise ships to mention here but Captain Why Not’s descendants at Virgin Holiday Cruises will, like their ancestor, show you the way to a lovely Christmas afloat.

And may you all sail happy ever after.

For Fairy Tale Cruises really do come true.

And Why Not?

James Leavey

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