He wonders how they knew about the aftershave. He’s a bit of a social media addict these days, and comes to the conclusion that he must have mentioned it on his Facebook page at some point. He spends a lot of time on Facebook, looking for competitions to enter. And over the years he’s won a lot. Mainly things of no great consequence – a few chocolate bars here or an item of clothing there. A sofa, one time. Sometimes things he can’t even use, like a year’s supply of dog food. He gave that to a local shelter – they were delighted. Whatever the prize, the thrill of winning is always the same. He lives a quiet life these days – no partner, very few friends, not much of a social life. But he does enjoy his competitions.

The best thing he’s ever won is a car. Or at least, that was the best thing he’d won before this trip.

He doesn’t remember entering the competition to win the cruise. But he enters so many, especially to try to win holidays, that he’s not that surprised.

He’s jet-lagged after his long journey, but he knows what will sort him out – a soak in the hot tub on the balcony. Just the thing. He’s been looking forward to it since he received the email telling him he’d won, with a link to a virtual tour of the suite he’d be staying in. He loves hot tubs. He can’t afford one at home but is forever trying to win one. No luck so far – but this is the next best thing.

He strips off, folding his clothes neatly onto the gold chair, and takes the thick, deep blue robe from the bed to wrap around himself. As he unfolds it, a sign falls out which perkily states ‘Want to take me home? I’m available for sale in the gift shop!’

He smiles. He wonders how much a suite like this would cost if he was paying for it. A lot, he is sure. Why would someone with that kind of money steal a robe?

Still, he can see why they might want to – it’s about the softest thing he’s ever worn. He unties a gold ribbon from the disposable slippers, which are deep blue with the ship’s logo in gold. The soles are thick and sumptuous – wearing them is like walking on air.

He takes the mini bottle of champagne from the ice bucket, pops the cork and pours himself a glass. He doesn’t generally drink much these days, and certainly never alone. But it seems a shame to let it go to waste, and besides, being here, like this, is in itself a special occasion. One to celebrate, surely.