The Last Cruise of the SS Destiny

A dashing silver-haired industrialist who made his fortune in mining and metallurgy. Sterling is charming, calculating, and accustomed to getting what he wants. He's traveling to London to finalize a merger that would make him one of the wealthiest men in the world, but his ruthless business practices have left many casualties in his wake. He carries himself with aristocratic confidence, though some whisper his family fortune was built on stolen claims and broken promises.

An elegant fashion designer whose shoe empire has made her independently wealthy and fiercely independent. Ruby is sophisticated, sharp-witted, and harbors deep resentments beneath her glamorous exterior. She's traveling to Paris to debut her new collection, but she has unfinished business with certain passengers. Her father's bankruptcy and subsequent death have haunted her for years, and she's never forgotten who was responsible.

A professional gambler and card sharp with a mysterious past and a talent for reading people. Jack is charming, quick-witted, and always seems to know more than he lets on. He claims to be heading to Monte Carlo for the gambling season, but he's clearly running from something—or someone. His expensive suits and easy manner hide a desperate man who's in deep debt to dangerous people. He's won and lost fortunes at the card table, and this voyage might be his last chance to turn his luck around.

A shrewd accountant who manages money for some very questionable clients. Penny presents herself as a respectable financial advisor, but she's actually the bookkeeper for an extensive criminal network. She's meticulous, observant, and knows where all the bodies are buried—sometimes literally. She's aboard the SS Destiny to collect debts and ensure certain business arrangements are honored. Her ledgers contain secrets that could destroy half the passengers on board.

The ship's enigmatic navigator with a haunted past. Miles is quiet, competent, and seems to prefer the company of stars and charts to people. He's been sailing for twenty years, but something about this voyage has him on edge. He drinks more than he should and sometimes stares out at the ocean as if expecting something terrible to emerge. Rumors suggest he was involved in a maritime disaster years ago that was covered up, and he's been running from the truth ever since.

A fearless investigative journalist known for exposing corruption and scandal. Stormy is tenacious, bold, and never backs down from a story, no matter how dangerous. She's aboard the SS Destiny pursuing a lead on a major exposé that could bring down several powerful figures. She carries a notebook filled with damning evidence and has been asking uncomfortable questions since boarding. Her persistence has made her both respected and feared, and she's received multiple threats to stop her investigation.

A bestselling mystery novelist researching her next book. Paige is observant, imaginative, and has a morbid fascination with crime. She claims she's aboard the ship for inspiration, studying the passengers like characters in one of her novels. Her books are known for their shocking twists and realistic portrayal of murder, leading some to wonder how she knows so much about the criminal mind. She takes notes constantly and seems almost excited by the tension aboard the ship.

A rough-around-the-edges construction magnate who built his empire with his own hands—and sometimes his fists. Rusty is gruff, temperamental, and doesn't fit in with the refined passengers, but his money spends just as well. He's traveling first class to prove he belongs among high society, but his violent temper and crude manner keep showing through. He has a history of making problems disappear through intimidation and force, and several passengers seem nervous around him.

A glamorous spiritualist and medium who claims to communicate with the dead. Crystal is mysterious, theatrical, and has cultivated an air of otherworldly knowledge. She hosts séances for wealthy clients and seems to know impossible details about their lives—though whether through supernatural means or skilled investigation is unclear. She warned several passengers not to board the SS Destiny, claiming she foresaw tragedy. Now she speaks cryptically of death and destiny, making everyone deeply uncomfortable.

A daredevil adventurer and explorer recently returned from an expedition to South America. Cliff is charismatic, reckless, and always chasing the next thrill. He's aboard the ship with artifacts he claims to have discovered, though some whisper they were stolen from indigenous peoples. He's charming and tells exciting stories, but there's a darkness beneath his adventurous persona. He's been involved in several expeditions where team members died under questionable circumstances.

A brilliant archaeologist and professor from a prestigious university. Ivy is intellectual, principled, and passionate about preserving historical artifacts. She's traveling to present her research at an international conference, but she's furious about the looting of archaeological sites by treasure hunters. She's been publicly denouncing those who profit from stolen antiquities. Her academic career is stellar, but she's been known to take justice into her own hands when the law fails to protect cultural heritage.

A wealthy socialite and heiress who seems to float through life on a cloud of champagne and gossip. Sandy is bubbly, flirtatious, and appears superficial, but she's far more observant than people realize. She's traveling to Europe for the social season, but her carefree facade hides a woman drowning in secrets. She's been married three times, and all three husbands met untimely ends. She inherited their fortunes and has been living lavishly, though rumors of foul play follow her everywhere.

A flashy advertising executive who knows how to sell anything to anyone. Bill is smooth-talking, persuasive, and always working an angle. He's made a fortune convincing people to buy things they don't need, and he treats every conversation like a sales pitch. He's aboard the ship to pitch a major campaign to Sterling Silver's company, but he's also running from fraud allegations back in New York. His silver tongue has gotten him out of trouble before, but his lies are finally catching up with him.

The ship's optimistic young cruise director whose job is to keep passengers entertained and happy. Sonny is cheerful, energetic, and seems genuinely devoted to ensuring everyone has a wonderful voyage. He organizes activities, mediates disputes, and knows everyone's business because people confide in his friendly face. But Sonny has secrets of his own—he's not who he claims to be, and his real reason for being aboard the SS Destiny is far darker than anyone suspects. His sunny disposition may be the perfect cover for sinister intentions.