It's 1938, heyday of the luxury transatlantic cruise liners. The five star SS Balonia is on her maiden voyage, New York to Southampton. Invitations have been delivered to those chosen to attend the prestigious Captain's Table at the First Class Restaurant. It's bound to be a sumptuous affair. As the guests gather at the reception there is only one main topic of conversation, the murder of one of their number staying in First Class Cabin Corridor C. Last night, Hans Niesentose, wealthy recluse entrepreneur was found dead in his cabin, a silver service steak knife protruding from his chest. 

The murder must have been carried out by one of the other guests adjoining Mr. Niesentose's cabin, all of whom have been invited to this dinner at the Captain's table. The Balonia won't be allowed to dock until the murderer has been found, so it's in the interest of all those present (that's you!) to discover who murdered Hans Niesentose. 

Ruby Tate-Modern (F): 

A mover and shaker in the art world, this little rich gal's always open to an offer. And she'll do anything to land a real bargain.

Scarlet O'Starlet (F): 

Fresh from the excitement of winning an Oscar, Scarlet is travelling to England for the premiere of her new movie. Should be plain sailing, shouldn't it?

Lady Needa Fortune (F): 

Blue blooded British aristocracy to her fingertips, this lady may be ruled by the Royals, but she follows her own agenda.

Amy Hardundy (F): 

Promoted from below stairs ladies maid to 1st Class companion in one day, Amy's liking her new elevated status. She's going to make sure her 3rd Class steerage days are over for good.

Celia Serenada (F): 

Up and coming singer. Celia's a wild child in a wild business. She may have the voice of an angel, but this gal's not likely to end up in heaven. 

Mystic Moonshine (M/F): 

Gifted celebrity fortune teller, or talented manipulator of facts?  Either way, foretelling a murder can be just plain dangerous.

Iva Crayonne (M/F): 

Undeniably talented, this is one artist who doesn't want a name well known to the general public.

Joe Nevada (M): 

Jo is a very, very lucky person, especially at cards. Nobody can recall the last time Jo came even close to losing a card game. 

Winston Burchill (M): 

Outspoken member of the British government, possibly intended for great things. Winston's not afraid to speak his mind, even if it gets him into hot water - maybe even murder?

Sam Sprocket (M): 

A movie director desperate for a piece of the action, he's on the Balonia looking for inspiration - and gets a little more than he's bargained for.

Bill (Bash'em) Badleigh (M): 

The Captain of the Balonia. Would you really want this man to have the ultimate responsibility for all those aboard? Uh-oh!

Ernest Bond (M): 

The names Bond, Ernest Bond. A man with hidden depths, he's a good man to have around in a tight corner, is our Ernest.

Julius Pinkerton (M): 

Journalism is a ruthless business. This newspaper man would sell his grandmother to land a good story.  Just so long as it gets his name on the article.

Count Hugo von Kruppen (M): 

A refugee from Nazi Germany, he's had to re-start his business in England. Surely nobody on the Balonia could be after his company secrets, could they?

Two extra characters:

Batty Buxton (M): 

Owner of the Balonia, Batty has to find a way to remain afloat - with or without the Balonia.

Daphne Tate-Modern (F): 

You are Ruby's sister. Always partying, often featured in the gossip columns, she can't really be jealous of her sister - can she?