Mr. Earnest works as an all-round entertainer on a cruise ship, where he sails the oceans of the world and is paid to keep the mostly elderly guests happy. The guests want as many distractions and as much entertainment and amusement as possible. As they see it, they have paid a lot of money for the privilege and it may well be their last big voyage before their final journey to meet their maker. Mr. Earnest is a kind old soul and there are times when he feels quite fond of his fellow passengers. Sometimes, he also despises them. For example, when encouraging them to appreciate the beauty of nature and the simple, yet happy outlook of the people in the foreign climes they visit, and his aging guests show no interest, worrying more about what will be served for dinner.
This cruise-ship story is lent an additional twist by being embedded in Mr. Earnest's private life, set in his small apartment in Vienna, where he mourns the loss of his partner.
