A group of 12 mates from Ryman Healthcare’s Murray Halberg Village has really put the 'ship' into friendship by going on a cruise together.

The friends have grown close since moving into the Lynfield village several years ago, and hang out regularly at the various village events or when taking part in activities.

Says Irene: “At Happy Hour on Thursdays we always try and sit together.”

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“And we meet every Tuesday and Sunday night in the Village Centre so we don’t have to cook!” adds Gaye.

And not forgetting the numerous bowls matches, monthly quiz nights, weekly bingo and regular linedancing, Sudoku and Mah Jong sessions.

“We like each other’s company, we’re always laughing,” says Irene. “It’s just a group that all gets on so well. We have just clicked.”

Adds Gaye: “Our kids can’t believe we do as much as we do being here. We certainly do a lot more than we would if we’d just stayed in our house.”

Says Irene: “Even if it’s just going for a coffee here in the village café.

“With no more washing windows or mowing lawns, we just make as much of life as we can.”

Seas the day!

The idea to go on a cruise together began when Irene and husband Barry decided to book a cruise to celebrate their birthdays.

Being able to leave their apartment safe and secure back home, village life meant they could lock up and leave whenever they wanted.

Their neighbours in the same apartment building, Gaye and Doug, decided to join them and before they knew it, the expressions of interest had grown to 17!

Eventually, a group of 12 was finalised with the plan being to fly to Singapore, spend three days taking in the sights there and then board the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship.

Then they would stop in Benoa, Indonesia before continuing on to Australia for three stop-offs in Darwin, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach, finishing up in Sydney.

For seasoned cruisers Irene and Barry, the appeal was the ship itself, rather than visiting the destinations along the route.

“It was great because we all did our own thing during the day then we would meet up in the evenings.”

The beauty of the cruise ship was there was something for everyone.

When not exploring the destinations en route, Marilyn and husband Errol would go for a walk, enjoy a swim and eat breakfast all by 7am whereas others preferred a more leisurely start to the day.

While husband Doug was in the gym, Gaye tried out the onboard acupuncture and was so pleased with the results she joined the ship’s choir on stage for a little dance.

“I was front row and centre!” she laughs.

The entertainment was fantastic with theatrical productions, live acts, movies and game shows to choose from using the ship’s app, says Barry.

“You’d choose what you wanted to do using the app, which was just like the Ryman app we use here in the village. The shows were the best I’ve ever been to,” he says.

All agreed that the staff on board were ‘without fault’.

“You never saw one person on board who didn’t smile,” says Gaye.

“They were wonderful,” nods Irene.

“They set aside a special table for us in the middle of the dining room and we had our own team of servers.”

Boatloads of birthday fun

With three of the group celebrating birthdays while they were away, the great service and fantastic company made for a fun and memorable trip.

“We were really given the VIP treatment,” says Irene.

For Frank and his wife Sheryl, the holiday was a great chance to see another side to their friends.

“It was lovely. The dynamics were different - in a good way. We got to know people a bit better.

For Brent and Sue, who moved up to Auckland from Christchurch to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren, the friendship found with the group had made a huge difference to their settling into a new city.

“We didn’t know anyone apart from our family but I was amazed at how quickly we made friends. It was the best move we ever made.”

During the holiday, Brent says the friendship with the group took on a new dimension when they found themselves needing support.

“I have Parkinson’s so some of the things I’m limited in doing.

“But with the assistance of this lot, they all helped me, especially when Sue took crook with the flu.”

He was grateful for the practical help which included sorting out their luggage.

“The support from this group… I couldn’t think of a better bunch of people to be with.”

Says Irene: “That’s what it’s all about. Friendships become like family.”