A close-knit group of 12 Ryman residents have taken their regular catch-ups to the next level — by setting off on a cruise together.
Over the years, the residents have formed strong connections through shared interests and community events at the village. Whether it’s bowls, bingo or quiz nights, they’re often seen enjoying a laugh and each other’s company.
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.
Their weekly catch-ups also include a mix of activities like line dancing, Sudoku, Mah Jong and bingo.
“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 for a cruise holiday started when Irene and her husband Barry decided to mark their birthdays with a bit of adventure. Knowing their apartment at the village would be secure while they were away made it easy to plan.
Neighbours Gaye and Doug jumped on board, and before long, the group had swelled to 17 keen travellers before being narrowed to a dozen.
Their itinerary included a flight to Singapore for a few days of sightseeing before boarding the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship. From there, they stopped in Benoa, Indonesia, then made their way back to Australia with stops in Darwin, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach, finishing in Sydney.
For seasoned cruisers Irene and Barry, it was more about enjoying the ship experience than ticking off destinations.
“It was great because we all did our own thing during the day then we would meet up in the evenings.”
There was something to suit everyone’s pace on board.
While Marilyn and her husband Errol were up walking, swimming, and having brekkie by 7am, others preferred to take it easy in the mornings. Doug hit the gym, Gaye gave acupuncture a go and was so impressed with the results she even joined the ship’s choir for a boogie.
“I was front row and centre!” she laughs.
Barry says the entertainment was top-notch, with theatre shows, live acts, movies and games available via the ship’s app.
“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.
The service on board also earned high praise from the whole group.
“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 birthdays celebrated during the trip, the cruise offered a perfect mix of fun, food and friendship.
“We were really given the VIP treatment,” says Irene.
For Frank and his wife Sheryl, the cruise was a fresh way to spend time with familiar faces.
“It was lovely. The dynamics were different — in a good way. We got to know people a bit better.
“We felt a bit out of place though because there was a huge amount of old people!” he adds with a laugh.
Brent and Sue, who made the move from Christchurch to Auckland to be closer to family, say the group helped them settle in more than they expected.
“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.”
Brent says the cruise brought everyone even closer, especially when they hit a rough patch.
“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 particularly grateful for the practical support, including help with 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.”