Article by Merv Richens, PAQ President
As part of Queensland Probus clubs’ celebration of 50 years of Probus in Australia, the Probus Association of Queensland (PAQ) organised a seven-day cruise through Trade Travel to New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
More than 112 members representing 26 clubs joined the cruise, with clubs represented from Fraser Coast Hervey Bay to Hollywell and Coomera Valley on the Gold Coast, and west to Toowoomba and Dalby.
Many new friendships were formed, and ideas exchanged along the way.
Trade Travel provided tote bags for members to carry their belongings, along with special 50th anniversary lanyards to hold room cards and make it easier to identify fellow Probians.
Although organising a whole-group gathering or special celebration proved difficult, many members gathered at an unused bar for an hour before dinner, while others formed groups of up to 10 to dine together. On sea days, Probians could easily spot one another around the ship, wearing their lanyards, reading or chatting. Many also joined shore excursions, where they met fellow Probians and other passengers.
Several members asked, “When are we doing this again?” — preferably without all the children! At times, it seemed there were 500 or more children on board, generally well behaved apart from a few running along corridors or pushing lift buttons.
Merv believes another cruise should be considered for next year and welcomes suggestions for a Brisbane-to-Brisbane cruise.
View more photos here.