An Isle of Wight couple who met on a cruise ship in 1971 are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary today (Friday).

John and Kay Waldron, from Ryde, still set sail on cruises together — more than 50 years after bumping into one another on vessel, SS Reina del Mar.

John, now 76, was working in the Merchant Navy when he first met Kay, now 74.

Initially, Kay, who was holidaying with her parents, hit it off with John's best mate. While John dated a girl Kay had befriended aboard the ship.

Those relationships were short-lived, though, and it was not long before the pair soon had eyes for each other.

After the cruise ended, Kay presumed their blossoming romance had, too. She returned home to the Midlands and did not hear from John.

Isle of Wight County Press: From left: John and Kay Waldron.From left: John and Kay Waldron. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

That was until six weeks later, when a bundle of letters came through the door.

John had written one a week, but being at sea, was unable to post them.

When the ship came in for a refit, John visited Kay at her home. He then had to decide whether to set sail again or stay.

He chose to stay.

In September 1973, Kay joined John on the Island and, on December 1, they married at the registry office at County Hall, Newport.

Isle of Wight County Press: John and Kay with family outside County Hall. Fishing rods are crossed above the couple, as a nod to John's love of fishing.John and Kay with family outside County Hall. Fishing rods are crossed above the couple, as a nod to John's love of fishing. (Image: IWCP)

For around 34 years, John, a keen fisherman, worked at Trucast, Ryde. While Kay was a classroom assistant at Oakfield Primary School for 28 years.

To this day, the pair still cruise together.

Kay said: "Whenever we go on one it brings back the memory of us first meeting."

They have two children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

They said the secret to a happy marriage is being able to "give and take".

Kay said: "We don't argue a great deal because we're friends as well.

"John has never stopped me doing anything and I have never stopped him doing anything."

John said: "If she wants to go out anywhere, that's fine. I'll get my rod out and go fishing!"

To celebrate their anniversary, they plan to go out for a meal with their family.