Cruise fan invites 71 people on board ship for special occasion
For many people organising a family holiday takes more than enough planning.
But Shane Gale managed to gather a mammoth 71 people to celebrate her 50th birthday on a special holiday.
The Sydney woman's celebration took place aboard a cruise from the city.
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Shane, right, marked her 50th with a mammoth cruise. Supplied
Shane, who works for a carpet company, gathered dozens friends and family for the three-day jaunt over Australia Day.
"I don't do the big birthdays quietly," she tells nine.com.au.
The massive group took over 35 cabins on Carnival Adventure. Shane says she chose a cruise as it suited everyone.
"The oldest I think is 82 and the youngest was my niece and nephew are 12 and 13," she says.
"I have some friends that don't have passports, I have some that don't like flying, I have some family they're not great mobility wise, so I thought 'I'm going to tick all those boxes."
Her husband and daughter, Justin, 51, and Alarna, 21, were among those who joined her.
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Shane gathered more than 70 people for her birthday holiday. Supplied
Shane, who works for a carpet company, gathered dozens friends and family for the three day jaunt over Australia Day. Supplied
Alarna also brought seven friends along, and Shane says she even had to turn away eight people who were too late to book.
It's not the first mammoth birthday holiday she's had.
For her 40th she went to Bali with 41 other people.
"I love organising trips for my friends," she says.
Shane gave everyone a years' notice, and used Carnival Cruise Line's group booking system.
Everyone could easily deal with their own bookings by quoting the reference "Shano's Birthday', but be part of the arrangements.
She also set up Facebook chats.
Shane, who had been on five cruises before, made an itinerary which allowed for personal time as well as group activities.
And she made hats and lanyards for everyone to wear.
Carnival also gave them some areas they could use, such as a spot for a special trivia session where all the questions were about her.
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Shane gathered more than 70 people for her birthday holiday. Supplied
They were also able to access the nightclub early for a jungle-themed party.
She said she even got emotional when everyone gathered for a photo.
"There was all these people there, my people and there still 20 people lining up, I was just like... they're all here for me," she says.
She's not thinking of her 60th yet, but says maybe she'd like to get everyone to Greece.
"These days you've got to celebrate it," she says.
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Carnival Cruise Line says travellers can book groups by calling reservations.
"If they are booking a minimum five staterooms with at least two people in each then they qualify for special onboard extras," a Carnival Cruise Line spokeswoman said.
"They receive 'amenity points' depending on the size of the group, which will allow them to enjoy extra onboard credit, perhaps an upgrade, a complimentary gift or perhaps even a free cocktail party.
"The onboard team will also facilitate group dinners to ensure everyone can dine together."
