A couple who honeymooned on the island grabbed a golden opportunity to combine their 50th wedding anniversary with Bermuda Day.

Mary Beth and Jack Murphy, who married on May 24 and became repeat visitors, said the festivities were a great opportunity to celebrate their half-century together.

The couple, both 74, have visited Bermuda 42 times and said they would continue to vacation here as long as they were able to.

Mr Murphy added: “We will continue coming as long as we don’t run out of money.”

The couple have visited many countries, but fell in love with Bermuda.

Mr Murphy said: “Compared with most of the Caribbean, the culture and the infrastructure here, the politeness of the people, I consider it outstanding. It stands out above all.”

Ms Murphy added: “It’s clean, the people are nice, the food is good. With the dollar-to-dollar value, there is no moving around of money. It’s very convenient.”

“You are made to feel very welcome when you come here.”

Mr Murphy first visited Bermuda when he was a student and the couple picked Bermuda as their honeymoon destination when they married in 1969.

Mr Murphy said: “I love the place to be honest. We play a lot of golf here.”

The couple, who live next to a golf course in the US, have played many rounds here.

Ms Murphy said: “We have been all over the island, from top to bottom.”

They played their first round of golf at what is now Turtle Hill at the Fairmont Southampton and have since played every major golf course, including the now-closed Riddell’s Bay.

The couple planned to watch the Bermuda Day Parade as part of their anniversary celebrations.

Mr Murphy said: “I like to watch the Bermuda Regiment Band.”

They will also spend much of their time playing golf.

The couple, who live in Sarasota, Florida, have stayed at 15 different hotels over the years.

They love the South Shore of the island.

Mr Murphy said that there had been changes on the island over the decades — but not many.

He said: “The stalwarts remain — Elbow Beach, The Princess and the famous restaurants including Four Ways, Waterlot, Henry VIII and the old standby Portofino.”

One change he had noticed over the years was that fewer ships docked in Hamilton.

He said: “Front Street used to be booming because most of the cruise ships would pull into Front Street.”

The couple have taken back a lot of Bermuda souvenirs to the US over the years.

Mrs Murphy said: “I used to go to the linen shop and buy linen in there.

“I was a tea cup collector so I use to buy tea cups. I must have 25 or 30 from here.”

The couple also brought their young children to the island and they have all returned to Bermuda as adults.

The Murphys are scheduled to leave the island tomorrow.