Marty and Jess Ansen found the ultimate retirement hack—living full-time on a cruise ship! While most retirees settle into nursing homes, this adventurous couple realized it was actually cheaper to sail the seas indefinitely.
Their journey started in June 2022 when they boarded the Coral Princess. After enduring strict pandemic lockdowns in Australia, they decided they weren’t going to waste another moment. So, instead of booking a single vacation, they kept saying “yes” to more cruises—51 times in a row!
For the past 450 days, they’ve been soaking up everything cruise life has to offer—world-class dining, endless entertainment, breathtaking views, and daily housekeeping (so they never have to make a bed again). Their days start with an intense game of ping pong, followed by cracking open a beer and enjoying the ocean breeze from their balcony.
And they’re not just passengers—they’re legends. The crew and fellow travelers now treat them like celebrities. Ren van Rooyen, the ship’s hotel manager, jokes that seeing them onboard feels like visiting his “second mom and dad.”
But how did they pull this off? Simple math. Nursing homes cost a fortune, but cruises include meals, entertainment, and a place to sleep—all for less!
“The cruise lifestyle is very efficient,” the couple shared in a statement. “No rent, no mortgage, no grocery shopping, no laundry—just adventure.”
Their journey isn’t over yet. The Ansens will finally return to dry land in August 2024—but only for a short break. They’ve already booked their next year-long cruise aboard the Crown Princess.
Would you swap a retirement home for life at sea? Let us know in the comments! 🌊🚢
