Marty and Jess Ansen, a retired couple from Australia, have found an unconventional yet fascinating way to spend their golden years. They’ve been living on back-to-back cruises for over two years and attest that it is actually ‘cheaper’ than staying in a nursing home.
Marty and Jess Ansen Share Their Journey
Since June 2022, the Ansens have embarked on a remarkable 51 consecutive cruises. They have remained loyal to Princess Cruises throughout this time, relying on the cruise line for their adventurous retirement journey across the globe.
Talking about their decision, Marty and Jess mentioned that the rising cost of living played a significant role. Coupled with the impeccable service onboard and the peaceful environment of the cruise ships, the decision seemed like an obvious choice for them.
In a joint statement via Princess Cruises, they revealed: “The cruise lifestyle is very efficient. You don’t have to worry about paying for rent or a mortgage, getting groceries, or doing your laundry. We’re not young people; cruising is much cheaper than going to a nursing home and means we can continue to travel the world.”
Everyday Life on Board
The couple appreciates the ever-changing scenery and activities provided by each new cruise destination. Despite the variety of experiences, they’ve managed to maintain a routine that keeps them grounded. For instance, they engage in a daily table tennis game, which has become a cherished part of their day.
Marty and Jess are not just cruise passengers; they’ve become part of the onboard community. They consider the Princess Cruise staff and fellow passengers as their family. This sense of belonging was evident during Jess’s recent surprise birthday party planned by the crew and guests.
“We welcome the different captains on board,” Jess shared. Marty humorously added, “We’re on board longer than anybody else; the crew changes over, but we stay on board.”
Following in Their Footsteps
Marty and Jess are not alone in their adventurous spirit. Grace and Jerry Grady, an American-Italian couple, have also opted to leave their land-based lives behind. The Gradys sold everything and plan to spend the next few years on one of the most luxurious residential cruise ships, the Villa Vie Odyssey.
Setting sail on May 30 from Belfast, Northern Ireland, this extravagant journey will visit 425 ports across 147 countries on all seven continents. It’s an incredible option for anyone wanting to stay off the grid for a while.
Despite its luxury, the cost of this cruise is more reasonable than one might expect. There’s a ‘pay-as-you-go’ option costing £70 per day for short-term passengers. For long-term voyagers, owning a cabin starts at £78,300, which is significantly less than the average UK house price of £264,500 in 2024.
So, while the idea of living on a cruise ship for retirement might sound extravagant, it seems Marty and Jess Ansen—and Grace and Jerry Grady—have found a way to make it both affordable and incredibly fulfilling.
