In recent years, more and more retirees have been rethinking traditional approaches to life after retirement. A striking example is the story of Marty and Jessica Ansen, who have made cruise ships their permanent home since 2022. During this time, they have taken more than a hundred sea voyages and have already planned new routes up until 2027. Their choice reflects a growing interest in alternative retirement lifestyles, focused on convenience, predictable expenses, and a sense of community.
Life on board
For most people, a cruise is a short vacation, at most two weeks away from everyday worries. For Marty and Jessica Ansen, it’s different: they have turned sea travel into a daily routine. The decision to give up life on land came after they retired. In June 2022, they boarded the Coral Princess in Brisbane for the first time, and since then, have not returned to their previous lifestyle. During this period, the couple have twice circumnavigated the globe and spent extended periods on other Princess Cruises ships.
What matters most to them is not just the changing ports and countries, but also everyday comfort. According to Jessica, life on board has become a dream come true: daily cleaning, ready meals, and a full schedule of entertainment. All this has made it possible to forget about the daily household chores. Marty jokes that they no longer even remember how to do the dishes or make the bed.
Economy and daily life
For many retirees, financial considerations are a key factor in choosing where to live. As Marti and Jessica’s relatives point out, life on a cruise ship can turn out to be more cost-effective than staying in a traditional retirement home. The cost of a cruise usually includes accommodation, meals, cleaning, leisure activities, and even basic medical services. This approach allows for predictable budgeting and frees people from many everyday worries.
However, it’s not all so straightforward. Marti admits that at times he misses being able to get behind the wheel and drive wherever he wants. In addition, constant changes in time zones and being far from familiar places can create certain challenges in daily life.
Community and new connections
An unexpected benefit of life aboard the ship for the couple has been a sense of belonging. Jessica notes that many crew members treat them as part of their family. Over the years of traveling, they have made many new friends among other passengers and staff. This sense of support and involvement is an important factor for those seeking not just comfort, but also companionship.
Marti and Jessica are not the only ones who have chosen this path. More and more people are considering life at sea as a real alternative to traditional retirement. For some, it may seem unusual, for others— the perfect scenario: a private cabin, an open deck, and a constantly changing horizon.
A trend for the future
The story of this Australian couple illustrates how perceptions of old age and comfort are changing. Living on a cruise ship is becoming not just an exotic choice, but a conscious strategy for those who value predictability, convenience, and the chance to be part of a large community. According to Talent24h, this lifestyle is gaining popularity among retirees who are seeking new forms of leisure and socialization, and who do not wish to be confined by traditional boundaries.
