Marty and Jess Ansen, a retired Australian couple, embarked on an extraordinary journey that redefined their golden years.
After enduring two years of strict COVID-19 lockdowns, they set sail on June 16, 2022, aboard the Coral Princess, a 2,000-passenger cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises.
What began as a single voyage transformed into an unprecedented adventure: booking 51 consecutive cruises, resulting in nearly 500 days at sea.
The Ansens discovered that this continuous cruising lifestyle was not only fulfilling but also financially advantageous.
They found that the cost of living aboard the ship was cheaper than residing in a retirement home.
“It’s our lifestyle,” Jess explained, highlighting their long-standing passion for cruising.
Life On The Cruise Ship
Life on the Coral Princess offered the couple a plethora of activities and amenities.
Their days began with spirited ping pong matches, followed by leisurely moments on their balcony, savoring beers and the ever-changing ocean vistas.
Evenings were filled with dining, attending shows, and dancing—Jess particularly enjoyed ballroom and hula dancing, while Marty cherished the opportunity to forge lifelong friendships.
The convenience of having housekeeping services meant they no longer had to worry about chores like making the bed or washing up.
Their unique lifestyle garnered attention and admiration from both crew members and fellow passengers.
Ren van Rooyen, the ship’s hotel manager, noted, “Everyone knows them around the ship; they’re basically celebrities onboard.”
They Liked The Community
This sense of community and recognition added to the richness of their experience.
The Ansens planned to continue their maritime adventure for another eight months before disembarking.
However, their journey wouldn’t end there; they intended to board the Crown Princess for an additional year of cruising.
Throughout their travels, they maintained connections with family by arranging visits during port calls near their loved ones’ homes.
Reflecting on their unconventional retirement, Marty expressed, “It’s a wonderful life.”
The Ansens’ story exemplifies how retirement can be reimagined beyond traditional norms, embracing adventure, community, and the pursuit of happiness on the open sea.
Why It Was A Good Idea?
Marty and Jess Ansen discovered several practical insights that made their continuous cruising lifestyle both feasible and financially attractive:
Cost Savings:
Compared to traditional retirement home costs in Australia—which average around AUD 4,000 to AUD 6,000 per month—the Ansens found cruising significantly cheaper.
Their cruising lifestyle aboard the Coral Princess, including meals, accommodation, entertainment, and utilities, averaged approximately lower than AUD 6000 per month for the couple.
Inclusive Amenities:
Most cruise ships provide inclusive amenities such as unlimited dining options, nightly entertainment, fitness centers, swimming pools, and housekeeping services.
Marty and Jess particularly valued the convenience of having all meals prepared and housekeeping handled, eliminating everyday chores.
Healthcare Considerations:
Cruise ships have onboard medical facilities capable of handling routine medical care and minor emergencies.
The Ansens made sure to maintain comprehensive travel insurance for additional healthcare coverage, giving them peace of mind during their extensive voyages.
Connectivity and Family Visits:
Staying connected to family was streamlined by scheduling visits during port stops near family residences.
Additionally, onboard Wi-Fi services enabled regular video calls, making it easier to maintain close family ties even while constantly traveling.
Social and Mental Well-being:
The vibrant community onboard provided social interactions critical to their emotional and mental well-being.
Frequent activities and the opportunity to develop lasting friendships with crew and fellow passengers significantly enriched their retirement experience.
Packing and Logistics:
Adopting a minimalist lifestyle was key. The Ansens learned to pack efficiently, prioritizing essentials and multi-purpose items.
Laundry services aboard the ship simplified clothing management, reducing the need for extensive wardrobes.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
Marty and Jess emphasized the importance of adaptability. Cruise itineraries can change due to weather or unforeseen events, so maintaining flexibility ensured they enjoyed their lifestyle without undue stress.
By integrating these practical strategies, Marty and Jess demonstrated how retirement can not only be adventurous but also economically sensible and deeply fulfilling.