We Couldn’t Afford a Retirement Home So Now We’re Living on a Cruise Ship

Most of us dream of spending a week or two on a ship, but for one couple, it’s a random Tuesday. Marty and Jess Ansen have booked 51 back-to-back cruises, claiming that it is both more affordable and enjoyable than living in a retirement home.

They are on the ship for a longer period of time than most crew members.

The adventurous couple set sail on their inaugural cruise on June 16, 2022, seeking solace and adventure on the open seas. Since then, they haven’t stopped cruising. They’ve taken 51 trips so far, spending more than 450 days on Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess, a ship that carries 2,000 passengers.

What’s unusual is that they’ve stayed on the ship longer than most crew members, including the captains. And they plan to continue their cruise life for a total of two years.

Their motto is “just book it!”

Marty and Jess Ansen shared the secret behind their extraordinary cruise adventures. “Eventually, I said to my [travel] agent: ’Look, whatever comes, just book it,’” Marty revealed, encapsulating their adventurous spirit and openness to the unknown. For them, this unconventional lifestyle became not just a choice but a financial one too. The couple found that cruising around the world for two years was a more economical option than the costs associated with a retirement home.

“It’s our lifestyle,” Jess affirmed, emphasizing the couple’s profound love for the cruising experience. Their passion for life at sea didn’t begin overnight; they had been avid cruise enthusiasts for decades before embracing it as their full-time living situation.

Life on a cruise has endless perks.

Living aboard the Coral Princess came with its unique set of advantages. Beyond the picturesque views and constant sense of adventure, the couple found solace in the variety of activities available, from dancing to delightful dinner experiences. Additionally, the convenience of having a helper to tend to their living quarters added a touch of luxury to their nomadic existence, making their journey not just about exploration but also about embracing a life filled with comfort and excitement.

In the enchanting realm of cruising, where the sea meets the sky, Marty and Jess Ansen discovered a lifestyle that defies convention. “Where else can you go where you go for dinner, you go to a show, you go dancing?” Jess marveled, her eyes lighting up with the excitement of endless possibilities.

For Jess, the ballroom and hula dancing sessions became cherished moments, where the ship’s deck transformed into her dance floor, echoing with laughter and rhythm. Meanwhile, Marty found a different treasure in the friendships he forged along the way. “Through the day, you have all these activities,” Jess continued, capturing the vibrant spirit of life on a cruise.

They don’t even have to make their beds.

The couple’s enthusiasm wasn’t just about the fun; it was also about the newfound freedom from everyday chores. “Now, we don’t have to wash up anymore, or make the bed,” Marty exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with delight. His voice filled with playful humor, he continued, “We don’t know how to make a bed because we haven’t done it for so long, so now we have to stay on board just to stay alive,” he joked, encapsulating the carefree and joyful essence of their cruise-bound existence.

They’ve become more than just passengers.

In the enchanting realm of the Coral Princess, Marty and Jess Ansen have become more than passengers; they’ve become a cherished part of the ship’s family. The crew, with smiles as wide as the ocean, eagerly anticipates their return for every cruise, finding joy in the vibrant presence of this fun-loving couple. Their reputation precedes them; even newcomers, embarking on a single cruise, have heard tales of the Ansen’s adventures and seek out the chance to exchange greetings.

“Everyone knows them around the ship; they’re basically celebrities onboard,” shared Ren van Rooyen, the ship’s hotel manager, his admiration evident. Yet, this celebrity status, this floating fame, is set to endure only for another eight months before the couple bids farewell to their seafaring home.

They pay a visit to their family whenever possible.

But the end of one voyage marks the beginning of another. Undeterred by the approaching disembarkation, Marty and Jess have already set their sights on a new horizon. And amidst the constant motion of their nomadic life, their family remains an anchor. Whenever the ship docks near their loved ones’ homes, they reunite, bridging the gap between sea and land, and embracing the warmth of familial bonds.

The cruise-loving couple’s unconventional retirement plan leaves us intrigued and inspired. Yet, our voyage through extraordinary stories continues. Prepare yourselves for an exhilarating adventure as we follow the newlyweds who embarked on a whirlwind tour of 33 countries in a single year.