A retired couple, Marty and Jess Ansen from Australia, have discovered a unique way to save money by living on cruise ships instead of paying for a retirement home. They have embarked on 51 consecutive cruises, allowing them to enjoy extended holidays while reducing their living expenses. This decision came after they missed being on the water during the Covid-19 pandemic, which had halted the cruise industry.
Since June 2022, Marty and Jess have been living aboard the Coral Princess. Marty shared with A Current Affair that their extended stay on the ship was initially unplanned. He told his travel agent, “Look, whatever comes, book it,” which led to their long-term cruise lifestyle. The couple has become a familiar presence on the ship, staying on board while other passengers come and go.
Their daily routine includes activities such as an hour of table tennis, which they enjoy together. One of the major benefits they appreciate is the all-inclusive nature of the cruise. They don’t need to shop for food, as the buffet spreads are included in the price. Additionally, housekeeping services are part of the package, meaning they don’t have to worry about chores like making beds or doing dishes. Marty humorously noted, “We don’t know how to wash up anymore, we don’t know how to make a bed, because we haven’t done it for so long.”
The couple has formed close bonds with the ship’s crew, who even surprised Jess with a birthday celebration last month. Marty and Jess are so well-known on the Coral Princess that they often greet new captains as they come aboard, rather than the other way around. Ren van Rooyen, the ship’s hotel manager, considers them like family, saying, “We always make a joke that I go away and I come back and it’s like coming to see my family – my mum and dad again.”
The Ansens have eight months left on the Coral Princess and are already planning their next adventures. They are considering another round-the-world trip before disembarking. Following that, they plan to embark on a year-long cruise aboard the Crown Princess.
Their story highlights a creative approach to retirement living, combining adventure with financial savings. By choosing to live on cruise ships, Marty and Jess have managed to maintain a high quality of life, enjoying travel and leisure without the typical expenses associated with a retirement home. Their experience has shown that with some planning and flexibility, unconventional retirement options can be both enjoyable and cost-effective.
As they continue their journey, Marty and Jess serve as an inspiration for those looking to explore alternative retirement lifestyles. Their ability to adapt and thrive on the high seas demonstrates that retirement can be a time of new experiences and adventures, far beyond the traditional paths.