When we think of a cruise, we usually associate it with one- or two-week getaways, an all-inclusive wristband, and whirlwind visits to different cities. But for some people it is already much more: more and more retirees, remote workers, and frequent travelers are changing their land routines for a life aboard for months, and even years, weaving voyages across the globe.
This is the case of Marty and Jessica Ansen, an Australian couple who decided to live out their retirement by sailing. Since 2022 they have spent most of their time onboard and already have bookings confirmed with Princess Cruises, through September 2027, as they revealed a few months ago in an interview with The Telegraph.
Living retirement on a cruise: bed made, meals ready, and a new port every few days
Marty and Jessica had always dreamed of taking cruises, but until they retired they didn’t have the time to enjoy them as they wanted. So when the long-awaited moment arrived, in June 2022 they boarded the impressive ‘Coral Princess’ in Brisbane (Australia) and since then they have racked up dozens of trips, including two around-the-world voyages and long stints on other ships of the line.
For them, the key isn’t just traveling, but the comfort and routine they’ve found on board. “It’s living the dream,” Jessica summarized to The Telegraph. “They make our beds, the dining options are endless, and the entertainment is top-notch. We never feel we’re too far from home news: we can follow what’s happening on the cabin TV or online.”
Marty also joked about another consequence of so much time at sea: “Now we don’t know how to wash the dishes, nor make the bed.”
The other major factor is financial. As their children and grandchildren explain, living this way can cost less than a traditional retirement home, since the price includes accommodation, meals, housekeeping, leisure, and even certain basic medical services on board. In some markets, especially for retirees who plan long bookings and take advantage of promotions, the numbers can add up more favorably than they might seem.
But not everything is perfect, by any means. Marty acknowledges that he misses “being able to drive wherever you want whenever you feel like it.” He also mentions the fatigue brought on by constant time-zone changes and the challenge of managing daily life when you spend so much time away from home.
La ventaja inesperada de vivir en un crucero: una nueva familia
In return, they have gained something they value greatly: a sense of community. Jessica asserts that many crew members of the company “make us feel part of their family,” and they have met many passengers who have become good friends. When the ship reaches Australia they visit their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; when they dock in other countries, they meet up with friends made on previous voyages. And they aren’t the only ones who have chosen this lifestyle.
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Nolan Kessler
I focus on performance-driven cars, emerging technologies, and the business forces shaping the automotive industry. My work aims to deliver clear, relevant insights without unnecessary noise, with a strong attention to detail and accuracy. I follow the evolution of mobility daily, with a particular interest in what defines the next generation of driving.
