Retired Couple Spent Almost 500 Days On Cruise Ships As It’s Cheaper Than Retirement Home
Retirement often conjures images of quiet days in familiar surroundings, but Jess and Marty Ansen chose a path far from ordinary. Instead of settling into a traditional retirement, they embarked on a bold, full-time adventure aboard a cruise ship. Their decision wasn’t just about seeking excitement—it was a savvy response to the rising costs of housing and the challenges of living on a fixed income.
With inflation and post-pandemic pressures squeezing retirees’ budgets, the Ansens uncovered an unconventional yet surprisingly practical solution. What many perceive as a luxurious escape became their cost-effective gateway to a lifestyle rich in experiences and memories. But how did this couple trade the confines of a retirement home for a life at sea? Their story is a testament to creativity, adaptability, and the pursuit of joy in the face of life’s challenges.
Why Choose a Cruise Ship Over a Retirement Home?
Retirement is often envisioned as a time to relax, but for many, the financial realities of aging have made this stage of life increasingly stressful. Rising costs for housing, utilities, and daily necessities have turned a comfortable retirement into an elusive dream for countless individuals. Jess and Marty Ansen, however, saw a different path. Rather than facing the mounting expenses of a retirement home, they opted for a life of adventure—living full-time aboard a cruise ship.
Their journey began in June 2022 aboard the Coral Princess, marking the start of over 500 days at sea. What might seem like a lavish decision is, in fact, a strategic one. Cruise ship living bundles essentials like meals, entertainment, and even access to healthcare in one manageable cost, often rivaling or even undercutting the hefty monthly expenses of a retirement home. For the Ansens, this unconventional choice has proven to be not only sustainable but surprisingly practical in an era of rising costs and housing crises.
Beyond financial advantages, the Ansens have embraced a lifestyle rich in freedom and discovery. The burdens of property taxes, home maintenance, and utilities have been replaced with the thrill of exploring new destinations and enjoying world-class amenities. In a time when travel has become a luxury for many, the Ansens have merged affordability with adventure, demonstrating how retirement can be reimagined with creativity and courage.
Every Day Is a Vacation
For Jess and Marty Ansen, retirement has become an endless adventure, far removed from the ordinary. With all-inclusive meals, entertainment, and accommodations, their life on a cruise ship eliminates financial stress while offering unparalleled enjoyment. Instead of budgeting for daily expenses, they immerse themselves in a lifestyle where every day feels like a holiday.
Gone are the days of cooking, cleaning, or dealing with household maintenance. The Ansens relish gourmet dining, daily housekeeping, and awe-inspiring ocean views from their cabin. Their days are filled with enriching activities—whether it’s learning a new dance step, unwinding by the pool, or catching a live performance—turning each moment into a celebration of retirement.
But what truly sets their lifestyle apart is the constant adventure. The Ansens don’t just travel; they wake up in a different destination almost every day. Their retirement is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, breathtaking sights, and unforgettable experiences. For them, life at sea offers the ultimate blend of comfort, freedom, and exploration, showcasing a remarkable way to spend life’s golden years.
The Unique Perks of Living on a Cruise Ship
If someone told you retirement could feel like a never-ending vacation, would you believe them? For Jess and Marty Ansen, it’s not just a fantasy—it’s their reality. Living on a cruise ship might seem unconventional, but for retirees looking to stretch their dollars and add a splash of adventure to life, it’s a choice worth considering. Here’s why their decision makes so much sense.
1. Saving Money, Gaining Freedom
Retirement homes aren’t cheap. By the time you factor in housing fees, groceries, and utilities, the bills can stack up faster than you’d expect. Jess and Marty figured, why not spend that money on something that brings joy instead of stress? On a cruise ship, their costs are bundled into one predictable price. No surprise bills for electricity or fixing a leaky roof. Instead, they get everything—meals, a cozy cabin, and endless activities—all wrapped up neatly. It’s simple math, really.
2. A Passport to Adventure
Who wouldn’t want to wake up in a new place every day? For the Ansens, the joy of not being tied to one location is the cherry on top. They don’t have to stress about packing and unpacking suitcases or scrambling to book accommodations. Instead, they step off the ship into a new culture, a new city, or even a new continent. It’s the kind of retirement most of us only dream about—where the journey is just as exciting as the destination.
3. Living the Good Life
Life’s a lot easier when someone else takes care of the chores. For Jess and Marty, there’s no cleaning, no cooking, and definitely no mowing the lawn. Instead, they enjoy gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs and return to freshly cleaned cabins with stunning ocean views. And it’s not just about comfort—there’s plenty to keep them active and entertained. From swimming and dance classes to live shows that rival Broadway, there’s never a dull moment. And if they ever need medical care? It’s just a short walk away. Talk about peace of mind.
Does this sound like a far-off dream? For the Ansens, it’s proof that retirement doesn’t have to follow the script. With a little creativity and bold thinking, life after work can be as adventurous and fulfilling as you want it to be.
A Thriving Social Life at Sea
For many retirees, loneliness can become an unwelcome companion, but Jess and Marty Ansen have found the perfect remedy aboard their floating home. Cruise ship life surrounds them with opportunities to connect—whether it’s fellow passengers swapping travel stories or the ever-friendly crew who feel more like extended family. Every day brings new faces and the chance to forge meaningful relationships, turning their retirement into a socially vibrant experience.
The ship’s lively atmosphere offers countless ways to stay engaged. Group activities, themed events, and shared meals create a natural setting for camaraderie. Jess and Marty are never short on company, and these interactions bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment to their daily lives. The warmth of this built-in community rivals that of any retirement village, with the added bonus of constant adventure.
Beyond companionship, the diversity of people onboard keeps their minds sharp and their horizons ever-expanding. From learning about new cultures to sharing laughter over dinner, each interaction adds richness to their journey. For Jess and Marty, life at sea isn’t just about exploring the world—it’s about embracing the connections that make it truly unforgettable.
Giving Back Onboard
For Jess and Marty Ansen, life at sea isn’t just about exploring new destinations—it’s about making a difference in their floating community. Many cruise ships encourage passengers to get involved, and the couple has fully embraced these opportunities. Whether it’s leading workshops, organizing social gatherings, or lending a hand during events, their contributions add a sense of purpose to their adventurous retirement.
These acts of giving back have turned them into familiar faces onboard, fostering strong connections with both the crew and fellow travelers. Jess and Marty’s willingness to step up—whether teaching a dance class or sharing their travel experiences—has not only enriched their own lives but also brightened the days of those around them.
For the Ansens, being active participants in the cruise community brings an added layer of fulfillment to their journey. It’s proof that retirement doesn’t have to be a time of rest alone; it can be a time to inspire, connect, and contribute in meaningful ways.
Volunteering at Ports
For Jess and Marty Ansen, the chance to give back extends far beyond the ship’s deck. When the cruise docks, they seize opportunities to support local communities through organized volunteer projects. From participating in beach cleanups to contributing to educational programs for children in underprivileged areas, these moments of service allow them to connect deeply with the cultures and people they encounter.
Their efforts don’t stop there. The couple has also joined faith-based missions that combine travel with humanitarian outreach. Whether it’s assisting at a local health clinic or supporting wellness initiatives, they bring compassion and care to every port they visit. These experiences transform their travels into something more profound—an opportunity to leave a meaningful impact.
For Jess and Marty, retirement isn’t just about exploring the world; it’s about enriching it. By engaging with communities along their journey, they’ve found a way to merge adventure with purpose, proving that the best travels are those that give back.
Life Lessons from the Ansens’ Journey
Jess and Marty Ansen’s story is proof that retirement doesn’t have to look like what society expects. Instead of following the traditional route, they created a lifestyle that sparks joy and fills their days with excitement. Their journey reminds us that the golden years are a blank slate, ready for you to design a life that feels uniquely yours.
One of their biggest lessons? Retirement can be anything but slow. Jess and Marty chose to embrace adventure, diving into new experiences that have given them unforgettable memories. Their story encourages us to step out of our comfort zones—because when we do, life has a way of surprising us with incredible opportunities.
Equally important are the relationships they’ve built along the way. For Jess and Marty, the connections they’ve formed with fellow passengers and crew have turned their travels into a shared experience full of warmth and camaraderie. Their story shows that the people you meet can be just as transformative as the places you visit, making the journey even more meaningful.