Many people picture retirement as quiet time spent gardening or with family. An Australian couple, however, has embraced a different path by living aboard a cruise ship. Marty and Jess Ansen, who are also great-grandparents, spent more than 450 days continuously on the Coral Princess after retiring. Their experience has drawn international attention to alternative retirement lifestyles. The couple’s original travel plans were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They boarded the ship in June 2022 once sailings resumed. Finding the arrangement more affordable than a retirement village in Australia, they booked 51 consecutive voyages instead of returning home. Their itinerary included ports in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Evenings often involved dinner followed by shows and dancing. The Ansens, married for 53 years, described the all-inclusive setup as covering meals, housekeeping, entertainment and basic medical care. This proved less expensive than separate costs for housing, food and utilities on land. Crew members came to know the couple well, creating a sense of community. The pair said the lifestyle offered regular social contact and new destinations, which they plan to continue as long as possible.
