For most people, retirement means slowing down—settling into a comfortable home, spending time with family, and enjoying a quieter pace of life.
But Jess and Marty Ansen had a completely different vision for their golden years.
Instead of moving into a retirement community, the adventurous couple decided to live aboard cruise ships for more than 500 days. What might sound like a luxury lifestyle actually came from a practical discovery: living at sea could cost less than traditional retirement living.
With housing costs rising across the world and many retirees living on fixed incomes, the Ansens found that cruise living offered something unexpected—predictable costs, built-in services, and endless travel opportunities.
Their story has captured global attention and sparked an interesting question:
Could cruise ships become an alternative lifestyle for retirees?
Let’s take a closer look at how the Ansens made this unconventional choice—and why it might make more sense than you think.
Meet Jess and Marty Ansen: The Couple Who Turned Cruises Into a Lifestyle
Jess and Marty Ansen are an Australian couple who decided retirement didn’t have to follow the usual script.
In June 2022, they boarded the Coral Princess, a cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, and began what would turn into an extended adventure at sea.
Rather than booking a single vacation cruise, the Ansens started reserving back-to-back sailings, staying on board continuously.
Within two years, they had completed more than 50 consecutive cruises, spending over 500 days living aboard the ship.
Their motivation wasn’t only adventure.
It was also financial.
Retirement living costs have risen dramatically in recent years, and the couple realized that cruise pricing—when booked strategically—could rival or even undercut many traditional living arrangements.
Instead of paying separately for:
- Housing
- Utilities
- Groceries
- Entertainment
- Travel
…their cruise fare bundled nearly everything together.
Why Some Retirees Are Rethinking Traditional Retirement Living
The Ansens’ story resonates with many retirees because the cost of retirement is increasing worldwide.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, households headed by someone aged 65 or older spend an average of $57,818 per year on expenses such as housing, food, healthcare, and transportation.
Housing alone accounts for the largest portion.
Meanwhile, data from Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey shows that assisted living facilities in the United States cost an average of $4,774 per month in 2024, or more than $57,000 per year.
In some cities, the cost can exceed $6,000–$8,000 per month.
And that doesn’t include additional services, medications, or personal care needs.
Even independent retirement communities can cost several thousand dollars per month.
For retirees living on pensions or savings, those numbers can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s why some people—like the Ansens—are exploring creative alternatives.
How Cruise Living Can Be Surprisingly Affordable
At first glance, living on a cruise ship sounds extravagant.
But when you break down the numbers, it can sometimes compete with traditional living expenses.
Cruise fares vary widely depending on the ship, destination, and cabin type.
However, industry data suggests that interior cabins on some cruises can cost between $40 and $100 per person per night, especially when booking long itineraries or repositioning cruises.
For example:
- A three-night cruise may cost around $140 per person, or about $47 per night.
- Longer cruises often offer lower nightly rates.
Meanwhile, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the United States reached about $1,595 per month in mid-2025, according to Zumper rental market reports.
That works out to roughly $53 per night—and it does not include:
- Utilities
- Food
- Entertainment
- Travel
Cruise pricing, by contrast, typically bundles together:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Housekeeping
- Entertainment
- Transportation between destinations
Of course, additional expenses like drinks, internet access, and excursions can add up.
But for retirees who carefully choose their cruises and travel deals, the costs can be surprisingly competitive.
What Daily Life Looks Like on a Cruise Ship
For Jess and Marty, the biggest benefit of cruise living is simplicity.
Daily chores disappear almost completely.
There’s no need to:
- Cook meals
- Clean the house
- Maintain appliances
- Pay utility bills
- Do yard work
Instead, their days revolve around the activities offered on the ship.
Typical daily options include:
- Fitness classes
- Dance lessons
- Movie screenings
- Live theater shows
- Trivia competitions
- Poolside relaxation
Cruise ships are essentially floating resorts, and most provide entertainment from morning until late at night.
Meals are also included in many cruise packages.
Passengers can choose between buffets, dining rooms, and casual cafés throughout the ship.
Jess once joked in interviews that the lifestyle comes with one huge advantage:
“Now we don’t have to wash dishes or make the bed anymore.”
Waking Up in a New Destination
One of the most appealing aspects of cruise living is the constant travel.
Cruise itineraries often include multiple destinations in a single trip.
Passengers may wake up in a different city—or even a different country—every day.
For retirees who love exploring new places, this can turn retirement into a continuous adventure.
Instead of booking hotels, flights, and transportation for every destination, the cruise ship handles everything.
Passengers simply step off the ship and explore.
Then they return to the same cabin at the end of the day.
This approach removes much of the stress associated with traditional travel planning.
The Social Benefits of Life at Sea
Retirement can sometimes bring unexpected social challenges.
Many retirees find themselves feeling isolated after leaving the workforce.
Cruise ships offer a built-in solution: a constantly changing community of travelers.
Passengers dine together, attend shows, and participate in activities.
These shared experiences naturally encourage conversation and connection.
Jess and Marty quickly became familiar faces aboard the ship.
Over time, they developed friendships with:
- Crew members
- Fellow long-term passengers
- Travelers from around the world
The social environment onboard helps create a sense of belonging that some retirees struggle to find after leaving their careers.
Healthcare and Safety at Sea
Healthcare is a major concern for retirees considering extended travel.
Most modern cruise ships include onboard medical centers staffed by licensed doctors and nurses.
These facilities can handle many common medical issues such as:
- Minor injuries
- Illnesses
- Routine health concerns
For more serious medical situations, ships can arrange evacuation to hospitals at nearby ports.
While cruise ship medical centers cannot replace full healthcare systems, they provide a helpful safety net for travelers.
Experts still recommend that long-term cruisers maintain travel insurance and access to healthcare providers on land.
The Growing Trend of Long-Term Cruise Living
Jess and Marty are not the only people embracing life at sea.
The cruise industry has begun to notice a growing interest in long-term cruise lifestyles.
Some travelers now book months of back-to-back cruises, while others explore emerging options like residential cruise ships.
Companies have even proposed ships designed specifically for permanent living at sea.
For example:
- The MV Narrative, a planned residential cruise ship, is designed to include private apartments and long-term living spaces.
- Similar projects aim to combine the comforts of home with global travel.
While these developments are still emerging, they show how the idea of “living at sea” is gaining attention.
Real Challenges of Cruise Living
While cruise living offers many advantages, it’s not perfect.
There are some challenges retirees should consider.
Limited Living Space
Cruise cabins are smaller than most apartments.
Interior cabins may measure around 150–200 square feet.
That requires careful packing and a minimalist lifestyle.
Internet Costs
Wi-Fi on cruise ships can be expensive.
Staying connected with family or managing online finances may require purchasing internet packages.
Changing Itineraries
Cruise schedules can change due to weather or operational reasons.
Long-term cruisers need to stay flexible.
Healthcare Access
Although ships have medical centers, serious medical needs may require treatment on land.
Retirees with complex health conditions should carefully evaluate this lifestyle.
Practical Tips for Anyone Considering Cruise Living
If the idea of living on a cruise ship sounds appealing, here are some tips experts recommend.
1. Compare Cruise Lines
Different cruise companies offer very different experiences.
Research ships, pricing, and passenger demographics.
2. Look for Long-Term Deals
Back-to-back cruise bookings often offer discounts.
Repositioning cruises can also provide lower prices.
3. Choose the Right Cabin
Interior cabins are cheaper, while balcony cabins offer more comfort and outdoor space.
4. Budget for Extras
Remember to account for:
- Drinks packages
- Wi-Fi
- Shore excursions
- Gratuities
5. Stay Flexible
Schedules and itineraries may change.
Flexibility makes cruise living far more enjoyable.
Why the Ansens’ Story Resonates With So Many People
Jess and Marty’s story has captured global attention because it challenges traditional ideas about retirement.
Their lifestyle reflects a growing shift in how people think about aging.
Instead of slowing down completely, many retirees want to:
- Travel
- Stay active
- Meet new people
- Experience new cultures
The Ansens demonstrate that retirement can be more than just a quiet phase of life.
It can be an entirely new chapter filled with exploration and possibility.
Final Thoughts: Rethinking What Retirement Can Look Like
Jess and Marty Ansen didn’t just plan a long vacation.
They reimagined retirement itself.
By trading a fixed home for life at sea, they replaced everyday chores and rising living costs with a lifestyle focused on travel, community, and simplicity.
Their story is a reminder that retirement doesn’t have to follow a single path.
For some people, the perfect home might not be a house or an apartment.
It might be a small cabin on a ship—surrounded by ocean views and endless destinations.
