Retirement is that wonderful phase of life where you can finally sit back, kick your feet up, relax, and savour your hard-earned and well-deserved freedom.

However, some retirees take it to the next level when crafting their plans for enjoying all that newfound free time.

Enter Marty and Jess Ansen, former Brisbane residents and great-grandparents who have devised a retirement solution that has led them to an utterly unique lifestyle— spending life almost entirely on the high seas.

These unlikely cruise connoisseurs have spent an uninterrupted 455 days travelling on board the Coral Princess, exploring some of the world's most breathtaking destinations along the way.

That's not to say they've completely turned their backs on solid ground; they've come onshore since June 2022, but only for a few hours at most.

Marty and Jess Ansen set off on their marathon cruise adventure aboard ship the Coral Princess last year. Credit: A Current Affair.

Needless to say, the couple has become a beloved part of the cruise family and are on first-name terms with the crew.

'Everyone knows them around the ship. They're basically celebrities on board,' the Coral Princess's Hotel Manager, Ren van Rooyen, said.

'We always joke that I go away and I come back, and it's like coming to see my family, my mum and dad, again. They're like my second mum and dad on board.'

But there's more to the couple's lengthy cruise adventures than simply taking a break from their garden or spoiling themselves with an extended holiday.

The Ansens are also making a rather bold statement—spending their twilight years at sea may be a more affordable alternative to retirement homes.

Cruising can actually be a more budget-friendly option compared to some of Australia's pricier assisted living facilities.

While luxury cruise experiences can carry a daily cost in the hundreds of dollars, it's worth noting that Tara Bruce, a consultant at Goodwin Investment Advisory Services—which specialises in retirement at sea—has seen cases where clients spent as little as $140 per day.

Cruise liners typically provide comprehensive services, including a full-time medical team to handle healthcare emergencies, cleaning services, Wi-Fi access, and all-you-can-eat buffets—all included in the overall price.

Back-to-back tropical cruises can even allow retirees to escape harsh winters, a season when older individuals often face more health-related challenges.

Some cruise operators also offer discounts to passengers on longer-term journeys, making this lifestyle more financially appealing for retirees.

'Where else can you go to have this? You go for dinner, you go to a show, you go dancing. Throughout the day, you have all these activities. I love the hula dancing and the ballroom dancing. It's our lifestyle,' Mrs Ansen said.

Their lifestyle is undeniably intriguing. While it offers certain advantages, such as the relaxation of onboard amenities like all-you-can-eat buffets and Wi-Fi, it's important to consider that the couple may miss out on more retirement perks than they realise.

For instance, the Australian and state governments provide subsidised housing and healthcare to many seniors—two of the most substantial benefits retirees might forego by choosing full-time cruising instead.

Additionally, a cruise ship may not be the best fit for you if you have a prolonged or severe medical condition.

The pair say they've never loved cruising more. Credit: A Current Affair.

So, what's a typical day like for this couple?

Each morning, the couple kicks off their day with an hour-long game of table tennis, starting at 5:30 am, followed by watching the sunrise together.

'We do it together, and we have a lot of fun,' Mrs Ansen shared, adding that it's the perfect exercise to help her maintain her weight as she indulges in the many buffets on board.

During a recent interview on a news program, the couple revealed that they've spent more time on board than anyone else.

They still have another eight months aboard the Coral Princess before they disembark and spend a few months on dry land.

'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,' Mr Ansen said jokingly.

'So now we have to stay on board just to stay alive.'

Key Takeaways

• An Australian couple, Marty and Jess Ansen, have spent 455 days living on back-to-back cruises as part of their retirement plan.
• The couple believe living on cruise ships is more affordable and enjoyable than living in a retirement home, noting the included amenities and entertainment.
• Investment Advisory Services consultant Tara Bruce noted cruise ship living can cost as low as $140 per day, potentially cheaper than some assisted living facilities.
• Despite the benefits, some considerations such as healthcare and government-subsidised services may not be available on board.

Members, would you consider a similar retirement plan, or do you have other recommendations to share? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[tfours]

Very old tale, first seen in 1962 as a widow on a famous cruise liner.

 

[Pommyoz]

If you still receive the pension, why on earth not? I would. Should alcohol not be your thing, it’s relatively cheap, as juice, water, tea, coffee are inclusive. The food is out of this world, and I when I went cruising for the first time, I wished then I could stay on board.

 

[Dennis]

When we were on our way to Australia as 10 pound poms we had an officer sitting at the head of the table at the evening meal, one night he pointed out a lady at another table and said she regally went out and back on the ship , evidently she was a lady of the night and paid for her trips that way.

 

[Gsr]

Not for me, I get seasick on a calm river.

 

[Luckyus]

Retirement is that wonderful phase of life where you can finally sit back, kick your feet up, relax, and savour your hard-earned and well-deserved freedom.

However, some retirees take it to the next level when crafting their plans for enjoying all that newfound free time.

Enter Marty and Jess Ansen, former Brisbane residents and great-grandparents who have devised a retirement solution that has led them to an utterly unique lifestyle— spending life almost entirely on the high seas.

These unlikely cruise connoisseurs have spent an uninterrupted 455 days travelling on board the Coral Princess, exploring some of the world's most breathtaking destinations along the way.

That's not to say they've completely turned their backs on solid ground; they've come onshore since June 2022, but only for a few hours at most.

View attachment 31068

Marty and Jess Ansen set off on their marathon cruise adventure aboard ship the Coral Princess last year. Credit: A Current Affair.

Needless to say, the couple has become a beloved part of the cruise family and are on first-name terms with the crew.

'Everyone knows them around the ship. They're basically celebrities on board,' the Coral Princess's Hotel Manager, Ren van Rooyen, said.

'We always joke that I go away and I come back, and it's like coming to see my family, my mum and dad, again. They're like my second mum and dad on board.'

But there's more to the couple's lengthy cruise adventures than simply taking a break from their garden or spoiling themselves with an extended holiday.

The Ansens are also making a rather bold statement—spending their twilight years at sea may be a more affordable alternative to retirement homes.

Cruising can actually be a more budget-friendly option compared to some of Australia's pricier assisted living facilities.

While luxury cruise experiences can carry a daily cost in the hundreds of dollars, it's worth noting that Tara Bruce, a consultant at Goodwin Investment Advisory Services—which specialises in retirement at sea—has seen cases where clients spent as little as $140 per day.

Cruise liners typically provide comprehensive services, including a full-time medical team to handle healthcare emergencies, cleaning services, Wi-Fi access, and all-you-can-eat buffets—all included in the overall price.

Back-to-back tropical cruises can even allow retirees to escape harsh winters, a season when older individuals often face more health-related challenges.

Some cruise operators also offer discounts to passengers on longer-term journeys, making this lifestyle more financially appealing for retirees.

'Where else can you go to have this? You go for dinner, you go to a show, you go dancing. Throughout the day, you have all these activities. I love the hula dancing and the ballroom dancing. It's our lifestyle,' Mrs Ansen said.

Their lifestyle is undeniably intriguing. While it offers certain advantages, such as the relaxation of onboard amenities like all-you-can-eat buffets and Wi-Fi, it's important to consider that the couple may miss out on more retirement perks than they realise.

For instance, the Australian and state governments provide subsidised housing and healthcare to many seniors—two of the most substantial benefits retirees might forego by choosing full-time cruising instead.

Additionally, a cruise ship may not be the best fit for you if you have a prolonged or severe medical condition.

View attachment 31069

The pair say they've never loved cruising more. Credit: A Current Affair.

So, what's a typical day like for this couple?

Each morning, the couple kicks off their day with an hour-long game of table tennis, starting at 5:30 am, followed by watching the sunrise together.

'We do it together, and we have a lot of fun,' Mrs Ansen shared, adding that it's the perfect exercise to help her maintain her weight as she indulges in the many buffets on board.

During a recent interview on a news program, the couple revealed that they've spent more time on board than anyone else.

They still have another eight months aboard the Coral Princess before they disembark and spend a few months on dry land.

'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,' Mr Ansen said jokingly.

'So now we have to stay on board just to stay alive.'

Key Takeaways

• An Australian couple, Marty and Jess Ansen, have spent 455 days living on back-to-back cruises as part of their retirement plan.
• The couple believe living on cruise ships is more affordable and enjoyable than living in a retirement home, noting the included amenities and entertainment.
• Investment Advisory Services consultant Tara Bruce noted cruise ship living can cost as low as $140 per day, potentially cheaper than some assisted living facilities.
• Despite the benefits, some considerations such as healthcare and government-subsidised services may not be available on board.

Members, would you consider a similar retirement plan, or do you have other recommendations to share? Let us know in the comments below!

After a life time spent at seas , when I retired I walked ashore with an oar on my shoulder . I walked and walked until somebody asked me what I was carrying, been here ever since.

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

Retirement is that wonderful phase of life where you can finally sit back, kick your feet up, relax, and savour your hard-earned and well-deserved freedom.

However, some retirees take it to the next level when crafting their plans for enjoying all that newfound free time.

Enter Marty and Jess Ansen, former Brisbane residents and great-grandparents who have devised a retirement solution that has led them to an utterly unique lifestyle— spending life almost entirely on the high seas.

These unlikely cruise connoisseurs have spent an uninterrupted 455 days travelling on board the Coral Princess, exploring some of the world's most breathtaking destinations along the way.

That's not to say they've completely turned their backs on solid ground; they've come onshore since June 2022, but only for a few hours at most.

View attachment 31068

Marty and Jess Ansen set off on their marathon cruise adventure aboard ship the Coral Princess last year. Credit: A Current Affair.

Needless to say, the couple has become a beloved part of the cruise family and are on first-name terms with the crew.

'Everyone knows them around the ship. They're basically celebrities on board,' the Coral Princess's Hotel Manager, Ren van Rooyen, said.

'We always joke that I go away and I come back, and it's like coming to see my family, my mum and dad, again. They're like my second mum and dad on board.'

But there's more to the couple's lengthy cruise adventures than simply taking a break from their garden or spoiling themselves with an extended holiday.

The Ansens are also making a rather bold statement—spending their twilight years at sea may be a more affordable alternative to retirement homes.

Cruising can actually be a more budget-friendly option compared to some of Australia's pricier assisted living facilities.

While luxury cruise experiences can carry a daily cost in the hundreds of dollars, it's worth noting that Tara Bruce, a consultant at Goodwin Investment Advisory Services—which specialises in retirement at sea—has seen cases where clients spent as little as $140 per day.

Cruise liners typically provide comprehensive services, including a full-time medical team to handle healthcare emergencies, cleaning services, Wi-Fi access, and all-you-can-eat buffets—all included in the overall price.

Back-to-back tropical cruises can even allow retirees to escape harsh winters, a season when older individuals often face more health-related challenges.

Some cruise operators also offer discounts to passengers on longer-term journeys, making this lifestyle more financially appealing for retirees.

'Where else can you go to have this? You go for dinner, you go to a show, you go dancing. Throughout the day, you have all these activities. I love the hula dancing and the ballroom dancing. It's our lifestyle,' Mrs Ansen said.

Their lifestyle is undeniably intriguing. While it offers certain advantages, such as the relaxation of onboard amenities like all-you-can-eat buffets and Wi-Fi, it's important to consider that the couple may miss out on more retirement perks than they realise.

For instance, the Australian and state governments provide subsidised housing and healthcare to many seniors—two of the most substantial benefits retirees might forego by choosing full-time cruising instead.

Additionally, a cruise ship may not be the best fit for you if you have a prolonged or severe medical condition.

View attachment 31069

The pair say they've never loved cruising more. Credit: A Current Affair.

So, what's a typical day like for this couple?

Each morning, the couple kicks off their day with an hour-long game of table tennis, starting at 5:30 am, followed by watching the sunrise together.

'We do it together, and we have a lot of fun,' Mrs Ansen shared, adding that it's the perfect exercise to help her maintain her weight as she indulges in the many buffets on board.

During a recent interview on a news program, the couple revealed that they've spent more time on board than anyone else.

They still have another eight months aboard the Coral Princess before they disembark and spend a few months on dry land.

'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,' Mr Ansen said jokingly.

'So now we have to stay on board just to stay alive.'

Key Takeaways

• An Australian couple, Marty and Jess Ansen, have spent 455 days living on back-to-back cruises as part of their retirement plan.
• The couple believe living on cruise ships is more affordable and enjoyable than living in a retirement home, noting the included amenities and entertainment.
• Investment Advisory Services consultant Tara Bruce noted cruise ship living can cost as low as $140 per day, potentially cheaper than some assisted living facilities.
• Despite the benefits, some considerations such as healthcare and government-subsidised services may not be available on board.

Members, would you consider a similar retirement plan, or do you have other recommendations to share? Let us know in the comments below!

We are grandparents and great grandparents but would never disappear from our family for such a long time. Grandchildren and great grandchildren give more to us than a life on board a cruise ship would ever give us.

 

[Rosie2023!]

For those who love it..GOOD ON THEM…
I have a lovely place that needs daily attention as do my two Chihuahuas.
Would not be without them.

 

[Littleboy8]

Retirement is that wonderful phase of life where you can finally sit back, kick your feet up, relax, and savour your hard-earned and well-deserved freedom.

However, some retirees take it to the next level when crafting their plans for enjoying all that newfound free time.

Enter Marty and Jess Ansen, former Brisbane residents and great-grandparents who have devised a retirement solution that has led them to an utterly unique lifestyle— spending life almost entirely on the high seas.

These unlikely cruise connoisseurs have spent an uninterrupted 455 days travelling on board the Coral Princess, exploring some of the world's most breathtaking destinations along the way.

That's not to say they've completely turned their backs on solid ground; they've come onshore since June 2022, but only for a few hours at most.

View attachment 31068

Marty and Jess Ansen set off on their marathon cruise adventure aboard ship the Coral Princess last year. Credit: A Current Affair.

Needless to say, the couple has become a beloved part of the cruise family and are on first-name terms with the crew.

'Everyone knows them around the ship. They're basically celebrities on board,' the Coral Princess's Hotel Manager, Ren van Rooyen, said.

'We always joke that I go away and I come back, and it's like coming to see my family, my mum and dad, again. They're like my second mum and dad on board.'

But there's more to the couple's lengthy cruise adventures than simply taking a break from their garden or spoiling themselves with an extended holiday.

The Ansens are also making a rather bold statement—spending their twilight years at sea may be a more affordable alternative to retirement homes.

Cruising can actually be a more budget-friendly option compared to some of Australia's pricier assisted living facilities.

While luxury cruise experiences can carry a daily cost in the hundreds of dollars, it's worth noting that Tara Bruce, a consultant at Goodwin Investment Advisory Services—which specialises in retirement at sea—has seen cases where clients spent as little as $140 per day.

Cruise liners typically provide comprehensive services, including a full-time medical team to handle healthcare emergencies, cleaning services, Wi-Fi access, and all-you-can-eat buffets—all included in the overall price.

Back-to-back tropical cruises can even allow retirees to escape harsh winters, a season when older individuals often face more health-related challenges.

Some cruise operators also offer discounts to passengers on longer-term journeys, making this lifestyle more financially appealing for retirees.

'Where else can you go to have this? You go for dinner, you go to a show, you go dancing. Throughout the day, you have all these activities. I love the hula dancing and the ballroom dancing. It's our lifestyle,' Mrs Ansen said.

Their lifestyle is undeniably intriguing. While it offers certain advantages, such as the relaxation of onboard amenities like all-you-can-eat buffets and Wi-Fi, it's important to consider that the couple may miss out on more retirement perks than they realise.

For instance, the Australian and state governments provide subsidised housing and healthcare to many seniors—two of the most substantial benefits retirees might forego by choosing full-time cruising instead.

Additionally, a cruise ship may not be the best fit for you if you have a prolonged or severe medical condition.

View attachment 31069

The pair say they've never loved cruising more. Credit: A Current Affair.

So, what's a typical day like for this couple?

Each morning, the couple kicks off their day with an hour-long game of table tennis, starting at 5:30 am, followed by watching the sunrise together.

'We do it together, and we have a lot of fun,' Mrs Ansen shared, adding that it's the perfect exercise to help her maintain her weight as she indulges in the many buffets on board.

During a recent interview on a news program, the couple revealed that they've spent more time on board than anyone else.

They still have another eight months aboard the Coral Princess before they disembark and spend a few months on dry land.

'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,' Mr Ansen said jokingly.

'So now we have to stay on board just to stay alive.'

Key Takeaways

• An Australian couple, Marty and Jess Ansen, have spent 455 days living on back-to-back cruises as part of their retirement plan.
• The couple believe living on cruise ships is more affordable and enjoyable than living in a retirement home, noting the included amenities and entertainment.
• Investment Advisory Services consultant Tara Bruce noted cruise ship living can cost as low as $140 per day, potentially cheaper than some assisted living facilities.
• Despite the benefits, some considerations such as healthcare and government-subsidised services may not be available on board.

Members, would you consider a similar retirement plan, or do you have other recommendations to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Common with Americans they spend there entire life on cruise ships. Fine if you can afford it. Went on a cruise once for 14 days around n.z couldn’t wait to get off it was horrible,when the earthquakes were happening not a merry Xmas. Never again waste of $20,000.