Retired Couple Spent Almost 500 Days On Cruise Ships As It’s Cheaper Than Retirement Home

Most of us are lucky to get a couple of weeks off each year, but Jess and Marty Ansen took that idea and sailed away with it. Literally.

This great-grandparent couple from Brisbane, Australia, has been living on cruise ships for over 500 days. What started as a post-pandemic getaway turned into a full-time lifestyle filled with dancing, deckside views, and daily housekeeping.

Their reason? It’s not just about travel. For Jess and Marty, cruising is actually cheaper than moving into a retirement home — and a whole lot more fun.

Who Are Jess and Marty?

Jess and Marty Ansen aren’t your typical retirees. While most people their age might be settling into a quiet routine at home, this adventurous couple decided to trade traditional retirement for something a bit more… buoyant.

The pair, who live in Brisbane, have always loved cruising. So when travel opened back up after the pandemic, they didn’t just book a holiday — they booked a lifestyle. In June 2022, Jess and Marty boarded the Coral Princess and haven’t looked back. Since then, they’ve racked up more than 500 days at sea, with no plans to stop. They’ve already lined up another year on the Crown Princess once their current stint ends.

What’s more remarkable is how natural this floating lifestyle feels to them. They’ve become part of the ship’s family, with crew members and guests alike knowing them by name. Some crew even joke that they’ve been on board longer than the staff themselves. It’s not just a cruise anymore — it’s home.

How It All Started

For Jess and Marty, the idea of living on a cruise ship wasn’t part of a grand plan — it started with a simple desire to catch up on the travel they missed during the pandemic. After two years of staying put, they were eager to get back on board. So, Marty told their travel agent to “just book whatever comes,” and that casual request snowballed into a back-to-back cruise itinerary that now spans years.

Their first day on the Coral Princess was in June 2022, sailing out of their home port in Brisbane. What began as one long cruise soon turned into a series of voyages without a real end date. Instead of returning home, they just stayed put, booking the next cruise while still on board the last one.

It wasn’t about chasing luxury or showing off — it was about finding a lifestyle that worked for them. One where everything they needed was taken care of, and every day offered something new. Once they realised they could afford it, they didn’t look back.

Why Live on a Cruise Ship?

For Jess and Marty, living on a cruise ship just makes sense. Their meals are cooked, their room is cleaned daily, and there’s always something to do — from hula dancing and ballroom lessons to live shows and trivia nights. It’s a lifestyle packed with comfort, community, and entertainment.

But the biggest surprise? It’s actually cheaper than a retirement home. With rising housing costs, expensive care facilities, and soaring energy bills, the couple realised that the cruise fare, which includes food, accommodation, utilities, entertainment, and even laundry, offered far better value. Jess jokes that they’ve been at sea so long they’ve forgotten how to make a bed or wash up.

Instead of spending their golden years in a quiet suburb or care home, they’re sipping wine on the balcony while the world sails by. It’s not just practical — it’s joyful.

A Day in the Life at Sea

While life on a cruise ship might sound like a never-ending holiday, Jess and Marty have settled into a steady rhythm — one that brings structure, movement, and a whole lot of fun. Their mornings start early, with a daily walk around the ship’s deck at 5:30 a.m. It’s still dark at that hour, but for them, it’s peaceful and familiar — a moment to stretch, chat, and take in the sea air before the day begins.

From there, their schedule can include anything from dance classes to live shows. Jess especially loves hula and ballroom dancing, and they both make the most of the ship’s packed calendar of events. There’s always something to look forward to — and always someone to talk to. Meals are leisurely, housekeeping is handled, and the ocean views change by the hour.

Jess doesn’t take many photos. She says the memories live in her mind, and if there’s a place she wants to see again, she knows they’ll likely be back. For them, life on board isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime trip. It’s just life.

They’ve Become Cruise Ship Celebrities

When you spend over a year on the same cruise ship, people start to notice — and Jess and Marty have become nothing short of onboard celebrities. Passengers ask about them before boarding. Crew members treat them like family. Even the hotel general manager jokes that returning to the ship feels like visiting his second mum and dad.

Their presence has become part of the ship’s story. They’re not just passengers anymore — they’re familiar faces who bring warmth and joy to everyone on board. New guests are often surprised to hear there’s a couple who’ve been living on the ship longer than some of the staff. But once they meet Jess and Marty, it all makes sense.

They bring energy, kindness, and a bit of fun wherever they go. Whether they’re at a dance class or enjoying a quiet dinner, there’s always someone stopping to say hello. On the Coral Princess, they’re not just cruising — they’re part of the crew in spirit.

The Cost of Living… or Cruising

At first glance, living on a cruise ship for months or even years might sound expensive, but Jess and Marty say it’s actually the opposite. Compared to the rising costs of retirement villages or care homes, cruising turned out to be a smarter financial move.

Everything is included on board: meals, utilities, cleaning, entertainment, and even basic medical support. There’s no need to pay separate rent, council tax, or household bills. Instead, they enjoy predictable pricing and no surprises when it comes to daily expenses.

While many retirees face isolation or limited activities at home, Jess and Marty are surrounded by people, events, and a full schedule. The value isn’t just in the cost—it’s in the quality of life they get for it. As housing prices soar and interest rates climb, their floating home seems like a clever solution.

A Lifestyle More Are Considering

Jess and Marty might seem like outliers, but they could be part of a growing trend. As the cost of living continues to rise and traditional housing becomes less affordable, more retirees are looking at creative ways to stretch their savings, and cruising is starting to look like a surprisingly smart option.

Living on a cruise ship offers a rare mix of stability and adventure. There’s no yard to maintain, no bills piling up, and no packing or unpacking between destinations. For those who love travel, community, and a bit of luxury, it’s a lifestyle that makes sense — both emotionally and financially.

While it’s not for everyone, Jess and Marty’s story shows what’s possible when you think outside the box — or in this case, the cabin. They’ve traded lawn bowls for ballroom dancing and grocery shopping for gourmet meals at sea. And they’ve done it all with joy, laughter, and an ocean view.

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