Couple Swap Bills and 9–5 Life for Cruise Ship Living And Say They’re Saving Money Doing It

Imagine swapping your mortgage, utility bills, and grocery runs for an all-inclusive life at sea, without being a millionaire. That’s exactly what one couple from Hawaii did when they sold their business, gave up their home, and committed to living on a cruise ship for the next 15 years.

And here’s the kicker: it costs them less than rent in Maui. Now sailing around the world on a residential cruise line, they say their new lifestyle isn’t just for the ultra-rich; it’s for anyone bold enough to try it.

Meet the Couple

After watching their moving day vlog, where they haul luggage, explore their surprisingly spacious cabin, and toast to a new life at sea, it’s clear just how excited Lanette and Johan were on day one. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s easy to see why they’ve captured the imagination of so many.

They filmed their moving-in day on their YouTube channel, exploring their new home. You can watch it here:

Lanette and Johan Canen were both 55 when they decided to retire early, sell their rental car business, and say goodbye to life in Hawaii. But instead of downsizing to a flat or relocating somewhere cheaper, they did something far more radical: they moved onto a cruise ship.

They now live full-time aboard Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential vessel designed for long-term life at sea. For them, it wasn’t about luxury, it was about freedom, simplicity, and, surprisingly, saving money.

The Numbers: What It Costs to Live at Sea

You might expect a 15-year world cruise to cost a fortune — but Lanette and Johan say their monthly expenses come in at around $3,600. That covers their food, WiFi, drinks, laundry service, and even fresh sheets twice a week.

They also purchased their private cabin for around $100,000, locking in their place on board for the long haul. According to the couple, it’s half the price of what they were spending to live in Maui — and they no longer have to worry about rent hikes, utility bills, or even car maintenance.

Related reading: This Man Ditched Rent for a Floating Apartment – And It’s Cheaper Than You’d Think

The Lifestyle

Since setting sail, Lanette and Johan have visited over 25 countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands. They say many of these places weren’t even on their original travel bucket list, but the journey has opened their eyes to unexpected wonders.

Their favourite destinations so far? The Galapagos Islands (especially Isabela Island), the British Virgin Islands, and Jamaica stand out. From bar hopping in Casablanca to spotting penguins in Argentina, it’s a mix of nature, culture, and the occasional cocktail.

With no housework, no lawn to mow, and no daily errands, their time is spent soaking up new cultures, making videos, snorkelling, and socialising. “We thought we’d be bored on sea days,” they laugh. “But there’s always something to do, even if it’s just sharing sangria with friends or dancing at a silent disco night.”

Why They Say This Is for “Normal People”

The couple often hears the same thing: “You must be rich to do this.” But their response is simple: it’s actually cheaper than their old life in Hawaii.

With living costs skyrocketing in many cities, they argue that life at sea can be more affordable than people realise. No rent, no council tax, no car insurance — just one monthly fee that covers almost everything. “This isn’t just for the ultra-rich,” Johan says. “It’s for normal people who think differently.”

Is There a Downside?

Of course, life at sea isn’t always smooth sailing. Unpredictable weather can cancel stops at even the most anticipated ports, like the time they missed the Falklands. And sourcing familiar food can sometimes be a challenge.

And then there’s “sea legs”. Johan admits to feeling wobbly when stepping on land after long stretches on the water. But for them, it’s a small price to pay.

The Alternatives

Living on a residential cruise ship isn’t the only way to embrace life at sea. Many long-term cruisers opt for back-to-back cruises — booking one sailing after another, often on the same cruise line, without a permanent home on board.

Take “Super Mario,” who’s spent over two decades cruising continuously with Royal Caribbean, or Laura from “Living on Cruise Control,” who sails solo for under $1,000 a month. While it might mean more packing and unpacking, it offers flexibility, and for some, it’s even cheaper than staying put on land.

Could This Work for You?

If you’re not tied to a job or a mortgage, long-term cruising might be more doable than you think. Some people fund it by selling their home or using pension income, while others dip their toes in with a short stint before committing long-term.

Cruise lines like Villa Vie even offer a “try-before-you-buy” programme, letting would-be seafarers test the waters first. And if you’re retired or earning income remotely, swapping property taxes and utility bills for world travel might not just be possible — it might make financial sense.

Johan and Lanette also highlight the sense of community on board. They regularly run into familiar faces in ports, supermarkets, or just wandering around town. “It’s like being semi-local everywhere you go,” they say. Over six months, strangers have turned into friends, and their small cabin feels like home.

Final Thoughts

Lanette and Johan’s story proves that life at sea isn’t just a fantasy reserved for the wealthy. With some bold choices and a shift in priorities, they’ve traded possessions for passport stamps — and haven’t looked back.

Cruise life won’t be for everyone, but if you crave adventure, simplicity, and freedom from the 9–5 grind, it might just be the unconventional retirement plan you didn’t know was possible. As Johan puts it, “We don’t need things anymore — just experiences.”

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