“An Australian couple shares their journey of 53 back-to-back cruises, revealing the challenges of life at sea and why they chose cruising over a traditional retirement home.”
Marty and Jessica Ansen, a retired couple from Australia, have turned their golden years into a continuous adventure, dedicating themselves to 53 back-to-back cruises. After stepping aboard their first cruise in June 2022, they have since sailed the seas, enjoying world-class dining, endless entertainment, and a sense of community that has made their life at sea a dream come true. However, like everything in life, ship living does come with a few challenges.
While the couple admits their lifestyle has allowed them to live their dream, they recently revealed the “worst” part of their sea-based existence.
Living the Dream: Cruises Over Retirement Homes
Marty and Jessica’s journey began when they boarded the Coral Princess in Brisbane, Australia, for their first cruise. Over the next two years, they enjoyed two round-the-world itineraries and sailed on 53 cruises, totaling 800 days at sea. After returning to land briefly in August 2024, the couple didn’t stay on dry land for long, immediately hopping onto the Crown Princess for their next adventure, which they plan to continue until November 2025.
For the couple, this lifestyle has been far from ordinary. They’ve created a close-knit cruise “family,” often encountering familiar crew members and passengers. “Some we met on their first voyage, and others we see time and time again,” said Jessica in an interview with The Telegraph. “We enjoy the get-togethers and the reminiscing of past adventures and we plan for future cruises together. The time we spend with other guests – sometimes for three months or more – is truly wonderful.”
The Ansens, who have already booked cruises through to September 2027, have enjoyed the freedom and luxury of cruise life. They have access to endless dining options, world-class entertainment, and the chance to visit exotic destinations. What’s more, they found that cruising is cheaper than living in a retirement home, which made their decision even easier.
Challenges: Life at Sea Has Its Downsides
Despite the allure of constant travel and relaxation, the couple admitted that there are a couple of things they miss while living at sea. Marty noted one of his biggest challenges: “I miss being able to drive wherever you want to go whenever you like,” he shared. “It can be frustrating not having the same mobility you would if you lived in one place.”
Jessica echoed some of these frustrations, pointing out the complexities of managing “life administration” while traveling. “Travelling through different time zones can sometimes make it difficult to keep track of the hours,” she added.
Yet, despite these challenges, the couple feels that they are living a fulfilling life. They stay in touch with their daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whenever the ship docks in Australia. When the ship travels internationally, they stay connected with family and friends in various countries, ensuring they never feel too far from home. “We never feel too far away from the news back home,” Jessica assured.
Cruising vs. Retirement Homes: A Cheaper Alternative
One of the biggest revelations from the couple’s lifestyle is the financial benefit. When comparing their cruise expenses to the cost of living in a retirement home, Marty and Jessica found they were spending less on their voyages. The cost of room, board, entertainment, and dining on the cruise ship was significantly cheaper than living in a traditional retirement community, making their decision to continue cruising an easy one.
The couple’s experience highlights an emerging trend in travel and retirement, where some people are opting for life on the water instead of settling into a retirement home. For Marty and Jessica, the rewards of cruising outweigh the minor inconveniences, and their lifestyle continues to give them a sense of freedom and adventure.
