I think all of us look forward to retirement. We may not necessarily relish the thought of it, but it is something to consider, even from a young age.
Although some people may lock themselves into something specific for retirement, there are actually many options that are out there. You might even enjoy trying the option that Marty and Jess Ansen are doing, as it is an epic way to enjoy retirement.
They knew that they had to find something that would sustain them through their golden years. Rather than opting for a retirement home, they decided to save money and they booked 51 consecutive cruises.
It all started last June when they got on board the Coral Princess. This was about two years after the strict Australian coronavirus lockdowns finally were released.
For a year and a half, this older couple has been watching the world from the deck of a cruise ship and enjoying everything about it. Not only do they have access to delicious food 24 hours a day, there are plenty of friends to make as well.
Some people may jump from one cruise to another but this couple decided to stay on board the same cruise ship for 450 days. They are expecting to remain on board for at least two years.
Marty works with a travel agent and tells them to book whatever becomes available. That’s how they were able to book 51 consecutive cruises. In fact, they are there more than many other people on the ship, even outlasting the captain.
Jess even says that they welcome the different captains on board.
The hotel manager on board the Coral Princess, Ren van Rooyen said that they are very loyal and dedicated. He said is like having a second mother and father on board the ship.
In addition, he shared that they have become cruise line celebrities, as those who get on board for a short cruise may request to meet them and hear their story.
This isn’t the first time that they have enjoyed cruising. They’ve actually loved being on board a ship for many years, but when they were faced with paying for a retirement home, they opted for the less expensive route of staying on a cruise ship.
They spoke about the activities they enjoyed, saying: Where else can you go? You go for dinner, you go to a show, you go dancing. Through the day, you have all these activities.”
Every morning, they play ping-pong for an hour and then enjoy a couple of beers on their balcony. The housekeepers take care of their daily chores, and Marty even joked that they don’t know how to make a bed any longer.
In his words, they have to stay on board just to stay alive.
After another eight months on board, they will disembark the Coral Princess and stay on land for a few months. It’s a short break, and they are looking forward to life on board the cruise ship again.