Marty and Jessica Ansen, a retired couple from Australia, decided to dedicate their golden years to life at sea. Launching their adventure on June 16, 2022, aboard the Coral Princess out of Brisbane, they embarked on 53 back-to-back cruises, including two circumnavigations of the globe. Over two years, they accumulated an astonishing 800 days at sea before briefly returning home in August 2024 only to set sail again aboard the Crown Princess just three months later, planning to stay on board until at least mid-November.
Finding Community and Comfort at Sea
For the Ansen couple, cruise life is more than just travel—it’s about forging lasting bonds with fellow passengers and crew. Jessica fondly described being part of a close-knit “cruise family,” where they often reunited with familiar faces on each voyage. In an interview with The Telegraph, she reflected, “Some we met on their first voyage and others we see time and time again… The time we spend with other guests—for three months or more—is truly wonderful.”. The pair proudly said they’re ‘living the dream,’ with access to “endless” dining options and “world-class” entertainment onboard.
What They Miss About Land
Despite the luxury and comfort, Marty openly admits there are aspects of land-based living he misses. Primarily, he longs for the freedom to simply drive anywhere at any time. Additionally, the couple finds it challenging to manage everyday tasks—or “life administration”—while constantly shifting through different time zones. Marty conceded, “Travelling through different time zones can also sometimes make it difficult to keep track of the hours.”.
Cost Efficiency: Cheaper Than a Retirement Home
At first glance, a nonstop cruise itinerary may seem extravagant—but Marty and Jessica found it surprisingly affordable. After tallying their expenses, they concluded that these cruises are less costly than living in a retirement home. They’ve already booked voyages on Princess Cruises through September 2, 2027, indicating they plan to continue this afloat lifestyle well into the future.
Staying Connected with Loved Ones
Even at sea, the Ansens make family connections a priority. They regularly see their daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren when their ship docks in Australia. During international voyages, they catch up with friends and extended family in different countries. Jessica reassures that they remain in tune with life back home, thanks to TV and internet access, adding, “We never feel too far away from the news back home.”
Conclusion
Marty and Jessica Ansen’s journey proves that retirement does not have to follow traditional paths. By choosing to live at sea, they have found a lifestyle filled with travel, luxury, and meaningful social connections—all while keeping costs lower than a retirement home. While they occasionally miss the simplicity of land-based life, the freedom to explore the world from their floating home outweighs the drawbacks. Their story shows that with creativity and courage, retirement can become an extraordinary adventure. All said, the Ansens have embraced a life of perpetual adventure—and contentment—on the high seas. It’s a bold departure from conventional retirement, blending exploration, budgeting savvy, and social connection in ways few get to experience.
