In a world where traditional retirement plans often involve downsizing to a smaller home or moving to a retirement community, there is an elderly couple who have decided to take a completely different path. Meet Nancy and Robert Houchens, a retired couple who decided to spend their golden years on cruise ships. Yes, you read that right, they live on cruise ships and do it because they love it, and it’s surprisingly cheap.
The Houchens’ journey to this unique retirement lifestyle began with a desire for simplicity and peace. They made the bold decision to sell almost everything they owned, including their house. Nancy explained, “Our plan was to sell everything we owned and primarily live on cruise ships. We’ve done a very good job of that since we retired.” In fact, their possessions were pared down to the point where they could fit everything in the back of a pickup truck.
“But what if you’re too old to sail?” you might be wondering. Nancy and Robert thought about it too. They decided to keep the small condo they own in Florida and make sure they have a place to call home when they can no longer sail. As for the rest of their stuff, it’s tucked away in a compact 10×10 storage area. In essence, they abandoned the traditional characteristics of home ownership to embrace life at sea.
cheaper than a nursing home
“Once you get to our age. There’s no stress and it’s significantly cheaper to live on a cruise ship than a nursing home or assisted living,” noted Robert.
Cruising has several advantages for the couple living on a cruise ship. Not only will they enjoy sailing and see beautiful places, but they will also manage to save some money.
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Virginia, where the couple is from, is $4,850, according to Seaton Senior Living. For two, it will be almost ten thousand a month.
The couple’s first monthly spending plan was $4,000 including tip. Naturally, as the prices went up, the budget had to increase a bit. We may or may not need internet depending on where we are traveling,” Nancy stated.
“Our phone plan covers almost everywhere for 25 cents a minute calls with free internet and text,” Nancy said. In addition, one of their credit cards offers travel insurance and they have an annual travel insurance plan.
A thousand days at sea
It is unusual to find a couple living on a cruise ship, let alone one that has also traveled the sea for a thousand days. On their favorite Fun Ship, the Spirit-Class Carnival Pride, both Nancy and Robert were honored for reaching the 1,000-day milestone the previous year.
The Houchs say they have lived and sailed with them for more than 20 years, since their children were small. Because of their fantastic deals, carnival cruises have always been their first choice when sailing.
“Carnival offers fantastic benefits to its loyal patrons. They clean our cottage, prepare meals and wash up, so we put pen to paper and I wondered, ‘Why do we need to go somewhere with so much money he could be spending?'” said Nancy.
The couple’s current residence is very practical for them and allows them to take full advantage of their retirement without having to worry about the responsibilities of daily life on the farm.
Celebrity cruises
The couple replied that they never found living on board a ship to be boring because of all the fantastic places and activities it offers. According to Nancy, they often used to party and stay up late, but these days they prefer to rest.
While the pair love all the activities on board and the stunning locations, sailing now feels different to them.
Richard Burk sums up their view of cruising beautifully: “We cruise Carnival for the people. For us, the journey is now more important than the final destination, and the people along the way are its most important component.”
So how do you feel about this retirement plan? It’s unconventional, to say the least, but it’s a dream come true for Nancy and Robert Houchens and others like them. It’s a reminder that retirement doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all; it can be an adventure full of excitement, new experiences and the freedom to live life on your own terms. As the Houchens continue their odyssey at sea, they remind us that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding destinations.
Watch this adventure video with Houches and leave your comments.