Retirement is a life stage that many of us look forward to. It’s a time when we can finally step back from the hustle and bustle of our careers and enjoy the fruits of our labor. For some, retirement may mean pursuing hobbies, spending time with family, or traveling the world. While many people commit to specific retirement plans, there are a number of unconventional options that can make your golden years truly unique.
Marty and Jess Ansen, an adventurous couple who knew they wanted something different for retirement, decided on an unconventional path. Instead of opting for a traditional retirement community or settling in one place, they made the bold financial decision to embark on a remarkable journey of 51 consecutive cruises. This decision allowed them to save money while enjoying the joys of retirement in a unique and exciting way.
Their extraordinary journey began in June last year when they stepped aboard the Coral Princess cruise ship. It was a liberating moment for them, especially after enduring two years of Australia’s strict coronavirus lockdowns. Coral Princess has become their home away from home for the past year and a half and they are making the most of every moment.
They make friends easily and have access to good food every day.
While some travelers might skip from one cruise to another, this couple chose to spend 450 days at sea.
They intend to stay in the team for at least two years.
Marty instructs the travel agency he works with to make all available reservations.
They were able to book 51 direct cruises this way. In fact, they had been on board the ship longer than most of the other passengers, even the captain.
Jess even claims that they are happy to have different captains on board.
According to Ren van Rooyen, hotel manager on board the Coral Princess, they are incredibly dedicated and loyal. It’s like having a second mother and father on the ship, he claimed.
He added that anyone who joins a short cruise can ask to meet them and hear their story, effectively making them cruise superstars.
They had enjoyed sailing before. They have actually enjoyed living on a boat for many years, but when faced with the choice between paying for a retirement home and staying on a cruise ship, they chose the cheaper option.
Where else can you go, they said as they discussed the things they liked to do. You go to dinner, to a show, and to a dance. You have to do all these things during the day.
Every morning they play ping-pong for an hour before having a few beers on the balcony. The housekeepers manage their daily duties and Marty even jokes about how they don’t know how to make the bed anymore.
He claimed they had to stay on board to survive.
However, their journey will not be without breaks. After spending another eight months on the Coral Princess, they plan to disembark and stay on land for several months. However, their short vacation on land will only strengthen their desire to return to the cruise ship and continue their extraordinary retirement journey.
Marty and Jesse Ansen’s unconventional choice to forgo a typical retirement home for a life of 51 consecutive cruises is a testament to the idea that retirement can be a time of discovery, adventure, and limitless possibilities. Their story serves as an inspiration to others who want to break away from convention and make the most of their golden years in a truly unique way. In an age where retirement options are more diverse than ever, their journey stands out as a remarkable and compelling example of the unconventional paths one can take in later life.