Marty and Jessica Ansen have been married for 57 years and share a passion for traveling by cruise . However, due to work and family commitments, they were unable to indulge in their love for cruising as often as they wished. In June 2022, they decided to make a radical change to their lifestyle and boarded the Coral Princess cruise ship for the first time in Brisbane, Australia . This moment marked the beginning of a journey across the seven seas that continues to this day.
Since their inaugural voyage, the Ansens have enjoyed an impressive 111 cruises , transforming these massive vessels into their new floating home. They have already made reservations for more journeys extending until September 2027 . According to their family, living the cruise lifestyle is substantially cheaper than residing in a traditional home—plus, it is undeniably more enjoyable.
On Endless Vacations
As shared by Princess Cruises in Australia on their Instagram page, Marty and Jessica have spent 2,335 days on cruises over their lives, participating in 111 voyages , with 33 more cruises already booked until 2027.
<img alt="Under the infinity pools of luxury cruise ships there is no rest: 80-hour days seven days a week" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/0f7f87/empleo-en-cruceros/375_142.jpeg"/>This routine of non-stop sailing has allowed them to explore a variety of global destinations, indulging in unlimited food , high-level entertainment, and a vibrant community atmosphere on board, leading them to forge friendships not just with fellow passengers but also with the crew.
They have carved out a comfortable life aboard, as every cruise includes cleaning services and meals, freeing them from many of the responsibilities of land-based living. “Now we no longer know how to wash the dishes or make our beds because we haven’t done that in a long time. So now we have to stay on board to survive,” Marty joked in an interview with Australian television.
Moreover, the Ansens remain connected with their family. The cruise couple seizes the opportunity during their stopovers at various ports across Australia to visit their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As Ren van Rooyen, hotel manager aboard the Coral Princess , noted, Marty and Jessica have become “kind of local celebrities,” easily making friends throughout their travels.
<span>Tap on the photo to go to the original message</span>As the couple recently explained to The Telegraph , they leverage these stopovers to reconnect with friends they’ve met globally. “When our ship visits other countries, we meet up with family and friends we have met at sea in places like Ireland , Canada , the Netherlands , Alaska , and New Zealand ,” Marty shared.
Living Aboard a Cruise Ship
Most people envision cruise ships as temporary accommodations for vacations. However, similar to those who live permanently in hotels, some individuals opt to live year-round on cruise ships.
Such is the case for the Ansens. According to their children and grandchildren, living on a cruise ship is more economical than residing in a nursing home. This unique lifestyle encompasses meals, cabin maintenance, and access to various activities and medical services—all significant advantages for older adults.
To maintain their health and vitality, the couple has developed a straightforward yet effective daily routine that includes an hour of table tennis each morning. This physical activity not only bolsters their fitness but also boosts their mental well-being, allowing them to enjoy the ever-changing scenery and the multitude of services provided by the cruise.
Despite the myriad benefits, life aboard a cruise ship is not entirely without its challenges. The couple faces the inconvenience of continuously changing time zones, which can lead to some confusion about the elapsed time. Marty playfully lamented, “I miss being able to drive wherever I wanted to go whenever I wanted,” highlighting one of the inherent limitations of life at sea. Yet, they consider these minor inconveniences trivial compared to the enriching experience of living aboard a cruise ship, which they deem both more affordable and fulfilling than traditional senior living arrangements.
In Xataka , a report details another individual who has been living from cruise to cruise for 25 years ; interestingly, his greatest challenge has been not finances, but maintaining balance in a constantly shifting environment.
Image | Princess Cruises