Retired Australian Couple Reveal the Hidden Challenges of Spending 800 Days at Sea
For most people, a cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. But for Australian retirees Marty and Jessica Ansen, it has become a way of life. Since June 2022, the couple has spent more than 800 days sailing the globe, hopping from one itinerary to the next, and making cruise ships their floating home.
Their journey began on June 16, 2022, when they boarded the Coral Princess in Brisbane. Instead of disembarking after a few weeks like most passengers, they simply booked the next trip, and then the next. Before long, they had completed two full world cruises and clocked up an extraordinary 53 consecutive voyages.
When they finally returned to dry land in August 2024, their break didn’t last long. Just three months later, they were stepping onto the Crown Princess, where they intend to stay until at least November 2025. And they’re far from finished—Marty and Jessica already have cruises booked through to September 2027.
The perks of endless cruising
The couple admits they’re “living the dream.” Their days are filled with fine dining, Broadway-style entertainment, and the chance to see new destinations without the hassle of packing and unpacking. One of the greatest joys, Jessica says, is the community. Over time, fellow passengers and crew have become more like family than acquaintances.
“Some people we first met years ago, and now we keep crossing paths on future cruises,” she shared. “We have reunions on board, share memories of past trips, and even plan new adventures together. Spending months at sea with the same people creates real friendships.”
The downsides nobody talks about
Still, the Ansens admit there are small drawbacks that come with this unusual lifestyle. Marty confessed that one of the things he misses most is the simple freedom of everyday life.
“Being able to just get in the car and drive wherever you like—that’s something you can’t do on a ship,” he said.
Time zones also create unexpected headaches. Managing bills, appointments, and phone calls back in Australia can get confusing when the ship is constantly crossing international waters.
Yet despite these minor inconveniences, the couple insists they wouldn’t trade their lifestyle for anything. In fact, they discovered that cruising long-term is not only more enjoyable than living in a retirement village—it’s cheaper.
Staying close to home while far away
Even though they spend most of the year overseas, the Ansens say they never feel cut off. Whenever the ship docks in Australia, they reunite with their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. And thanks to internet and satellite TV, they always keep up with the latest news from home.
“Even on the other side of the world, we never feel disconnected from Australia,” Jessica explained.
From breathtaking destinations to lifelong friendships, Marty and Jessica have built a retirement unlike any other. For them, the ocean isn’t just a holiday—it’s home.