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For many, retirement means gardening, sleeping, cooking or just spending time with grandchildren. But for this Australian couple who are also great-grandparents, retirement looks like a forever sea sojourn. Meet Marty and Jess Ansen , who made retirement look like a fun journey. The couple made global headlines after sharing their secret that they had spent more than 450 days continuously living aboard the Coral Princess after they retired. Their story has sparked conversations around the world about travel, retirement and conventional retirement living.


A retirement dream born after the pandemic


Like millions across the globe, Marty and Jess too had travel plans which got shattered because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple waited for months for cruise operations to resume and once it did, the couple finally boarded the Coral Princess in June 2022. But the couple soon realised that living on a cruise was much more cost-effective than staying in a retirement village. So they did not return home after their first sea voyage ended, instead they kept booking one cruise after another, eventually reserving 51 consecutive sailings, which is so awesome.


By the time they completed their remarkable journey, they had spent well over 450 days at sea, visiting ports across Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and more.


"After dinner at night, we go to a show and maybe go dancing," Jess Ansen told ABC News about how her typical evening plans looked like with her husband. "I mean, where else can you do that?"


Financial decision


The couple, who have been married for 53 years, went on their most cruise adventure last summer and have been relishing their retired life on the high seas.


One of the most surprising aspects of their story wasn't just the number of days spent sailing—it was the reason they chose to stay. As per the couple, living aboard a cruise ship proved cheaper than moving into a retirement or nursing home in Australia.


"For us, it's more cost effective than a retirement village. But it might not be for everybody," Marty Ansen said further in the interview.


It covered:


Comfortable rooms
Three meals and snacks
Housekeeping
Live entertainment
Swimming pools and recreational facilities
Organised activities
Medical staff onboard for basic healthcare needs


Rather than paying separately for utilities, groceries and cleaning, the couple decided to enjoy an all-inclusive lifestyle while waking up in a different destination every few days.


Sea became their home


As the weeks turned into months, the Coral Princess crew became more than just hospitality staff—they became an extended family.


Crew members reportedly knew Marty and Jess by name along with remembering their preferences. The couple often joked that they had become permanent residents of the ship.


What makes Marty and Jess Ansen's story remarkable is that it challenges the conventional idea of retirement. Instead of living and settling into one place or a retirement home, they chose movement, they chose sea over routine. What’s better than waking up to new destinations every day! Not the same streets but a new sunrise and sunset view at sea everyday.


Their floating home offered not only the best meals and accommodation with the best sea views, but also a sense of community, discovery, purpose and exploration. Every new sojourn brought another coastline, another destination to see and explore. A new culture awaited and another diary to fill with new adventure.



For many retirees, loneliness can become a major challenge after leaving work and kids settling in their own lives with their families. Travel or cruise ships naturally encourage social interaction, and allow to meet new people from around the world every day.


"This is how retirement should be," Jess Ansen said.


The Australian couple have said they hope to continue cruising for as long as possible.


Sources: Interviews with Marty and Jess Ansen reported by international media including Today (Australia), ABC News; Images: X and Instagram