Marty and Jess Ansen, a retired couple from Australia, have captured international attention after booking an incredible 51 back-to-back cruises. After carefully crunching the numbers, the pair made a surprising discovery: living permanently at sea was actually more affordable than moving into a traditional retirement home or aged care facility.Since June 2022, the Ansens have been living full-time aboard Princess Cruises’ ships.
They enjoy all the comforts of luxury cruising, including all-inclusive dining, daily housekeeping, entertainment, and the ability to travel the world without ever having to unpack for good. What began as occasional holiday cruises has now turned into a permanent lifestyle, as the couple has fully transitioned from regular travelers to full-time residents of the ocean. In doing so, they have traded the conventional path of senior care for a life filled with constant adventure and new destinations.Today, Marty and Jess Ansen are well-known and treated like celebrities among both the ship’s crew and fellow passengers.
Their unique story has made them local legends within the cruising community. The couple has announced that they plan to continue this extraordinary maritime lifestyle at least through 2026 and possibly even longer.Their creative approach to retirement serves as inspiring proof that there are fulfilling, adventurous, and financially smart ways to spend your golden years — all while exploring the world from the deck of a cruise ship.
