Marty and Jessica Ansen, an Australian couple, have embarked on an extraordinary retirement adventure. Instead of settling into a traditional nursing home, they have opted to spend their golden years cruising the high seas, booking an astonishing 51 consecutive cruises.

For over 40 years, Marty and Jess have been passionate about cruising. The pandemic forced them to put their beloved pastime on hold for two years, but as soon as cruising resumed, they wasted no time in booking as many voyages as possible. “The cruise is our thing, it’s what we’ve always done,” Marty explained to the Mirror.

In June 2022, the couple began their extended journey aboard the Coral Princess. These seasoned travelers recently docked in Sydney for the ship’s resupply and are currently sailing towards Hawaii. Their incredible adventure shows no signs of slowing down, and they remain as enthusiastic as ever.

Life on a cruise ship offers numerous advantages for the Ansens. “You have all your meals prepared, you don’t need to cook. You see a show every night, and you go dancing after the show, then you go to dinner, and you go back to your cabin nice and quiet,” Jess enthused. The couple jokingly admits that they’ve forgotten how to make a bed or do dishes, having been pampered by the ship’s amenities for so long.

The Ansens have become celebrities on board, with staff and passengers alike enjoying their company. Many travelers request to have their photos taken with the couple, who have become an integral part of the ship’s community.

Ren van Rooyen, the new cruise director, has developed a special bond with Marty and Jess. “We often joke together, and I say to them, every time I leave and come back, it’s like I’m seeing family members again,” van Rooyen shared. “They’re like my second parents on board!”

The ship’s crew has grown incredibly fond of the Ansens, treating them like family. Last month, they even organized a surprise celebration for Jess’s birthday, showcasing the strong connections they’ve formed.

To avoid boredom, Marty and Jess have established a well-structured daily routine. They start their day with an hour of ping-pong, after which Marty heads to the deck for some exercise while Jess participates in quizzes and bingo. “We only stay together in the cabin at night. So we can go out during the day and do whatever we want!” Marty explained. Sometimes, they spend entire days apart, eagerly reuniting to share their experiences.

The couple asserts that living on a cruise ship is more cost-effective than residing in a nursing home. Their claim echoes the experience of Ryan Gutridge, an IT engineer who, after some financial calculations, realized that the cost of working at sea was nearly equivalent to working on land. Gutridge plans to sell his apartment by 2025 to enjoy a “stress-free” life cruising.

Marty and Jess are fully embracing the carefree lifestyle, living in the moment and relishing their time together. Despite their age, they feel young at heart and continue to seize life with enthusiasm.

Once their current voyage concludes, the Ansens have no intention of returning home. Instead, they will board the Crown Princess for a thrilling world tour, eagerly anticipating the new experiences and destinations that await them.

The Ansens’ story serves as an inspiration for those seeking alternative retirement plans. Their tale may encourage others to cross paths with like-minded individuals, such as Ryan Gutridge, who share their passion for unconventional living.

While the couple acknowledges that they may eventually need to return to land-based living, they choose to focus on the present, savoring every moment of their incredible journey.

The Ansens’ adventure reflects a growing trend among retirees who are opting for unconventional lifestyles. Their story highlights the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in one’s golden years, regardless of the path chosen.

Marty and Jessica Ansen’s remarkable journey and infectious zest for life serve as a reminder that retirement can be an exciting new chapter. Their story encourages readers to pursue their own unique paths to happiness, embracing the opportunities that life presents.