Marty and Jess Ansen, a retired couple from Australia, have spent the last 18 months living at sea, choosing 51 cruises over traditional retirement. They began their journey on the Coral Princess, where they’ve enjoyed dancing, fine dining, and making lifelong friendships.

Instead of a retirement home, they find cruises more economical, with meals and room upkeep included. Marty jokes that they’ve become so accustomed to ship life that basic tasks like making a bed seem foreign now.

Their journey, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic to escape lockdown, continues as they head to Hawaii, with plans for a year-long voyage ahead.