Cheaper than a retirement home: Aussie couple living on cruise ship

As the cost of living bites, it pays to think creatively.

That's exactly what an Australian couple did after working out that living on a cruise ship was, for them, cheaper than moving into a retirement home.

Marty and Jess Ansen have now been on board Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess for almost two years, and as Seven Sharp reporter Daniel Faitaua discovered when he met the Ansens — a couple who cruise together, stay together.

The Brisbane couple embarked on back-to-back cruises in June 2022, and have yet to stop — clocking a total of 51 trips so far.

The great-grandparents have stayed onboard the Coral Princess longer than most of the crew, including the ship's captains.

"We're on board longer than anybody else. The wheels change over, but we stay on board," Marty told A Current Affair. "We welcome the different captains on board."

Even the ship's hotel manager, Ren van Rooyen, has spent less time on board than the couple.

"We always make a joke that I go away and I come back and it's like coming to see my family — my mum and dad again. Tthey're like my second mum and dad on board," Van Rooyen said.

"Everyone knows them around the ship, they're celebrities on board.

"Even the guests know them. They're local celebrities."

Ultimately, the Ansens opted for life on the sea because of living costs and the lifestyle.

"It's the crew, it's the service, it's the neverending being looked after. We don't do anything, we float around the world on a beautiful ship being pampered," shared Marty.

"It's a wonderful life."

And it's a life that's caught the attention of the media, with the couple's cruising adventures making headlines around the world.

“The cruise lifestyle is very efficient," the Ansens told People.

"You don’t have to worry about paying for rent or a mortgage, getting groceries or doing your laundry.

"We’re not young people," they added. "Cruising is much cheaper than going to a nursing home and means we can continue to travel the world.”

When they booked, the couple said it was cheaper than being in a rest home.

From Hawaii to Japan, Alaska to the Norwegian Fjords, the ship's capacity is full — 2,000 guests looked after by almost 900 staff.

"Sometimes I think I'm just living in a dream world because it's so far removed from reality.

"I absolutely love Hawaii. Hawaii has got atmosphere, people are happy — a bit like New Zealand I think," said Jess.

The crew on board have become like family, and Jess has also been assigned a job — she helps out in the ship's library.

"It keeps her busy," said Marty. "She enjoys people, and meeting passengers is part of the cruising experience."

An experience Princess Cruises knows well. The ships featured on the 70s TV show Love Boat.

"That's why we're in love — because we're on the ship," said Marty. "We've been together a long time."

And their secret?

"I do what I'm told," quipped Marty.

The couple will likely deboard the ship in August 2024.