Prepare to have your mind blown as we introduce you to the ultimate globetrotting couple who are rewriting the rules of retirement! Marty and Jess Ansen, hailing from Australia, have embarked on an awe-inspiring journey that has seen them cruise through 51 back-to-back voyages, all for a cost that’s mind-bogglingly less than a retirement home.
The Ansen duo, passionate about cruising for decades, found themselves landlocked like the rest of us when the pandemic paralyzed the cruise industry. But their yearning for the open sea was insatiable, and when the tides turned, they took it to a whole new level.
Their epic journey began in June last year when they stepped aboard the luxurious Coral Princess ship, lured by the siren call of sumptuous buffets, captivating entertainment, and intense table tennis rivalries. Fast forward more than a year, and they’re still aboard, making them the ship’s most unwavering residents, outlasting even the captain.
Marty, their cruise maestro, revealed their secret: “Eventually, I said to my agent, ‘Look, whatever comes, book it,’ and that’s how it got to be such a long cruise.” The couple, unwavering in their maritime odyssey, has booked 51 consecutive cruises, cementing their status as the most devoted passengers a ship could wish for.
Ren van Rooyen, the ship’s hotel manager, described Jess and Marty as their extended family at sea. “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 – they’re like my second mum and dad on board,” said Van Rooyen.
For Jess and Marty, life aboard the Coral Princess is a dream come true. They savor every moment, from the gourmet meals included in their cruise package to the daily housekeeping pampering. This extraordinary lifestyle, they insist, is not only cost-effective but also fosters heartfelt connections with the ship’s crew.
Last month, the ship’s crew orchestrated a surprise birthday celebration for Jess, highlighting the deep bonds they’ve formed on this remarkable journey. While most tourists disembark after a week, Jess and Marty have forged an enviable routine that keeps them both fit and entertained.
Each day begins with an exhilarating hour of table tennis, a shared passion that brings immense joy. As Jess puts it, “We do it together, and we have a lot of fun.” These spirited matches serve as the perfect prelude to indulging in the ship’s sumptuous buffets.
With over 450 consecutive days of cruising etched into their adventurous legacy, Jess and Marty firmly believe they would continue this odyssey for the rest of their lives if given the chance.
In a world where retirement often conjures images of quiet contemplation, these two intrepid explorers have redefined what it means to live the dream. Jess and Marty Ansen are true testament that life’s grandest adventures await those who dare to keep sailing against the currents!
