Retired Couple Book 51 Back-To-Back Cruises Because It's Cheaper Than Paying For Retirement Home

They figured out an ingenious way to avoid the high costs associated with moving into a retirement home.

For many, the idea of living in a retirement home is a given when planning for the golden years. 

However, Marty and Jess discovered that they could significantly cut down on their expenses with an alternative plan. 

Both have always cherished their time spent on cruise ships, enjoying the sea, the activities, and the sense of adventure that comes with cruising. 

Credit: 9News

It dawned on them that the cost of living on cruise ships back-to-back would be less than residing in a retirement home.

It's quite surprising to think that cruising, often seen as a luxury and expensive way to travel, could offer a more economical option compared to retirement living.

This realization led them to book not one, not two, but 51 consecutive cruises.

This decision speaks volumes about the current state of social care costs, highlighting how 51 cruises can end up being a more budget-friendly choice.

Their cruising adventure was momentarily halted by the Coronavirus pandemic, which forced them to stay on land longer than they would have liked.

Eager to return to their life at sea, in June of the previous year, they embarked on the Coral Princess ship.

Onboard, they've been able to indulge in entertainment, enjoy buffets, and even partake in table tennis matches.

The pair play table tennis every morning. Credit: 9News

More than a year has passed, and Marty and Jess are still happily cruising.

Marty shared with A Current Affair that their journey extended to such a length almost by chance, saying, "Eventually I said to my agent, 'Look, whatever comes, book it' and that's how it got to be such a long cruise." 

As a result, they've stayed on the ship longer than anyone else, including the various captains who have come and gone.

Ren van Rooyen, the hotel manager on the Coral Princess, regards Jess and Marty as some of the most dedicated passengers.

Van Rooyen affectionately compares their return visits to reuniting with family, saying:

They booked 51 consecutive cruises. Credit: 9News

"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."

Their cruise package includes all their meals and daily housekeeping, further proving to them that their lifestyle choice is more cost-effective than a retirement home.

The couple has also forged strong relationships with the ship's crew, who even threw a surprise birthday celebration for Jess.

While some guests might long for dry land after a short while, Marty and Jess are not among them.

They've established a daily routine to keep active and entertained, starting each morning with an hour of table tennis, which Jess describes as "a lot of fun" and the perfect workout before indulging in the ship's buffets.

Having spent over 450 days cruising non-stop, Jess and Marty have expressed their desire to continue this lifestyle indefinitely if possible.

Their story offers a unique perspective on retirement living, showcasing an adventurous alternative to traditional retirement plans.