Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Couple Opts for 15-Year World Cruise to Dodge Rising Living Costs
Faced with escalating household expenses, a couple has embarked on a unique and extended retirement adventure: spending the next 15 years living aboard a continuous around-the-world cruise. Lanette and Johan Canen, both 55, are six months into their unconventional lifestyle on the Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential-style cruise offering a perpetually moving home.
Setting Sail for Affordability and Adventure
The Canens describe their decision to embrace life at sea as a “no-brainer,” particularly in light of spiraling costs in their previous home of Hawaii. This immersive global voyage aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey, which promises stops at 425 ports across 147 countries over three and a half years, provides them with a guaranteed living space for the next 15 years through a unique rental agreement.
Having lived in Hawaii for a decade, the couple initially envisioned spending their retirement there. However, a cruise holiday ignited a new vision. “We were captivated by the Odyssey,” Johan explained, detailing their transition from land to sea. To finance their seafaring lifestyle, they sold their car rental business, directly addressing assumptions about the financial implications of such a lifestyle. “People might assume we are ultra-wealthy to do this, but it’s actually more economical than our rent and daily expenses in Hawaii. This lifestyle is accessible to ordinary individuals,” Johan asserted.
All-Inclusive Living on the High Seas
For a monthly rate starting at £2,716 for the most affordable cabin, the Canens enjoy an all-inclusive package that encompasses meals, beverages, Wi-Fi access, and twice-weekly cleaning services. They contrasted this with the ultra-luxury residential cruise ship “The World,” where substantial assets are a prerequisite for consideration. The Villa Vie Odyssey presents a significantly more accessible and affordable alternative for long-term living at sea.
Embracing a Life of Experiences Over Possessions
For Lanette and Johan, this move transcends mere cost savings; it’s about prioritizing experiences and shedding the burdens of traditional homeownership. “We have no exit strategy,” Johan stated. “At 55, we’re at a stage where experiences are more valuable than possessions. We’ve gone from owning 31 cars to none.” This radical downsizing reflects a broader shift in their values, emphasizing freedom and adventure over material wealth.
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“The feeling of having no responsibilities is incredible,” Lanette added, highlighting the perks of their unique living arrangement. “Having our laundry done and fresh sheets twice a week, the service is exceptional – we truly feel pampered. There are absolutely no regrets; I am completely enamored with this lifestyle.”
Cost-Effective Compared to Land-Based Living
When shared, cabin costs can drop to approximately £1,403 per person monthly. Lanette points out this figure is comparable to average rent and utility bills in major cities like London, but without the added benefits of global travel and comprehensive service. “With the ongoing surge in rental prices worldwide, this could very well become a novel and appealing way of life,” Lanette suggested. Johan further emphasized the relevance in the context of remote work trends, stating, “This is undoubtedly the future, especially with the rise of working from home.”
Exploring the Globe, One Port at a Time
Currently positioned in the Caribbean, the couple has already explored 25 countries, including destinations such as Belfast, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, and various locales in South America. Unlike conventional cruises with brief port visits, Villa Vie Odyssey offers guests up to four days in each location, facilitating deeper cultural immersion and exploration.
Balancing Luxury with Practicalities
While enjoying luxurious dining options, such as elaborate buffets featuring Lamb Biriyani and Spanish paella, the Canens also navigate the practicalities of extended maritime living. They recounted an instance where they disembarked in Benham, Brazil, for a cost-effective two-night stay in a rented holiday home with friends.
Looking ahead, they plan to visit their grandchild in Arizona, USA, taking a ten-day break in Mexico in May and subletting their cabin during their absence. A unique advantage of their long-term cruise residency is the ability to host friends and family onboard for up to 28 days, with complimentary accommodation.
Building a Community at Sea
The Canens have cultivated a close-knit community with fellow residents, whom they now consider family. “The people here share similar values and life perspectives, each with a unique story to share,” Johan noted. “We’ve formed a family-like bond, ensuring no one feels isolated.”
Unforgettable Destinations and Natural Wonders
Highlighting a standout destination, Johan cited the Galapagos Islands as their favorite so far. “We witnessed marine iguanas and incredibly large sea horses,” he recounted. “We are drawn to nature and unique experiences. The marine biodiversity there is unlike anywhere else on Earth. We are constantly discovering remarkable places that weren’t even on our radar before.”
Navigating the Unpredictable Seas
Despite the numerous advantages, the Canens acknowledge certain drawbacks inherent to life at sea. Unpredictable weather can occasionally disrupt itineraries, causing missed destinations. “We were keen to visit the Falkland Islands, but severe weather conditions forced the port to close,” they explained. They also mentioned logistical challenges related to sourcing specific food supplies for the diverse onboard menus in certain ports, requiring flexibility in meal planning.
Johan also described experiencing “sea legs” upon returning to land, noting a temporary feeling of unsteadiness. “There’s a slight adjustment period when stepping onto solid ground, but it’s a minor inconvenience,” he stated.
Unwavering Enthusiasm for Their Seafaring Life
Despite minor challenges, the couple’s enthusiasm for their chosen lifestyle remains undiminished. “It was an obvious choice for us – we are both a bit unconventional and fully committed,” Johan concluded. “Our friends and family were not surprised by our decision, as this aligns with our personalities. We are at a stage in life where we can seize this opportunity, both old enough to be practical and young enough to embrace the adventure.”