Jul 09, 2025

Retired teacher moved aboard a cruise ship because it’s cheaper than living on land

Retired teacher moved aboard a cruise ship because it’s cheaper than living on land
This image does not depict persons from within the story. [iStock]

In a bold move to embrace her golden years, Sharon Lane, a 77-year-old retired high school foreign language teacher from California, has swapped her retirement community home for life aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey, the world’s first perpetual cruise ship.

Lane’s decision to live at sea for the next 15 years is driven by a surprising fact: it’s more affordable than staying in California. With costs converted to Australian dollars, Lane’s new lifestyle offers a unique blend of adventure, convenience, and financial savvy.

Lane boarded the Villa Vie Odyssey on 16 June 2025, fulfilling a lifelong dream to live on a cruise ship. “It’s not just affordable; it actually costs me less to live this way, with everything taken care of, instead of me looking after everyone else,” Lane told NBC Los Angeles.

By investing her life savings into a one-time payment of approximately $192,000 AUD for an interior villa, or about $4,400 AUD per month for a solo traveller, Lane secured a hassle-free lifestyle that eliminates the burdens of household chores. “All the tasks you do in life? Done!” she said. “You’re left with a life full of fun activities.”

The Villa Vie Odyssey, marketed as the only cost-effective residential cruising option, is designed to navigate oceans, inland waterways, and rivers. The ship operates on a three-and-a-half-year cycle, visiting 425 destinations across 147 countries.

Since boarding, Lane has already cruised to Vancouver and Alaska, with plans for a transpacific journey to Japan and Taiwan in the coming weeks. The ship’s amenities, including entertainment lounges, bars, a library, a fitness centre, a spa, a pickleball court, and a pool, ensure residents like Lane enjoy a vibrant and engaging lifestyle.

The decision to live at sea wasn’t without challenges. The Odyssey’s launch, originally planned for May 2024, was delayed due to issues with the ship’s rudders and gearbox. This forced passengers, including Lane, to live on the docked vessel in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for months.

The ship finally set sail on 1 October 2024, only to return to port hours later due to incomplete paperwork. Despite these setbacks, Lane remains committed to her 15-year adventure. “I’m finally doing what I’ve wanted for years,” she told CNN Travel. “I buy the cabin, I live in it, and that’s it. There’s no end.”

Lane’s story highlights a growing trend of retirees seeking unconventional, cost-effective ways to enjoy their later years. For her, the Villa Vie Odyssey offers not just affordability – compared to California’s high cost of living – but also a life of exploration and freedom.

With the ship’s eight decks accommodating up to 650 passengers, Lane is part of a unique community sailing the world, proving that retirement can be both adventurous and financially sensible.

For those curious about such a lifestyle, the Villa Vie Odyssey stands as a bold example of how to rethink retirement. Lane’s journey is just beginning, and with 15 years of global exploration ahead, she’s living proof that sometimes the best way to retire is to set sail.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

A Carer’s Journey

It was just another shift working as a physio in a Melbourne Emergency Department. Hospitals, Healthcare and Aged Care were all second nature to me; until I received a phone call that changed it all. It was my Aunty on the phone, “I’ve just been at the doctors with Nanna, the doctor wants her to... Read More

Keeping out or moving in – a COVID love story for the ages

When coronavirus started shutting up aged care homes around the United States, 93 year old Jack Eccles moved in to be with his love or 70 years, Gerry. Read More

Will $2.8 Million Investment Make “My Aged Care” Portal Better for Older Australians?

My Aged Care has been a challenging experience for many users seeking help and assistance in navigating the aged care sector. The online portal is the main entry point to the aged care system in Australia. According to the Department of Health “My Aged Care aims to make it easier for older people, their families,... Read More
Advertisement