A Life at Sea: The Ups and Downs of Living on a Cruise Ship
Monica Brzoska and Jorell Conley, a couple from Tennessee, have made a bold decision to sell everything they own and live their lives aboard a cruise ship. Their journey began in 2023 when they packed up their lives and started traveling across the globe. Since then, they’ve visited 45 different countries, leaving behind their teaching jobs and most of their possessions.
The couple first discovered their love for cruising through several trips over the years, visiting places like Costa Rica, Mexico, and Grand Cayman. However, it was a personal motivation that led them to take this leap. Monica wanted to see the world before retirement, inspired by her parents’ health struggles later in life.
Their adventure started with a week-long cruise in March 2023, but instead of returning home, they decided to continue booking trips consecutively. Using their previous experience, they found deals that allowed them to keep traveling without breaking the bank.
Monica shared with The Sun in 2024 how she hadn’t “stepped into a kitchen or used a washing machine for a year.” This lifestyle has its perks, but also comes with challenges.
“We miss our families, but know we can fly home if there’s an emergency,” she said. Initially, the couple booked eight months of cruises for £7,900, and managed to cover extra costs by renting out their three-bedroom house. By the time they stepped on board in March 2023 in Miami, they had already left their jobs and sold nearly all their possessions.
Despite the risks, the couple has found their dream life rewarding. They’ve explored beautiful destinations and experienced moments where Monica felt like she was “pinching herself” to make sure it was real.
“I instantly felt free. We didn’t know how long our money would last, but in the meantime we decided to make the most of every minute,” she said. “We quickly fell into the rhythm of our new life. Before, there had always been lesson plans, cooking and cleaning – but all of that was gone.”
Monica and Jorell are not alone in their pursuit of a life at sea. Australians Marty and Jessica Ansen, both in their 70s, boarded the Coral Princess in Brisbane on June 16, 2022 and spent 800 days at sea. The retired pair enjoyed 53 continuous trips on the ship, including two round-the-world ventures.
After disembarking in August last year, they spent three months on land before returning to their cruising lifestyle on the Crown Princess, where they will live until November.
The Cost of a Cruising Lifestyle
Living on a cruise ship is often seen as a luxurious way to travel, but is it actually cheaper than a traditional retirement? For some, it seems to be a viable option. The couple’s decision to sell everything and live on a cruise ship has allowed them to explore the world while managing their expenses.
This lifestyle offers unique benefits, such as the ability to travel continuously without the burden of a fixed home. However, it also requires careful planning and financial management. Renting out their house has helped cover additional costs, showing that with the right strategy, living on a cruise ship can be both fulfilling and financially sustainable.
Other Couples Embracing the Cruise Life
Monica and Jorell’s story is just one example of how people are redefining what retirement looks like. Many others have followed similar paths, trading traditional lifestyles for the freedom of the open sea.
For instance, a Wyoming couple traded their small-town life for an epic global adventure aboard a luxury cruise ship. Their journey highlights how the idea of endless travel is becoming more appealing, especially for those seeking adventure and a sense of freedom.
Another couple, who have been on a 15-year world cruise, have shown that it’s possible to live a life of constant exploration. Their experiences offer insights into how such a lifestyle can provide both excitement and financial stability.
Whether it’s through selling everything, renting out homes, or finding creative ways to fund their travels, these couples are proving that a life at sea can be both fulfilling and practical. As more people consider alternative lifestyles, the idea of living on a cruise ship continues to gain traction.