Couple sold everything to set sail on ‘endless cruise’

This couple in their 70s now live permanently on a cruise ship.

Residential ships like theirs allow people to live at sea, following the sunshine around the world.

The perks are obvious, with guests never having to worry about cooking, cleaning, or being bored.

But what’s most surprising is how affordable this lifestyle is.

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The concept of a residential ship gained popularity in 2002 when luxury cruiseliner The World set sail.

Since then, more and more people have been trading their regular land-locked life for an exciting life at sea.

Modern ships have all the amenities and comforts of living at home, thanks to technology like SpaceX’s Starlink Wi-Fi.

Some choose to rent, like Mario Salcedo who has spent over 23 years living onboard Royal Caribbean’s ships.

Others have found that buying a floating apartment is best, like the Meta employee who has the ultimate WFH setup on the MV Narrative.

Many retired couples are choosing to spend their golden years at sea because it’s actually cheaper than paying their mortgage.

Grace and Jerry Grady are doing just that, having sold all of their belongings to join 800 other passengers on board Villa Vie Odessy.

The ship will spend the next three-and-a-half years visiting 425 ports in 147 countries on all seven continents.

Guests get unlimited food and soft drinks, WiFi, medical checks, 24/7 room service, weekly housekeeping, and laundry included with their room.

There are eight decks with three restaurants, five bars and lounges, and a wraparound promenade to stretch their legs on.

Cruise ships are known to spoil their guests with entertainment options, and Villa Vie Odessy boasts a pickleball court, culinary center, spa, gym, pool, jacuzzi, library, and an entertainment schedule.

Not to mention the cruise itself will take guests to 13 out of the 14 Wonders of the World.

But the Gradys are not retired millionaires; the cruise itself is surprisingly well-priced.

The couple were paying $43,275 a year for their land rental, while the cheapest cabin on Villa Via Odyssey is $32,425.

That’s incredible, especially seeing as they’ll never have to do their own laundry again.

To fund their dream trip, the Gradys sold their home and everything they owned.

“It has always been a dream of mine to see the world,” Jerry said.

“We are vagabonds, we’ve traveled a lot. I’m not worried about anything.”

The cruise takes place over three-and-a-half years, after which the route restarts, but cruisers can essentially stay on indefinitely.

The itinerary is split into 16 segments and works on a pay-as-you-go system.

Guests need to be serious before committing though.

They’ll need to give at least six months notice before moving off the ship back to dry land.