a life at sea? yes please!

can you picture spending your retirement sailing the seven seas? Imagine waking up at a different destination every morning or seeing the sun rise over pristine waters, all from the comfort of your private cabin, with room service at your fingertips and restaurants, bars and entertainment just a stroll away. Dream on? No, because it’s a plan being discussed more and more as our population begins to age in greater numbers than ever before.

GO ON, RETIRE ABOARD SHIP

In fact, this daydream is a reality for the lucky people who have decided to forgo the retirement village in exchange for taking up residency on a cruise ship. As housing prices continue to see-saw and retirement living options lack any great appeal, the prospect of lifelong cruising seems increasingly attractive.

IS IT A CHEAPER OPTION?

A common claim is that living on a cruise ship is cheaper than a retirement home but the truth is it’s impossible to draw one conclusion. There are too many varying factors and different price points to make a fair comparison. It depends what type of ship you would feel comfortable living aboard – and what you can afford. Will you be sharing a cabin with your partner or paying double the twin-share fare for a room to yourself? (Check out the fares on the opposite page for an idea on pricing.)

One thing is for sure, retiring at sea will keep you occupied. Cruise ships provide a huge array of educational and entertainment opportunities, from wonderful lectures and classes, to libraries, casinos, theatres, cinemas and planetariums. Keeping the body active is easy with gyms, walking tracks and sports courts, while the mind can be stimulated with board games, bridge, puzzles and trivia contests. And that’s just while you’re at sea and in between visiting fascinating destinations to soak up the local history and culture.

THIS WAY TO YOUR TABLE

Dining is another area that cruising easily wins over retirement facilities. There has never been a better range of high-quality culinary choices, not to mention no cooking or cleaning. Cruise ships have a huge variety of cuisines with multiple venues from casual to formal, open early until late. Unlimited food is included (unless you want to pay extra for something fancy). And, of course, your waiter can bring drinks to accompany your meals or an aperitif with your coffee.

WHO’S MAD ENOUGH?

It’s more popular than you may think. For example, Beatrice Muller lived on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth II for eight years before the ship was retired in 2008. Muller spent nearly a decade in the same cabin, sailing to India, Hawaii, England and Europe, among other iconic destinations. Despite estimations her ‘rent’ was in excess of $100,000 a year, Muller has said she kept the cost down using the cruising equivalent of frequent flyer points.

Then there’s Bill Filomena, the 77-year-old who books back-toback cruises, switching cabins and often choosing the same destination five times in a row.

And of course there is Mama Lee Wachstetter, who has been living aboard Crystal Serenity for the past nine years. The 90-year-old spends her days quick-stepping through dance classes and pastimes of all kinds. And now you? Ready to take the plunge? You can bet on fabulous fun – for years!

Relationships old or new flourish with all the social activities and fun.

your Enjoy the views from your fave window, the deck or a book. corner while reading Wake up regularly in wild and wonderful destinations like Cuba. Your culinary choices are endless and delicious. And don’t forget your drinks! Your new home can be as luxurious or as simple as you want.