A pair has stated their intention to embark on a global cruise for the next 15 years in order to avoid increasing expenses at their residence.
Lanette and Johan Canen, who are both 55 years old, have been enjoying life aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship for half a year now. They mentioned that choosing to spend their retirement on this perpetual voyage was an easy decision.
The cruise offers a luxurious residential-style world tour, visiting 425 ports in 147 countries over a period of three and a half years—and their rental ensures they have a cabin for 15 years.
The couple had already been residing together in Hawaii For ten years, they thought they would be content living there until they embarked on a cruise vacation. After encountering the Odyssey, they became completely captivated.
Johan stated to Mail Online: "We owned a rental car business that we sold so we could afford our cabin."
People believe we must be extremely wealthy to manage this, but it actually costs less than our rent and expenses in Hawaii. This lifestyle is accessible to average folks.
The couple have an all-inclusive stay which includes food, drinks, WIFI and a cleaner twice a week - all for just £2,716 a month for the cheapest cabin option.
They had previously come across The World, a luxury residential cruise ship for the 'super rich' where you have to have 'millions worth of assets' just to be considered, Johan claimed. The Oydseyy was a much more affordable option.
To Lanette and Johan, this is about leaving their troubles behind.
'We don't have an exit strategy, we're both 55, we don't need things anymore. We just want adventures and experiences. We went from owning 31 cars to none,' Johan said.
'I find such bliss in having zero obligations here – they handle our laundry for us and change the linens twice weekly.'
The service is exceptional; we feel like kings and queens—they actually bow to us. We have absolutely no complaints, I adore this way of life," Lanette remarked.
If you're sharing a room, it costs only £1,403 per month for each person—roughly equivalent to the typical rental and utility expenses one would face in London—but lacks the level of pampering experienced when traveling globally.
'Lanette stated that with rents increasing globally, this will become the new mode of living.'
Johan commented, "This represents the future, particularly with the rise of remote work."
Currently, the pair resides in the Caribbean and has explored 25 nations up until now, such as Belfast, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, and South America.
Unlike typical cruise ships that remain docked at ports for just one day, passengers aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey have the opportunity to spend up to four days exploring each location.
Lanette and Johan disembarked from their vessel and stayed at a leased vacation home in Benham, Brazil, sharing the space with acquaintances for an affordable rate over the course of two evenings.
They also plan in May to get off at Mexico and visit their one year old grandchild in Arizona, United States, for the first time - where they will sublet their cabin for ten days.
And so far from home, friends and family can even visit them for up to 28 days completely free with their own room.
The couple have made friends on the ship who they consider 'family': 'The people here are so like-minded with shared values, and everyone comes with a story to tell.
'We've become like a family, so you're never alone,' Johan said
He added their favorite place so far has been the Galapagos Islands: 'We saw marine iguanas and sea horses as big as my hand.
'We love nature and unique things. The diversity of the marine life is totally different than anything in the world.
We have the chance to visit places we've never even heard of—locations that are incredibly distinctive and exciting. These destinations aren’t on your list of must-sees until you’ve experienced them for yourself!
However, one downside is that the erratic weather could result in missing out on some must-see locations.
We genuinely wished to visit the Falkland Islands, yet the terrible weather conditions forced them to shut down the port.
And in certain harbors, it might be challenging for the vessel to obtain specific food items for the menu and ensure that everybody is satisfied.
Johan mentioned that since he lives by the sea, he develops 'sea legs,' which help him adapt when he walks on solid ground.
I occasionally feel unsteady, as I need to find my balance during the initial steps, but it doesn’t concern me.
However, despite some minor setbacks, nothing can persuade them to abandon their newfound lifestyle.
It was an easy decision for us—we’re both a little wild and fully committed. Our friends and family didn’t bat an eye since this is just typical of who we are.
"We've got the maturity to handle this, yet we remain young at heart for such an adventure," Johan stated.
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