Retirement dreams usually involve downsizing, beach living, or maybe an RV—but for a Seattle couple in their 50s, life at sea turned out to be the most affordable and exciting option. Longtime cruising fans, they realized in early 2021 that selling their home and living on cruise ships could actually cost less than traditional retirement expenses. Depending on itinerary and cruise line, their daily spending typically ranges from about $43 to $135, covering food, lodging, entertainment, transportation, taxes, gratuities, and port fees—far cheaper than many mortgages or rental markets in major U.S. cities.
Their plan didn’t begin as a bold leap, but rather years of thoughtful saving, budgeting, and travel experience. Angelyn took her first cruise back in 1992, and after she and her husband Richard married, the couple made cruising a recurring tradition. When they finally sat down to run the numbers, they realized they could comfortably sustain a full-time life at sea using their retirement savings and proceeds from selling their house—without sacrificing comfort, adventure, or financial peace of mind.
Today, they travel lightly—each with only one suitcase—and arrange voyages so the end of one cruise conveniently connects to the beginning of the next. On the rare occasion itineraries don’t align, they stay briefly on land, often visiting friends or family before heading back aboard. Since launching their journey in May 2021, they’ve explored destinations including Singapore, Iceland, Italy, Canada, and the Bahamas, sometimes returning to spots they fell in love with along the way.
Their story serves as a reminder that unconventional retirements are possible with intentional planning and a focus on experiences rather than possessions. The couple credits lifelong frugality, investing, and prioritizing travel over material goods as the foundation that made their cruising lifestyle achievable. And while living at sea may not be for everyone, they believe many people could adopt some version of long-term travel—if they’re willing to rethink what retirement can look like.
