Sharon Lane, a retired teacher from California, has made a life-changing decision to live aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship for the next 15 years. She sold her home and embraced a new lifestyle at sea, saying it actually costs her less than living on land.
Her family is fully supportive, and Sharon says she made the choice quickly, without hesitation. She purchased an interior villa on the ship, which costs about $130,000 upfront, plus monthly fees starting at $3,000. These fees cover meals, drinks, housekeeping, laundry, WiFi, and activities.
Sharon enjoys the freedom from daily chores and describes her life as filled only with enjoyable activities. “The chores? Done! What’s left is fun,” she told NBC Los Angeles.
In a CNN Travel interview, she expressed joy at living the life she always wanted—owning her cabin and sailing without end.
As housing prices rise, this kind of residential cruising may become more popular among retirees seeking adventure and affordability.
