Imagine a life of perpetual adventure, where your home is a cruise ship, and the world is your playground. This is the story of Sharon Lane, a 77-year-old retiree who dared to dream big and embarked on a unique journey. A life at sea, a world of exploration, and the freedom to live on your own terms - is this the ultimate retirement?
Sharon, a former high school language teacher, had spent most of her life in Los Angeles. At 64, she decided it was time for a change, a change that would lead her to the vast oceans and a life aboard the Odyssey, a Villa Vie Residences cruise ship.
The Odyssey, with its 'Endless Horizons' program, offers a permanent residence-at-sea, a concept that Sharon found intriguing. After a decade of searching, she took the plunge and purchased a cabin, setting sail in June, ready to explore 425 ports in 147 countries over the next three and a half years.
But here's where it gets controversial... Sharon's decision to live on a cruise ship isn't just about the travel. It's about the community, the comfort, and the freedom from everyday chores. She describes it as an 'investment in her life', a chance to live the retirement she desires.
"I've always been an ocean person," Sharon says. "The motion of the ocean, the blue, the smell of the salt - it's a unique environment, and we love it."
And this is the part most people miss... The Odyssey isn't just a retirement home on water. It's a community of like-minded individuals, young and old, who work remotely and enjoy the perks of a floating home. Sharon believes it's not just for retirees, but for anyone seeking a unique lifestyle.
"It's like a condo with a really big water feature!" she jokes.
The Golden Passport scheme, offered by Villa Vie, makes this lifestyle accessible to all. It's a one-time payment based on age, with prices starting at $189,999 for those aged 75-79, and it gets cheaper as you get older. Sharon calls it the 'cheap seats', but to her, it's an investment in her happiness.
"I don't want to cook, clean, or do the planning anymore. I've done it my whole life, and now, I'm done."
Living on the Odyssey comes with its perks. A team works tirelessly to provide meals, entertainment, medical care, and even do the laundry. It's a community where people help each other, and with residents who have traveled extensively, there's always someone who knows something about wherever the ship docks.
"It's like a close-knit neighborhood. We look out for each other, and with our collective travel experience, we have a wealth of knowledge to share."
Of course, there are drawbacks. Sharon misses her favorite restaurant and the ease of accessing her favorite snacks. But the positives outweigh the negatives, and she finds solace in the ship's large library, where she's made her way through 18 books in just three months.
The Odyssey has taken Sharon on an incredible journey so far, from Europe to the Caribbean, South and Central America, and the USA. Her most memorable adventure was sailing across the Pacific to Japan, and she's excited for the ship's upcoming stops in South Africa, where she once lived, and western Europe, where she'll explore her ancestral roots.
Kathy Villalba, CEO of Villa Vie, describes their mission as building a "true residential community at sea." The Golden Passport program ensures this lifestyle is accessible to all, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to circumnavigate the globe.
"This is a chance to live life on your own terms, to explore the world and enjoy the comforts of home. It's about time we did things for ourselves."
So, is living on a cruise ship the ultimate retirement? Sharon thinks so, and her story inspires us to dream big and live life to the fullest. What do you think? Is this a lifestyle you'd consider? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
