She Left Her Home in California to Live on a Cruise Ship for 15 Years

What would it be like to trade in land for a life at sea? For Lane, a former resident of a retirement village in California, it became an intriguing reality. Swapping the predictability of land for the rolling waves of the ocean, she set out on a journey aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey. The idea? To live on a cruise ship for a whopping 15 years. Bold? Absolutely.

Lane, like many on this floating home, craved something beyond the mundane. The Odyssey isn’t your average cruise; it’s a residential ship designed for long-term living, creating a community of like-minded wanderers. With the promise of global travel—who wouldn’t want that? Inside cabins start at $129,000. Sure, that’s a big chunk of change, but it’s a ticket to adventure.

Lane sought adventure on the Odyssey, a unique residential ship fostering community and offering a ticket to global exploration.

Residents pay monthly fees too. $2,000 for double occupancy. Not too shabby when you consider the perks: meals, drinks, even Wi-Fi. Imagine not having to cook or clean. Lane traded her broom for a cocktail, and frankly, who could blame her?

But it’s not all smooth sailing. The ship has had its hiccups—delays, cancelled ports, missed destinations like the Galapagos Islands. Still, Lane remains optimistic. She’s embraced this new life, finding joy in the community of fellow travelers. About 80% come from the U.S. and Canada, with a good number being solo adventurers. A shared mindset, a blending of stories.

Lane’s not just passing time; she’s living her dream. Sure, it’s a commitment, but she’s ready for whatever comes next. Whether it’s finding new destinations or crafting friendships, she’s all in. After feeling stagnant on land, the sea has become her new home.

And for someone like Lane, that’s a trade worth making. So, what’s stopping anyone else from taking the plunge? Life’s too short for just four walls.