This US Couple Sold 'Everything' To Live On Cruise Ships For The Rest Of Their Lives
John and Melody Hennessee, a couple from Florida, took a bold step three years ago by selling their home, business, and the majority of their possessions to pursue their dream of sailing around the world.
Contrary to conventional beliefs, they assert that this lifestyle is more cost-effective than living on land. The Hennessees opted for a minimalist and nomadic existence, finding fulfillment in the freedom of the open sea.
Their journey
The Hennessees' journey began with a cross-country exploration in a motorhome. However, when the prospect of constant driving grew weary, they turned their attention to the seas. The decision was spurred by a Facebook ad for a 274-day Royal Caribbean cruise, spanning 9 months, and the couple enthusiastically embraced the opportunity.? ? ??
They quickly registered their names on the board and have since travelled all over the world. So far, they have journeyed to Australia, New Zealand, and various parts of the South Pacific and are presently navigating around the Dominican Republic. They say that it's cheaper than the landlocked life they led before.
''We now have a telephone bill, a shipping bill, and a few credit card bills for when we go ashore, but that's it. We no longer have a mortgage or the expense of homes. We no longer have vehicle insurance, property insurance, or utility bills. The list goes on. We are certain cruising is cheaper. Right now it is probably close to half of what it was when we lived on land," Mr Hennessee told Sky News.
The pair usually dock at their destination and explore for three to five days at a time. They are fully booked with trips until December 2024 and will soon be boarding a residential cruise ship Villa Vie.
Features of their cruise
Notably, the Villa Vie Odyssey is an all-inclusive cruise ship providing permanent residences, with approximately 30% of passengers becoming full-time inhabitants. It will set off from Southampton in May next year.
''We wanted to buy a cabin so we can design it how we want. It's going to be home for us, for probably a minimum of 15 years on the ship. We are just water people. We are both boaters. We love being on the ocean,'' said Melody Hennessee.
Joining the ranks of seafaring adventurers, Angelyn and Richard Burk from the United States opted for a life at sea following a life-altering accident a decade ago. The couple shared with CNN that their pre-retirement cost of living was ?59,000 per year, but after embracing life on the water, it significantly decreased to just ?27,000.
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