A couple have said they plan to spend the next 15 years living on an all-around-the world cruise as they escape soaring bills at home.
Lanette and Johan Canen, who are both 55 years old, have been enjoying their retirement on the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship for six months. They describe their decision to live on the ship as a ‘no brainer’.
This cruise offers a luxurious residential lifestyle, taking passengers on a around-the-world journey with stops at 425 ports in 147 countries over three and a half years. Lanette and Johan’s rent ensures them accommodation on the ship for 15 years.
Having lived in Hawaii for a decade, the couple initially believed they would spend the rest of their days there. However, a cruise vacation introduced them to the Odyssey, and they were captivated by the idea of living on board.
Johan told Mail Online: ‘We had a rented cars business which we sold to be able to afford our cabin.
‘People think we’re ultra rich for being able to do this, but it’s cheaper than our rent and living costs in Hawaii. This is for normal people.’
The couple have an all-inclusive stay which includes food, drinks, WIFI and a cleaner twice a week – all for just £2,716 a month for the cheapest cabin option.
They had previously come across The World, a luxury residential cruise ship for the ‘super rich’ where you have to have ‘millions worth of assets’ just to be considered, Johan claimed. The Oydseyy was a much more affordable option.
To Lanette and Johan, this is about leaving their troubles behind.
‘We don’t have an exit strategy, we’re both 55, we don’t need things anymore. We just want adventures and experiences. We went from owning 31 cars to none,’ Johan said.
‘It feels so good to have no responsibilities – we have our laundry done and get our sheets changed twice a week.
‘The service is outstanding, we feel like royalty – they even bow to us. There’s no regrets whatsoever, I love this lifestyle,’ Lanette added.
If you’re sharing a room, it’s just £1,403 a month per person – what the average person might expect to pay on rent and bills in London – but without the luxury of hand to foot service while travelling all around the world.
‘With rent going up all over the world, this is going to be the new way of living,’ Lanette said.
Johan added: ‘This is the future, especially with working from home’.
The couple are currently based in the Caribbean and have visited 25 countries so far, including Belfast, Spain, Portugal , Gibraltar and South America.
While a regular cruise ship will only stay at the port for a day, guests at Villa Vie Odyssey get up to four days to explore.
Lanette and Johan once got off the boat and spent two nights in Benham, Brazil in a rented holiday house with friends for ‘really cheap’.
They also plan in May to get off at Mexico and visit their one year old grandchild in Arizona, United States, for the first time – where they will sublet their cabin for ten days.
And so far from home, friends and family can even visit them for up to 28 days completely free with their own room.
The couple have made friends on the ship who they consider ‘family’: ‘The people here are so like-minded with shared values, and everyone comes with a story to tell.
‘We’ve become like a family, so you’re never alone,’ Johan said.
He added their favorite place so far has been the Galapagos Islands: ‘We saw marine iguanas and sea horses as big as my hand.
‘We love nature and unique things. The diversity of the marine life is totally different than anything in the world.
‘We get to go to places we’ve never heard of that are so unique and cool. They’re not on your bucket list until you’ve been there!’
But one of the drawbacks is that the unpredictable weather can mean some bucket-list spots you may never get to see.
‘We really wanted to go to the Falkland Islands but the weather was so bad they had to close the port.
‘And in some ports it can be difficult for the boat to source certain food items for the menu and make sure everyone is happy.’
Johan also said living on the sea means he gets ‘sea legs’ when he goes on land.
‘I do sometimes feel wobbly, for the first few steps you always have to adjust, but it doesn’t bother me.’
But even with a few hiccups, there’s no convincing the pair to give up their new life.
‘It was a no brainer for us – we’re both a bit crazy and we’re all in. Our friends and family weren’t surprised at all because this is who we are.
‘We’re old enough to be able to do it, but young enough at heart to have this adventure,’ Johan said.
