A Life at Sea: The Unconventional Journey of Sharon Lane
At the age of 77, Sharon Lane made a bold decision that many would consider unthinkable. Instead of settling into a quiet life in California, she chose to embark on an extraordinary adventure by moving aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential cruise ship designed for long-term living. This unique vessel is not just a temporary escape but a permanent home for those who seek a life filled with travel and exploration.
The Odyssey offers a variety of cabin options, starting at $129,000 for an interior room on a 15-year lease. Monthly fees add up to around $2,000 per person, which covers a range of expenses such as food, soft drinks, alcohol at dinner, Wi-Fi, medical visits, and 24/7 room service. Weekly housekeeping and laundry services are also included, making the experience more convenient than traditional living arrangements.
When compared to the cost of living in cities like London, where a single person spends approximately £4,245 a month, the monthly fee on the Odyssey seems relatively affordable. Additionally, the average deposit for a house in the UK is significantly higher, making the idea of residential cruising even more appealing for some individuals.
The Odyssey has embarked on an ambitious three-and-a-half-year journey that will take it to 425 destinations across 147 countries. This extensive itinerary includes stops in North America, Japan, the Philippine Sea, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean. For residents, this means a never-ending adventure without the need to pack or move frequently.
Sharon’s decision to live on the Odyssey was not without challenges. The initial launch of the ship faced delays, and she had previously committed to a different long-term cruise that ultimately failed. Despite these hurdles, she remains optimistic about her new lifestyle. “I’m finally able to do what I’ve wanted to do for years,” she said. “I buy the cabin, I live in the cabin, and that’s it. And then there’s no end.”
While the concept of residential cruising is still relatively new, it has gained interest from others seeking an alternative to traditional living. One example is Lasse Stolley, a 17-year-old German digital nomad who lives on trains, traveling 600 miles a day through Germany using his unlimited railcard. He enjoys first-class travel, sleeps on night trains, and uses public facilities for meals and showers.
Another individual, Kevin Martin, a 48-year-old from Missouri, left his corporate life behind in 2019 to live on a cruise ship. He finds the experience affordable and has shared his monthly expenses with others interested in following a similar path.
For those considering a life of constant travel, the idea of living on a cruise ship offers a unique blend of freedom, convenience, and adventure. As Sharon continues to explore new destinations, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life at sea—lounging on deck, soaking up the sun, and embracing the rhythm of life aboard the Odyssey.
Living on the ship has proven to be less expensive than her previous life in Southern California, allowing her to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle without the daily chores of laundry and grocery shopping. For Sharon, the Odyssey represents not just a place to live, but a way of life that fulfills her lifelong dream of continuous travel.
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