Couple permanently live on ‘all-inclusive’ round-the-world cruise because it’s cheaper than living at home
A couple have told how they intend to cruise through life on an around-the-world voyage - as it's cheaper than living at home.
Lanette and Johan Canen say the cost of living on the Odyssey cruise ship is peanuts in comparison to what they fork out for rent at home.
The pair, who are both 55, explained they are treated 'like royalty' as permanent residents on the vessel, while they are also relishing in the fact they are able to skip the stress of running a household.
After some initial teething problems which saw the ship stuck in Belfast for four months, the Odyssey finally embarked on its international journey in September last year.
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Those onboard are set to visit 147 countries, 425 destinations, 7 continents, and 100 islands in total every three and a half years - so it's covering a lot of ground.
Passengers can purchase cabins on the swanky cruise ship, which is operated by Villa Vie Residences, from anywhere between £75,000 and £670,000.
Lanette and Johan explained that they went for the cheapest option, which sets them back £2,716 a month, while they get to make the most of the all-inclusive facilities.
Food, drinks and WiFi are all on the house, while a cleaner spruces up their cabin twice a week - and the pair of them 'love' their new relaxed lifestyle, saying enjoying their retirement on there is a 'no brainer'.
Their rent guarantees them a room for the next 15 years, during which Lannette and her husband hope to enjoy as many 'adventures and experiences' as they can.
Speaking of how they made the huge move, Johan told the Daily Mail: "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 former business owner said he and Lanette were 'hooked' from the moment they stepped onboard the Odyssey, as it feels 'so good to have no responsibilities'.
"We have our laundry done and get our sheets changed twice a week," Johan said, while Lanette added: "The service is outstanding, we feel like royalty - they even bow to us. There's no regrets whatsoever, I love this lifestyle."
They have already ticked off 25 countries so far on their around-the-world trip which has no end date, and have explored spots including Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and South America.
The ship stays at port for up to four days in each destination, ensuring passengers have plenty of time to take a look around.
The Canens - who have been documenting their cruise life on YouTube - think this way of living 'is the future', especially as the cost of living and rent prices continues to shoot up around the globe.
"With rent going up all over the world, this is going to be the new way of living," Lanette said, while Johan added: "This is the future, especially with working from home."
The pair explained they've made pals on the ship who they already consider 'family', explaining that everyone on board is 'like-minded with shared values'.
"We've become like a family, so you're never alone," Johan said.
Speaking of the travel element, he added: "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!"
However, he did admit that it's not all cocktails and cruising - as ditching dry land for the seven seas permanently has had quite the effect on him.
Johan admitted he does get 'sea legs' when he disembarks the boat, explaining: "I do sometimes feel wobbly, for the first few steps you always have to adjust, but it doesn't bother me."
But even this slight inconvenience doesn't put him off signing up for 15 years at sea.
"It was a no brainer for us - we're both a bit crazy and we're all in," Johan added. "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."
Topics: Cruise Ship, Money, Travel
Olivia Burke