Angelyn and Richard Burk of Seattle quit their jobs because it was less expensive than buying a mortgage.
With only one suitcase apiece and a distinct choice of residence, the couple resembles Zach and Cody from The Suite Life on Deck, minus the pandemonium and Debby Ryan.
The Burks’ seafaring adventure began in May 2021, and according to their study, this unconventional way of life aboard cruise ships is considerably easier on their finances and bank accounts than paying down a mortgage.
“We enjoy traveling and were looking for a way to travel continuously in our retirement that was also financially feasible.” Angelyn, a former accountant, detailed their story to Australia’s 7News a year later.
Angelyn and Richard are both in their 50s and realized they could travel for the rest of their lives for as little as $62 AUD ($40 USD, £32) every day.
They’ve jumped on and off cruise ships all around the world, including a 51-day voyage from Seattle to Sydney. Singapore, Italy, Canada, and the Bahamas have been among their most popular destinations.
“Our original plan was to stay in different countries for a month at a time and eventually retire to cruise ships as we got older,” Angelyn said.
“We love to travel and were looking for a way to continue traveling in our retirement that was financially feasible.”
The pair lives frugally, and they could retire straight away owing to their loyalty clubs and taking advantage of deals.
They have no intention of returning to dry ground or doing nine-to-five jobs.
In April 2022, Angelyn informed CNN that the average cost each day was $89 USD, which included their hotel, meals, entertainment, transportation, gratuities, port fees, and taxes. The typical property in Seattle costs $834,501, according to Zillow.
“This is well within our retirement budget,” she added, revealing that taking a lot of cruises had benefited their finances due to reward programs.
People are captivated by the couple’s story, which was originally published on Reddit.
“This was something my godfather and his wife did until they died.” “I’ve been living abroad for nearly 20 years,” one guy said.
“There are older retired folks who do this because there are doctors on board those ships and it costs less than nursing homes,” another user remarked. They’ll spend months on the same ship, then months on another, simply going back and forth.
“Signing up for 3+ months like that, the cruise lines give out large discounts, so it’s much cheaper than a single week, which most people would go on.”
While a third believed that living aboard cruise ships was a good retirement plan: “Food, medical care, cleaning services, laundry service, all for less than half the price of a retirement home.” It’s really ridiculous.”