For most people, retirement means settling down and slowing the pace of life. But for Sharon Lane, a 77-year-old retired high school foreign language teacher from California, it meant casting off from the land she once called home and embarking on a journey unlike any other. Choosing to spend her golden years sailing around the globe, Lane has committed to living aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey.
Rather than opting for a traditional retirement community, Lane decided that a life on the high seas would be more affordable, more enjoyable, and far more adventurous. In her own words, “Not only was it affordable to me, it would actually cost me less money to live here like this, have everyone taking care of me instead of me taking care of everybody.”
Making the Switch: From Land to Sea – Living on a Cruise Ship
Lane made her dream of living on a cruise ship a reality on June 16, 2025, when she officially moved into her new home, an interior villa aboard the Odyssey. After a career spent guiding students through foreign languages and cultures, it was only fitting that her retirement would involve a continuous voyage through some of the most diverse places on Earth. Villa Vie Odyssey, launched in October 2024, is described as the “only affordable residential cruising option” for people like Lane seeking a full-time life at sea. The vessel offers long-term living at sea without the traditional price tag of luxury residential cruises, which often cater only to the ultra-wealthy.
The Financial Side of Life at Sea
One of the key motivations for Lane’s decision was the cost. In California, especially in retirement communities with care facilities, monthly expenses can be steep. By comparison, a solo traveler can purchase a cabin on the Odyssey for a one-time fee of $129,999, or pay approximately $2,999 per month. While the upfront investment required Lane to spend her life savings, she believes it is well worth it. “I’m finally able to do what I’ve wanted to do for years,” she told CNN Travel. “I buy the cabin, I live in the cabin, and that’s it. And then there’s no end.”
A Floating Home with Endless Possibilities
The Villa Vie Odyssey is more than just a cruise ship, it’s a floating residential community. The eight-deck ship accommodates up to 650 residents and includes a wide array of amenities designed for long-term living. Passengers enjoy access to lounges, clubs, a library, fitness center, spa, bars, a pickleball court, a pool, and Wi-Fi, allowing for a lifestyle that blends comfort, recreation, and connectivity.
What sets the Odyssey apart from other cruise ships is its ability to travel not only across oceans but also through inland waterways and rivers, expanding the number of accessible destinations. The ship operates on a 3.5-year global itinerary that covers 425 ports across 147 countries. For Lane, the possibilities feel endless.
A Dream Delayed but Not Derailed
Although the Odyssey officially launched in October 2024, its journey began with challenges. Originally set to sail in May of that year, the ship encountered mechanical issues with its rudders and gearbox, leading to significant delays. As a result, early residents were stuck living aboard the docked ship in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for several months without moving. Even when the Odyssey attempted to set sail on October 1, 2024, it had to return to port within hours due to incomplete paperwork. These early hiccups frustrated some passengers, but Lane remained patient. For her, the delay did not diminish the excitement of her new life.
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Cruising Through Life’s To-Do List
One of the most attractive aspects of living on a cruise ship, Lane says, is the freedom from everyday chores. “All the chores you do in life? Done!” she said. “If you put your to-do list on a piece of paper and you cross off anything that wasn’t a fun activity, then you end up with the life we have now.” No more worrying about cleaning, shopping, cooking, or scheduling medical appointments. Everything is taken care of on board, giving residents the luxury of time and peace of mind.
The Journey So Far
Since boarding the ship in June, Lane has already traveled from California to Vancouver and continued north to Alaska. Her next stop is a transpacific voyage heading toward Japan and Taiwan. As she sails across the globe, Lane says she has no plans to return to traditional life on land. Instead, she looks forward to embracing this floating lifestyle for the entire 15-year planned journey of the Odyssey. “There’s no end,” she said, referencing the cruise’s perpetual nature. “This is home now.”
Inspiration for a New Generation of Retirees
Sharon Lane’s story is inspiring many to reconsider what retirement can look like. At a time when many seniors face rising housing costs and healthcare expenses, Lane has found a creative and fulfilling alternative. Her decision to live at sea for the next 15 years speaks to a broader trend of retirees seeking adventure, community, and simplicity over material possessions. As Lane puts it, this chapter of her life is not about what she gave up but about everything she has gained.
A Life Worth Sailing For
For Sharon Lane, retirement is not an ending but a beginning. With a suitcase of memories, a ship full of new experiences, and the ocean as her backyard, she is cruising into her golden years with purpose, joy, and freedom. In trading her California condo for a cabin at sea, she’s found a lifestyle that many only dream of and is living proof that it is never too late to chase the life you truly want.
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