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After Decades Teaching In Los Angeles, Sharon Decided To Sell Everything To Live Traveling The World Aboard The Odyssey Cruise That Travels 147 Countries In More Than Three Years Of Continuous Travel
At 64, after decades teaching foreign languages in Los Angeles, Sharon Lane decided she wanted a fresh start. When she retired, she didn’t dream of a smaller home or a quiet life on land, but rather something different: living on a cruise ship.
After ten years of research and comparisons, Sharon found what she was looking for. In June of this year, at 77, she boarded the Odyssey, a cruise ship from Villa Vie Residences that offers permanent residences at sea.
The ship set sail from Belfast last October for its first journey of three and a half years. During the journey, it is expected to visit 425 ports in 147 countries, completing a full circumnavigation of the planet.
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The “Odyssey” Community
The Endless Horizons program allows passengers to buy, rent, or lease lifetime cabins, offering a way to live and travel at the same time.
Sharon, interviewed by The Independent, shared that she saw it as an opportunity to unite two passions: the ocean and freedom.
“I thought that if I could live on a ship, I could still travel without dealing with airports,” she said from the deck of the Odyssey.
She learned about the Golden Passport program, which offers lifetime cabins at prices adjusted according to age. For those between 75 and 79 years old, the price starts at US$ 189,999, becoming even more affordable for older individuals.
A Different Investment
While many retirees prefer real estate, Sharon chose to invest in her own experience. “Spending the same money on an apartment would be a financial investment, but this is an investment in my life,” she stated.
Her friends were not surprised by her decision. Having spent years taking students to Europe, she was always seen as an adventurer. “They thought it was the perfect idea for me,” she said.
However, more than visiting new countries, what truly attracted Sharon was life at sea. “I love the ocean, the sound of the waves, and the smell of salt. Everyone here shares that feeling,” she said.
Goodbye To Terrestrial Routine
When her apartment lease ended, Sharon packed everything she owned into 19 boxes and four suitcases. The rest, she sold. For her, the program was an opportunity to simplify life.
She remembers that, ten years ago, living on a cruise was an impossible luxury. “Prices were double what they are today. Now, it’s finally affordable for middle-income people,” she explained.
A Different — And Comfortable — Routine
On the Odyssey, the routine is very different from life on land. There is a team working 24 hours a day, responsible for meals, cleaning, maintenance, and even medical services.
“They check if the televisions are working. They are proactive, they don’t wait for something to break,” Sharon said, laughing.
However, she admits there are downsides. Not being able to go to the supermarket or her favorite restaurant is something she misses. “What I miss the most is popcorn. I can’t make it when I want here, but at least I don’t have to cook,” she joked.
Reading, Friends, And Discoveries On The Cruise
Among the advantages of the new lifestyle, Sharon highlights the ship’s large library. “I’ve been on board for three months and have already read 18 books,” she said.
Since boarding, the Odyssey has already passed through Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. The first ocean crossing Sharon experienced was to Japan, and now she is eagerly awaiting arrival in South Africa, where she lived for two years.
Aboard, passengers receive lectures on each port and form a community that helps one another. “There’s always someone who has been to each destination and gives valuable tips,” she shared.
Living On A Cruise? A New Concept Of Housing
The residential cruise model is still recent, but it is gaining followers. The CEO of Villa Vie, Kathy Villalba, states that the goal is to build “a true community at sea.”
According to her, the Golden Passport was created to make the lifestyle accessible to people of various ages and incomes, allowing exploration of 150 countries across seven continents.
Sharon says the experience goes beyond a simple trip: it is a choice of life. “Some think this is assisted living, but it’s not. It’s like living in a condo — only with a huge ocean around,” she summarized.
“It’s Our Turn”
Today, Sharon is living what she always dreamed of: a routine without household chores, surrounded by friends and the sea.
“This is something you do for yourself. It was about time some people did things for themselves. It’s our turn,” she concludes, gazing at the blue horizon from the ship she now calls home.
With information from Independent.
Que besteira da ****….se precisar de exames laboratoriais, cirurgia, ou cair no navio quebrar o femoral, quem cuida desse trem? Quase 2 milhões de reais pra morar num navio, eu com 7 dias quero voltar pra casa..
Tá aí a diferença… vc já respondeu !!! Ela é feliz com isso e vc não… por isso ela q pagou e não vc