Retired Teacher Opts for 15-Year Cruise, Says its Cheaper Than Living in California

Sharon Lane, a retired high school foreign language teacher from California, has embarked on an extraordinary new chapter of her life—one that involves trading in her traditional retirement lifestyle for a permanent residence aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey.

For the next 15 years, she plans to call the world’s first perpetual cruise ship home, a choice she believes is not only adventurous but more affordable than staying in California.

After decades in a retirement community, Lane, now 77, made the bold decision to board the cruise ship on June 16, 2025. The decision was financially motivated, as she found that living aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey would cost her less than continuing her life in California.

Lane shared with NBC Los Angeles, “It’s not just affordable—it’s actually cheaper than living in California. The best part is, everyone is taking care of me instead of the other way around.” She’s thrilled that her new lifestyle eliminates the everyday responsibilities of homeownership, such as maintenance and chores. “If you make a list of all the things you have to do in life and cross off the boring stuff, that’s the life we’re living now,” she said.

The Villa Vie Odyssey offers a unique way of living that combines travel and comfort. The ship, designed to navigate both oceans and inland waterways, offers a range of amenities and is scheduled to visit 425 destinations in 147 countries over a three-and-a-half-year cycle. Lane has already sailed to Vancouver and Alaska, with plans to visit Japan and Taiwan soon.

The ship is marketed as an “affordable residential cruising option,” with a one-time payment of $129,999 or a monthly fee of approximately $2,999 for a solo traveler to secure an interior villa. These villas, like the one Lane occupies, are equipped with modern amenities and provide a hassle-free, all-inclusive living experience.

In addition to spacious living quarters, residents aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey enjoy access to a wide array of activities and services, including entertainment lounges, a fitness center, a library, a pickleball court, and a pool. Lane is particularly excited about the carefree lifestyle she now enjoys, saying, “All of the things I’ve wanted to do for years are finally possible.”

Lane has invested her life savings into the ship’s 15-year journey, a decision she’s certain about. “I buy the cabin, I live in the cabin, and that’s it. And there’s no end,” she said, emphasizing the permanence of her new adventure.

While the ship’s launch was initially delayed due to mechanical issues, it officially set sail in October 2024, with Lane boarding a few months later. She is one of many residents who are taking full advantage of this unprecedented opportunity for a floating lifestyle.

For Lane, this cruise ship isn’t just a retirement option; it’s a dream realized, where travel, comfort, and adventure blend seamlessly.

The Villa Vie Odyssey offers a novel alternative to traditional living, giving Sharon Lane the chance to live her golden years exactly as she imagined—on her own terms, without the burdens of everyday life, all while exploring the world.