Imagine sailing into the sunset, not for a week or two, but for the rest of your life. That's the reality for Sharon Lane, who, at 77, decided to trade her land-based life for a permanent home on the waves. But is this a luxurious retirement dream or a controversial choice? Let's dive into the world of Sharon's unique adventure.
Sharon, a former high school language teacher, had a bold vision for her retirement. After decades in Los Angeles, she embarked on a decade-long quest to find the perfect cruise ship. Her search culminated in the Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey, a ship offering a unique 'Endless Horizons' program, allowing passengers to own, rent, or lease a cabin for life. This program promises a global adventure, visiting 425 ports in 147 countries, all while enjoying the comforts of home.
But here's where it gets controversial: Sharon's decision to live on a cruise ship full-time might raise eyebrows. Is this a luxurious retirement or a new form of assisted living? Sharon argues it's neither. "This is like a condo, except we have a really big water feature," she says. The ship provides a community, with residents from diverse backgrounds, some retired, and others working remotely, all united by a love for the sea.
The Odyssey offers a unique lifestyle. A dedicated team caters to residents' needs, from cooking meals and providing entertainment to medical care and laundry services. It's a life of convenience, but with a twist. Sharon highlights the proactive approach of the staff, ensuring all amenities are in working order, a stark contrast to life on land. However, there are trade-offs. The freedom to explore the world comes with the sacrifice of simple pleasures like dining at your favorite restaurant or grabbing a bag of popcorn whenever you crave it.
Sharon's journey began in June when she packed her life into boxes and suitcases and boarded the Odyssey. She had found the Villa Vie Residences' 'Golden Passport' scheme, offering cabins at affordable prices for those aged 75 and above. For Sharon, this was an investment in her life, a chance to live a dream, and she embraced it wholeheartedly. Her passion for languages and travel made the decision a natural fit.
As the Odyssey set sail, Sharon's adventure began. She enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow passengers, many of whom were seasoned travelers. The ship's community, described as a "close-knit neighborhood," offers a unique support system. Residents help each other navigate new ports, sharing their wealth of travel experience. This sense of community is a key attraction for Sharon, who values the opportunity to learn from and support her fellow travelers.
The concept of residential cruising is relatively new, with Villa Vie's CEO, Kathy Villalba, aiming to create a "true residential community at sea." The Golden Passport program aims to make this lifestyle accessible to all, allowing people from various backgrounds to embark on a global adventure. For Sharon, it's about freedom and a new way of living, seeing the world without the burden of daily chores.
And this is the part most people miss: While the Odyssey offers a unique lifestyle, it also raises questions about the future of retirement and travel. Is this the ultimate retirement dream or a controversial choice? What are your thoughts on this new trend? Would you consider trading your land-based life for a permanent sea adventure? Share your opinions in the comments, and let's explore this fascinating concept together.
