
We went on 53 luxury cruises back-to-back
To say Marty and Jessica Ansen are keen on cruising is an understatement.
Having recently completed 53 back-to-back voyages, racking up more than 800 days at sea, they're back on board again and planning more adventures.
The Australian couple, both 78, embarked on Coral Princess in their local port of Brisbane on June 16, 2022, and sailed all the ship's itineraries – including two round-the-world routes – until returning home in August 2024.
Three months later, they joined Crown Princess and will remain on board until November 13 this year. 'If the ship wasn't going into dry dock in Singapore we'd stay on,' laughs Marty.
'We will rejoin Crown Princess on her return to Brisbane on January 4, 2026, and we have now booked Princess cruises right through to September 2, 2027.'
What's the attraction? For the Ansens, who have two daughters, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, it's a sense of community.
Speaking from the ship, Jessica says: 'Over the years we have met many crew members and have been blessed to be included as part of their family while on board. The crew continue to cross our paths on different voyages which gives us a sense of belonging – it is like having continual family reunions.
'Many passengers have also become close friends. Some we met on their first voyage and others we see time and time again. We enjoy the get-togethers and the reminiscing of past adventures and we plan for future cruises together. The time we spend with other guests – sometimes for three months or more – is truly wonderful.'
Marty adds: 'When our ship is in Australia, we visit the ports where our children live to spend precious time with them, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
'When our ship is visiting other countries we catch up with family and the friends we have met at sea in places such as Ireland, Canada, Netherlands, Alaska and New Zealand.'
Favourite spots include the Greek Islands, Greenland, the Norwegian fjords and Alaska.
Marty says: 'Cobh in Ireland is a special place because, when the ship docks there, the town welcomes us all warmly – they make it Australia Day and flags and memorabilia are displayed all over town. They have barbecues and markets, entertainment in the park and also great pubs with Irish music and singing.'
The couple, who celebrate 55 years of marriage in July, have no qualms about spending so long at sea. 'It's living the dream,' says Jessica. 'Our beds are made, the dining options are endless and the entertainment is world-class. We never feel too far away from the news back home – we can keep track of what is happening via the stateroom TV or the internet.'
But they must miss something? 'Being able to drive wherever you want to go whenever you like,' says Marty. 'Life administration is sometimes hard to do when we are away for such long periods. Travelling through different time zones can also sometimes make it difficult to keep a track of the hours.'
For another long-time cruiser, Tim Hockey, residential ship The World has become such a home from home that he decided to continue living on board even after the heartache of losing his wife to cancer last year.
The 61-year-old retired financial MD says: 'Lana and I enjoyed many lovely years on the ship and made wonderful friends. When we found out she was terminal, I told her I couldn't imagine going back without her.
'She told me, 'Give your head a shake, it's the best possible place you can be – surrounded by our friends. And if you don't go back on board, I'll come back and haunt you!'.'
Now five years into his 'residency', Hockey divides his time almost equally between his floating home and being on land, catching up with friends and family, including his two sons in their thirties.
Hockey, from Toronto, says of his life at sea: 'I love being part of an amazing community of like-minded adventure seekers. We get to socialise and embark on incredible journeys together in the most remote parts of the world.'
Asked for his advice to others considering living on a ship, he answers: 'Jump in with both feet. See the world in the best way possible to travel – without schlepping luggage through airports, and packing and unpacking in hotels.'
The World has pioneered a trend, with other residential ships being planned to carry the super-rich in style, but the only other one to launch so far is the more affordable Villa Vie Odyssey, which set off on a world voyage from Belfast last October.
Speaking from the latest stop in Rio de Janeiro, passenger Steve Theriac, 53, says: 'There's nothing better than waking up in a new town or country every few days. Sure, we miss 'home' and certain home-made foods, but the trade-off is well worth it.'
His 54-year-old wife Angela adds: 'Even with all the bumps along the way, we wouldn't trade this lifestyle for anything.'
However, the Theriacs, originally from Florida but now at home – when not on the ship – in Nicaragua, aren't intending to live permanently on Odyssey forever. Angela says: 'After the first three-and-a-half-year circumnavigation we will most likely come and go, and rent out our room while away.'
Another keen cruiser who followed his dream is 33-year-old Fraser Porteous, from the Midlands, who took a sabbatical from his corporate job in IT to spend 10 months at sea.
In 2023, the vlogger behind YouTube channel Fraser At Sea sailed on 17 ships from nine cruise lines, with only a few nights in between on shore.
He says: 'I found the transition back to 'land life' so difficult initially. It felt strange to be at work again and suddenly my 10 months 'at sea' felt like a dream.
'While I was cruising, I did occasionally feel homesick, but then I was on a beautiful ship visiting new ports almost every day – it was so worth it.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
One of the UK's best campsites has safari lodges, pet pigs and secret waterfalls
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THERE are thousands of campsites in the UK, but Top of the Woods in Pembrokeshire has been named one of the best. The site in Wales took the top spot when Time Out put together a list of the best campsites in the country. 5 Top Of The Woods is found in the Pembrokeshire countryside Credit: Instagram/topofthewoods 5 The on-site barn is used for picnicking and there's also a cinema Credit: Instagram/topofthewoods Top of the Woods is described as a "nature retreat across 27 acres nestled by the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, surrounded by 325 acres of ancient & conifer Welsh woodlands, waterfalls, and close to wild beaches." The campsite inspires campers to get back to nature with eco-friendly accommodation. On offer are Safari Lodges, Nature Domes, or unique Pioneer Camps. Each of the glamping options includes self-catering amenities, cosy wood burners, BBQ and fire pits which are perfect for sitting by during the sunset. It's not just a camp site - there's also lots of activities like the 'Vintage Barn Cinema'. The Banquet Barn has been transformed into a barn cinema, with straw bale seating. It shows classic, family favourite films as well as the occasional more grown-up films every Saturday and Wednesday at 6pm and 8pm - which is entirely free for guests. There's also summer yoga classes so guests can start off their camping holidays calmly and well-stretched. Across the site there is table tennis, basketball, badminton, and a games meadow for the kids run around and play some football. There are also board games that can be taken away and played by campers throughout the day. The beachfront Croatian campsite set fo multi-million revamp 5 There's a resident pig family at the campsite Credit: Instagram/topofthewoods 5 Each accommodation type is self-catered Credit: Instagram/topofthewoods For anyone wanting to venture outside of the campsite, there's also a guide to a secret waterfall trail - which is a five mile round-trip. There's lots of wildlife around the campsite from owls to to woodpeckers and bats. But the campsite owners also have a family of pigs, two dogs and a Norwegian cat - all of whom like a bit of fuss according to the website. It's not just for family holidays either, the campsite also offers retreats for workplaces. It says "mix and match our indoor and outdoor spaces for work, presentations, networking, feasting, wellbeing activities and socials. "Digitally detox round the campfire - while benefiting from fast wifi in the work areas." The cheapest stay is if you bring your own tent and pitch it in the meadows which per adult is £16 per night. There's also a jumbo pitch option which can accommodate two tents for £15 per night. Here are the UK's best campsites that have 10/10 reviews. And the tiny campsite on the edge of a National Park named the best value in the UK. Here Are The Top 18 Campsites According To Time Out Top Of The Woods, Pembrokeshire Fidden Farm, Isle of Mull Woodfire, Sussex Harry's, Hampshire Wytch Wood Camping, Somerset Ten Acres Vineyard Camping, Devon The Pig Place, Oxfordshire Low Wray Campsite Castle Knights, Monmouthshire Trevedra Farm, Cornwall Hooks House Farm, North Yorkshire Cornish Tipi Holidays, Cornwall Hidden Valley Camping, Worcestershire Ashbourne Woods, Devon Holden Farm, Hampshire Kilvrecht Campsite, Highland Perthshire Hillend Caravan and Camping Park, Glamorgan Beryl's Campsite, Devon


Time Out
3 days ago
- Time Out
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok rolls out the rainbow carpet for Pride Film Festival
Pride is in full bloom this month, with celebrations lighting up every corner of Bangkok in a dazzling display of colour, love and unity. And Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok isn't sitting this one out. For the fifth year in a row, the hotel is rolling out the rainbow carpet with its Pride Film Festival – an annual tribute to every shade of love, every voice and the power of storytelling to inspire change. Happening on June 13-14, this two-day queer cinema event brings together four award-winning flicks that shine a light on LGBTQ+ lives, love and everything in between. In partnership with the Australian Embassy in Thailand, the lineup features powerful stories from Thailand and around the world. Each one is chosen to spark conversation and connection. All films have English subtitles. Here's what's playing: Malila: The Farewell Flower – June 13, 7pmAn intimate Thai drama exploring queer love, grief, and spirituality through the story of two former lovers reconnecting. The Miseducation of Cameron Post – 14 June, 3pmA poignant coming-of-age film about a teen girl sent to a conversion therapy centre, where she discovers friendship and self-worth. God's Own Country – 14 June, 5pmA raw and tender British romance between a young Yorkshire farmer and a Romanian migrant worker. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – 14 June, 7.30pmA glittering cult classic that follows two drag queens and a trans woman on a road trip across the Australian outback, serving looks, laughs and liberation. To make the experience even more intimate and welcoming, all screenings will be held at the cosy Maa-Lai Library on the 30th floor with free entry for those who reserve here in advance. Come as you are and settle in with stunning skyline views, signature snacks and drinks available for purchase. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. And the extravaganza doesn't stop there. On June 14 from 5pm 'til late, the party climbs to new heights at with 'Proud & Loud: Queen of the Desert'. This sky-high soiree on the 40th floor turns up the fabulous with a night of unapologetic joy, fierce drag and rainbow realness. Get ready for electrifying solo sets by iconic drag queens Meannie Minaj, ZEPEE and Kandy Zyanide at 9.45pm onwards. Each will bring their own flair before coming together for a grand finale inspired by The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Come loud, come proud and come ready to slay.


Time Out
3 days ago
- Time Out
JUST IN: This game-changing Sydney restaurant was just named in the World's 50 Best extended list for 2025
Saint Peter – Josh and Julie Niland's pioneering seafood restaurant, housed in Paddington's Grand National Hotel – has landed at 66th place on the esteemed World's 50 Best extended list for 2025, announced overnight (Thursday, June 5). That's a huge leap from last year's ranking at 98. Saint Peter – which showcases the best local seafood using a scale-to-tail ethos – is the only Australian restaurant to make the global list. I know there are lots of lists and awards flying around – but trust me, the World's 50 Best is the biggie. So: you beauty! The annual extended list of the world's 51–100 finest restaurants is decided by a voting academy made up of more than 1,000 global restaurant critics, chefs and restaurateurs. The top 1–50 list will be announced live from Turin, Piedmont on June 19. Josh wrote on Instagram: "WHAT AN OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT. @julieniland and I couldn't be more grateful & proud of the superhuman efforts of the entire team — not just @saintpeterpaddo but @saintpeterbar @thesaintpeterhotel & @fishbutchery. Alongside our own team, we celebrate the long list of suppliers, producers and artisans that make @saintpeterpaddo the special place it is." In Time Out Sydney's five-star review of Saint Peter, I wrote: "Across nine exquisite courses, Niland celebrates seafood in all its glory, while championing sustainability with each convincing bite." Some of the courses might include: an exquisite and bright fish soup featuring noodles made from the bones of coral trout; a plate of fish charcuterie that turns offcuts into wine-bar delights; fettuccine-like calamari twirled through a bolognese-style tuna 'nduja; and line-caught blue mackerel with a sublime salt and vinegar sauce. As well as a lemon meringue tart of your citrus-laced dreams. View this post on Instagram A post shared by avriltreasure (@avriltreasure) While the set menu at dinner is the best way to experience Saint Peter in all its glory, if you don't have as much cash to splash (it'll set you back $275 per person, plus drinks), you can order à la carte at lunch. Or drop in to the more casual – but equally excellent – Saint Peter Bar (and order the yellowfin tuna cheeseburger). And a huge congratulations to our Kiwi mates: Amisfield Restaurant – located in the picturesque Central Otago region, just 15 minutes from Queenstown – also made the list, coming in at 99th place. It's the first time a restaurant from Aotearoa has made it onto the World's 50 Best. Time Out tip: Amisfield is also home to an excellent winery with some of the most beautiful views I've enjoyed alongside a glass of pinot noir — add it to your next South Island road trip. Congrats to Josh, Julie and the whole team. You can see the full list of restaurants and find out more here. Bring on June 19!