Angelyn and Richard Burk from Seattle made a bold decision in 2021: they left their traditional life behind to live permanently aboard cruise ships. The couple claims this unconventional lifestyle not only fulfills their love for travel but also saves them money compared to paying a mortgage.
Escaping Rising Housing Costs
With skyrocketing house prices making homeownership increasingly challenging, people are seeking creative alternatives. For Angelyn and Richard, who both share a passion for travel, the solution was clear: ditch the mortgage and embrace life at sea.
Angelyn, a former accountant, explained their reasoning to Australia’s 7News:
“We love to travel, and we were searching for a way to continuously travel in our retirement that made financial sense.”
The couple discovered they could live on cruise ships for as little as $40 USD per day, including accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transportation.
A Life of Continuous Adventure
Since May 2021, the Burks have been living their dream, hopping from one cruise ship to another. Their journeys have taken them to destinations like Singapore, Italy, Canada, the Bahamas, and even on a 51-day voyage from Seattle to Sydney.
“Our original plan was to stay in different countries for a month at a time and eventually retire to cruise ships as we got older,” Angelyn shared. “But we realized we could start living this life right away.”
Making It Financially Sustainable
The couple credits their frugal lifestyle, loyalty memberships, and strategic use of cruise sales for making their plan financially viable. According to Angelyn, their daily costs average around $89 USD. This includes their room, food, entertainment, transportation, tips, port fees, and taxes—all well within their retirement budget.
For comparison, Zillow reports the average home value in Seattle is currently $848,982, a significant increase over the past year. By contrast, the Burks’ cruise lifestyle allows them not only to save money but also to have extra funds for splurges.
No Plans to Return to Land
For Angelyn and Richard, life at sea has become a permanent arrangement. Their decision to forgo traditional homeownership has provided them with the freedom to explore the world while staying within their financial means.
As Angelyn said:
“This lifestyle works perfectly for us. We don’t plan on going back to land anytime soon.”
The Burks’ story highlights a unique way to approach retirement and challenges the traditional notions of settling down, proving that sometimes, the high seas can offer more than just a vacation—they can be home.