Retired Teacher Reveals What It’s Like to Be a Resident on a Permanent Cruise: ‘This Is Home’

In an intriguing twist on modern living, Sharon Lane, a retired teacher, has traded her traditional lifestyle for life at sea. At the age of 78, she made a dramatic change by selling her possessions and using her savings to live year-round aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship. This accommodation choice, she found, was more economically viable than remaining in her Californian residence.

Since June 2025, Lane has embraced her unique lifestyle, viewing the ship as her permanent home rather than just a temporary journey. “I’m not on a trip,” she remarked, emphasising her commitment to her new life at sea. Lane’s decision to sell everything was influenced by the appeal of a lifestyle that offered her adventure and new experiences without the burdens of daily home maintenance.

Though she started her voyage in a windowless cabin, Lane upgraded after two months to a room that boasted windows and ocean views. She took her time decorating her space, choosing to make the cabin her own rather than rushing the process. “I wanted to settle into the ship, figure out how things worked, and find a routine,” she explained. This thoughtful approach highlights the importance of comfort and personalisation in her new living environment.

One of the bittersweet realities of life aboard the cruise ship is the transient nature of many of her fellow passengers. While Lane enjoys meeting new people, she faces the emotional challenge of bidding farewell to those who are only on board temporarily. Despite the sense of community among fellow residents, the constant cycle of new faces can make forming lasting friendships difficult.

However, Lane appreciates the conveniences that come with her maritime lifestyle. Onboard services ensure she has no need to cook, clean, or do laundry, which she considers a “heavenly” aspect of her day-to-day life. The monthly fees she pays cover meals, drinks, housekeeping, and laundry, allowing her to enjoy her surroundings without the typical domestic responsibilities.

While the ship offers a range of organised activities, such as karaoke and theatre performances, Lane has opted not to participate in those social events. “That’s not me,” she confessed, stating that she prefers her own style of leisure. Instead of engaging in group activities, she opts to utilise the ship’s gym and engage in online Spanish lessons, alongside enjoying long, social dinners with other residents. “We use mealtime as social time,” she noted, highlighting how dining fosters connections and lengthy conversations.

Villa Vie Residences, the company behind the Odyssey ship, aims to redefine the concept of living by creating a community that inspires a sense of belonging and freedom. Mikael Petterson, the founder, stated that the experience is intended for residents to experience a new landscape daily while feeling anchored in a close-knit community. “Odyssey gives people the chance to explore the world without ever leaving home,” he explained.

As Sharon Lane continues her extraordinary life aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey, her experience serves as a reminder of the various ways people can define home and community. By embracing this unconventional lifestyle, she not only prioritises her independence but also embraces the richness of interactions and experiences that come with living on a ship. It’s a bold move that challenges conventional living norms, and one that resonates with those seeking an alternative way of life in their later years.