77-Year-Old Woman Exhausts Her Life Savings to Live on Cruise Ship for Next 15 Years—Says, “It’s Cheaper Than California”

Published On:

America’s current political situation is comparable to a ship navigating high tide. The exception is the sailor, who appears unstable and inconsistent in his decisions for a foreign nation (yes, Trump, we see you, pun intended). Thus, at the age of 77, Sharon Lane has literally embarked on the journey of a lifetime. The California native realized her ambition by acquiring a long-term cabin on the residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey, where she intends to spend the next 15 years traveling the world.

You know what’s funny? Everyone must think she’s living the retirement life of her dreams. It’s less expensive than living in California, Sharon claims. It’s expensive, but the state’s warm weather, stunning setting, and job prospects, as well as its vibrant nightlife and Hollywood, make it the perfect place for anyone to settle down and enjoy a blend of peace and chaos.

According to a story, Sharon Lane told CNN Travel, “I’m finally able to do what I’ve wanted to do for years.” I simply purchase the cabin, move in, and live there. There is no end after it.

After buying her stateroom in late 2023, Sharon joined the ship when it docked in San Diego in 2024. Depending on their birth year, a citizen’s full retirement age (FRA) ranges from 66 to 67, even though they can retire at age 62. Retiring after the age of 70 is ideal.

The Trustees’ predictions and the impact of OBBBA indicate that the #SocialSecurityretirement program will be insolvent and subject to automatic benefit cutbacks of 24% in late 2032.

For a dual-earning couple retiring in just seven years, that represents a $18,100 annual benefit drop.

Visit morepic.twitter.com/W2cvQgni3G to learn more.

July 29, 2025, CRFB.org (@BudgetHawks)

The SSA program currently benefits nearly 70 million Americans. For many retirees, the perks they receive are becoming increasingly important. Elderly individuals are finding it more difficult to handle their daily expenses due to increased living expenses and inflation. A retiree who started receiving social security benefits at age 70 receives a monthly check that is significantly larger than that of a retiree who started receiving benefits much earlier.

House Republicans want to abolish Social Security, which provides $200 million in monthly benefits to 104,872 people in #CA14. Absolutely not!

Republicans are playing games with your hard-earned benefits, and I will not stand by and watch.

March 11, 2025, Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell)

Prices start at $129,000 for an enclosed, windowless cottage, which Sharon Lane bought with her life savings. Additionally, she must pay $3,000 a month in fees, which covers all utilities, including entertainment, medical visits, Wi-Fi, food, wash, and alcohol at dinner.

“I no longer have to do my laundry,” the retired woman commented with a sigh of relief. I don’t have to go buy groceries. The cost of living aboard the ship is far lower than that in Southern California.

California has over 30% higher living expenses than the national average, and some of the most costly places to live are the Bay Areas surrounding San Francisco, Los Angeles County, and Orange County. An ordinary, well-to-do existence in the Bay Area is said to require an annual income of about $175,000 for a single individual and over $250,000 for a family of four. (via US NEWS).

Harry Hall (@harryjhall3) shared a post.

According to Zumper, the average rent for Sharon Lane’s Laguna Woods one-bedroom apartment is $2,325. According to Apartments.com, the average rent for a studio apartment in the state is $1,856. Why would a retired woman who desires a peaceful existence spend so much money simply to be alive?

Hetty Chang (@hettynbcla) shared a post.

Owners can rent out their cabins when they are away, and most, like Lane, plan to live on a yacht full-time. This is why she chose to live on a yacht rather than pay bills in California and deal with anxiety. When not in use, very few tenants turn their cabins into investment assets, according to Mikael Petterson, CEO of Villa Vie Residences.

Living on the floating machine and taking in the breathtaking views while traveling the world makes Sharon Lane very happy. Dream locations like Japan and New Zealand are on her agenda. But according to sources, as she ages, she would need more assistance with everyday tasks and medical requirements, which a long-term cruise might not be able to provide.

An American who is 77 years old sells everything to go on an endless cruise.

The 77-year-old Sharon Lane sold all she owned and purchased a ticket for an indefinite trip on the opulent ship Villa Vie Odyssey. She intends to enjoy a globe tour while on board for the next ten years.

Pic.twitter.com/uLw35gWXjV’s price

NEXTA July 1, 2025 (@nexta_tv)

Recall that a change in surroundings after retirement can not only create a new outlook on living the next stage of life but also improve mental and physical health, regardless of whether one wants to live in a different nation, a different zip code, a ship, or a van.

In any case, you create your future, live and let live, be true to your wants, do good things, and manage your finances well because your quality of life will suffer if you don’t care about your money. Although the adage “money cannot buy happiness” is overused, wealth is a tool that can assist someone in creating the life they want.

Leave a Comment