Setting Sail with Dedication: Living Longer than the Captain
Marty, in conversation with A Current Affair, shared the essence of their extended cruise experience: “Eventually I said to my agent, ‘Look, whatever comes, book it,’ and that’s how it got to be such a long cruise.” Their commitment led to booking 51 back-to-back cruises, making them the longest-staying passengers on the ship – outlasting even the captain himself.
Ship Life: A Unique Retirement Home Alternative
Ren van Rooyen, the hotel manager on the Coral Princess, attested to Marty and Jess being the most dedicated passengers. With all meals included and daily housekeeping, the couple found a sense of community and care on board that rivaled the idea of a traditional retirement home. Van Rooyen shared, “We always make a joke that I go away and I come back, and it’s like coming to see my family – my mum and dad again.”
A Cruise Routine: Staying Active and Entertained
Far from a mundane existence, Jess and Marty crafted a routine to keep themselves entertained and healthy during their extended cruise. Starting each day with an hour of table tennis, Jess remarked, “We do it together, and we have a lot of fun.” The games serve as the perfect prelude to indulging in the cruise’s buffet offerings.
