Couple sell everything to go on three-and-a-half year 'endless cruise' as it sets sail

A couple who decided to sell almost everything they own to go on the voyage of a lifetime have explained why they did it.

Grace and Jerry Grady are a retired American-Italian couple who have done everything they can to pursue a once-in-a-lifetime chance to travel the world for the next few years.

The elderly couple will be aboard one of the world's most luxurious residential cruise ships operating today called the Villa Vie Odyssey.

The luxury cruise set off on 30 May from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and is set to dock at 425 ports in 147 different countries in all seven continents, ideal for anyone looking to stay off the grid for a while.

With the voyage set to last for around three-and-a-half years, you would imagine that it would cost a fortune to go on any kind of journey like that, but it turns out that escaping the boring routines of normal life to live aboard the cruise ship may be more affordable than you'd think.

Stopping at several ports for two to seven days across Europe, the Caribbean, North and South America, East Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East and Africa before returning, passengers are given the perfect opportunity to explore their holiday destinations.

The 'pay-as-you-go' option costs £70 per day, and is for those that are only along for part of the trip, though long haul passengers can own a cabin from £78,300, less than a third of the average UK house price in 2024 (£264,500).

Of course, the more lavish passengers can splash out near to £400k for the 'Endless Horizons' package.

The couple have given up a lot of their possessions to be onboard the ship. (Villa Vie)

The Gradys spend an annual fee of $43,435 (£34,160) to live aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey, significantly cheaper than the average cost of living in America, which is about $60,000 (£47,000) per year.

Onboard, the money goes towards unlimited food and soft drinks, alcoholic drinks at dinner, free wi-fi and medical checks for the elderly couple.

And not to mention, weekly housekeeping, 24/7 room service and a bi-week laundry service to boot.

They say it's all worth it though, as they are spending the amount that they would living in a house but have the benefit of travelling the world.

Grace explained: “You don’t have bills, expenses, insurance etc,

“It is also a much easier way to travel than trying to book separate trips and flights ourselves.”

They initially tried to live aboard a ship being two of the hundreds of passengers that were meant to board the three-year LIfe at Sea Cruises ship in late 2023, but the trip was cancelled.

Living in Sicily for the past couple of years in preparation for the journey, they have also been living off a limited number of clothes after sending a few suitcases off to the cruise ship.

They have been planning the long-haul trip for some time now. (Villa Vie)

Apparently, the couple have sold almost everything that belongs to them, from their home in the US to their most valued items, so they can fulfil their lifelong dreams of travelling the world.

“In the end, we sold most of our belongings to friends. I’ve been wearing the same clothes every day and washing them by hand each night,” Grace previously told Euronews.

“It has always been a dream of mine to see the world. I want to get this thing going,” Jerry revealed.

There is plenty for the couple to do onboard, with Villa Vie Odyssey boasting eight decks, three restaurants, five bars and lounges, a pool with two Jacuzzis, a spa, a fitness centre and a library.