More than 3,000 Australians have set sail on Crown Princess, the biggest world cruise to ever depart from Australia, that will see 42 destinations in 22 countries across 5 continents visited over 113 days with guests only needing to unpack once.
Joining them on this incredible international tour is Australian cruising royalty couple, Jessica and Marty Ansen, who have become one of the country’s top cruising experts, after spending 2,335 days at sea across 111 Princess cruises with another 33 cruises booked over the next 12 months.
The Ansens continue to inspire thousands of Australians who are looking to redefine retirement while seeing the world on the biggest world cruise – Crown Princess.
Brisbane couple Marty and Jessica Ansen are part of a growing trend of older couples embarking on world cruises. Marty and Jessica boarded the Crown Princess in Brisbane on 21 November, 2024 and will diseambark this coming November. Pictured enjoying the cruising lifestyle while on a stopover in Sydney, Wednesday, 16 April, 2025. Picture: Toby Zerna Media
“Life at sea is the only way we travel – apart from getting on board, everything else is taken care of for you. You can forget about housework with a constantly cleaned room including your bed made daily, eating at the finest restaurants and enjoying world-class entertainment,” The Ansens said.
“This is not only more affordable than a retirement home or travelling by air, but also much more fun and where you can meet life-long friends.”
The Ansens are not alone in their love affair of seeing the world by sea as cruising continues to grow year on year with the latest Source Market Report by Cruise Lines International Association revealing a record 34.6 million people chose to cruise in 2024 – up by 9.3% on 2023 data.
These statistics also show cruising continues to have an endless appeal for Australians with the number of first-time cruisers increasing by 31% over the past two years – up from 24% in 2019*.
With this rising demand, eleven new ocean ships will be released throughout 2025 including Star Princess. Across the industry, a further 56 new cruise ships are on order through to 2036, worth $56.7 billion USD.
For the Ansens they are excited about visiting Africa, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and South America while also celebrating more than 55 years of marriage.
“We feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Princess family and to meet more like-minded and free-spirited people on this world cruise. Our advice to any Australian considering this lifestyle is you will never regret it,” The Ansens said.
Brisbane couple Marty and Jessica Ansen are part of a growing trend of older couples embarking on world cruises. Marty and Jessica boarded the Crown Princess in Brisbane on 21 November, 2024 and will diseambark this coming November. Pictured enjoying the cruising lifestyle while on a stopover in Sydney, Wednesday, 16 April, 2025. Picture: Toby Zerna Media
Cruising is both affordable and fun and good for your mental and physical well-being with psychologist Evelyn Field commenting it is more stress free when people do not have to worry about bills and what they need to do each day.
“When we’re more interested in the world, we use our brain more. As the adage goes – if you don’t use it, you lose it. We know when cruising you often walk a lot, meet new people and eat well,” Ms Field said.
Crown Princess Captain Christopher Lye said just like the Ansens, every guest who steps on board a Princess cruise becomes part of the family.
“We offer so much on board, you never get bored. But we know it is often the simple things such as sharing stories with one another and our exceptional and kind staff that make the cruising experience so memorable,” Captain Lye concluded.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available by visiting princess.com or connecting with a professional travel advisor, by calling 13 24 88. Travel agents are encouraged to call 1300 587 473 or visit onesourcecruises.com.au
