Couple sells $1.7 million house to travel around the world

After taking more than 200 cruises, an American couple decided to sell their home to travel the world on a superyacht.

Norman and Helen D'Silva, a married couple of 40 years, have been on more than 200 cruises and are still not bored. They decided to sell their $1.7 million Florida home to make their future life "one long cruise".

The couple are among hundreds of wealthy travelers who have bought a cabin on the luxury cruise ship MV Narrative, owned by UK-based shipping company Storylines. The ship has three swimming pools, 18 sun decks, 20 restaurants and bars, and a library with 10,000 books for passengers to enjoy on board.

Norman, 70, and Helen D'Silva, 63. Photo: DM

In addition to three meals a day, guests also enjoy medical care and laundry assistance. The couple calls their room a “house on board” with a bedroom, two bathrooms, a balcony and a spacious living room. The ship departs in 2026 on a three-year round-the-world cruise. During each three-year journey, the ship will continuously stop at ports around the world.

Norman and Helen have just returned from a cruise to explore Antarctica. Of their decision to become full-time travelers, Norman says “there’s nothing stopping us from enjoying our golden years on a cruise ship.” They have no children, no dogs or cats, and no plants, so they’re unencumbered.

The MV Narrative, where the couple will spend the rest of their lives traveling the world. Video: Storylines

"We've been doing adventure travel for 35-40 years. It's what we enjoy," said Helen, who says she has no regrets about her decision to sell her house and spend the rest of her life at sea.

The couple has visited more than 180 countries and territories. Their longest trip was a nine-month trip on a Royal Caribbean cruise around the world. They have whitewater rafted in Zambia and petted tigers in Bangkok, Thailand. But those trips are not enough. They want to spend each day exploring the wonders of the land.

Couple sells $1.7 million house to travel around the world

Swimming pool on the ship. Photo: MV Narrative

Living full-time on a ship has been a dream of the couple for a long time. Norman was inspired to pursue this dream by an encounter 20 years ago on the Holland America cruise ship with a woman.

“An 80-year-old lady shared details about life on the ship, how people looked after her. She really sold us on the dream,” Norman recalls. The couple thought it was a “unique concept” to be able to see the beautiful scenery every day of the week and experience all the amenities on board.

Couple sells $1.7 million house to travel around the world