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Life at sea: 9 year cruise ship resident looking for a new home
Some people seek out golf courses and gated communities for their retirement; others choose the ocean. That's exactly what Beatrice Muller, an 89 year-old widow from New Jersey, did. She's spent the last nine years living the life on the high seas, cruising around the world on the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2. Muller finds this much more pleasant than any old retirement home and she plans to keep up her worldly accommodations, except for one problem: the 41 year old QE2 is retiring in November. What is an old, sea-loving woman to do? Find another ship of course.Muller says despite her preferred ship's retirement, she refuses to return to land. "What would I want to do that for?" she was quoted asking The Times. Her cabin costs about $7,000 a month, and according to her estimates, that's about the same as a retirement home in Florida, just "far more pleasant."
Actually living on the sea isn't as strange as it sounds. Magellan offers a Residential Cruise Line, where for $4 million and up you can buy your own on-board condo. The World is another "seagoing community" popular with the financially secure crowd.
We'll just have to wait and see what Muller chooses as her next home. As for the QE2, it's headed to Dubai to become a floating hotel.
That's some weird cruise news. Click the images below to read some weird airline news:
Filed under: Stories, Hotels and Accommodations, Transportation
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
nzm Aug 21st 2008 5:27AM
If I had the dosh, I would do exactly what Beatrice is doing - good on her!
When the QE2 visited Melbourne, Australia earlier this year on her final voyage downunder, I expected that this would be the last time that I would see her as a commissioned cruise ship.
We were recently in Iceland and had the unexpected pleasure of seeing her again in Reykjavik - steaming out of the harbour at the end of the day.
Imagine our surprise when, on the following afternoon as we landed in the tiny town of Ísafjörður in the Northwest fjörds, we could see the QE2 anchored in the bay. Unfortunately I missed seeing her sailing out of the fjörd, but I did get to see Silver Cloud do that a few days later.
QE2 is definitely looking tired. Her exterior paintwork is shabby and it appears that in recent times she hasn't been maintained to Cunard's high standards.
It will be interesting to see how Dubai manages to keep her interior cool as the 50+degC heat over the summer months heats up her metal shell as she lies stationary off the Jumeirah Palm.
JovansMom Aug 22nd 2008 7:58AM
I think it's perfectly wonderful. If I had the money I would do the same thing. She's living the life she wants on her terms. GOOD FOR HER!!
padenroch Aug 22nd 2008 8:39AM
Good for Beatrice- she can't take her money with her, so she should spend it however makes her happy.
nancyamm@aol.com Aug 22nd 2008 9:04AM
I am about to take my first cruise and I am also a senior citz. If I have a good time maybe I will try this also. Nancy
onlymsp Aug 22nd 2008 9:06AM
Good going Beatrice - I would do it in a heartbeat if I could and I hope that she can get on the QM2 what the heck after all this time the line should give her some kind of discount! If you figure maid service, food and entertainment it is cheap as chips!
allana3956@aol.com Aug 22nd 2008 9:13AM
Wow what a extrodinary way to live out your golden years! My only wish is that I could be finacially secure enough to live the same way when my time comes. Way to go Beatrice!!!! good for you.
anandas1970@aol.com Aug 22nd 2008 4:31PM
well, it wouldn't cost $7,000 for a normal home mortgage... don't think a retirement home is THAT expensive, but i get her point. what a great life! hope she gets back to sea right away on another floating resort.
tkdcorey12@aol.com Aug 22nd 2008 10:30AM
That would be an amazing retirement. The thing about cruises is, you have to watch yourself or you'll gain like 100 pounds. But if you're retired? Who cares!? I care now, but I'm young. I work out every day, and I eat healthier than anyone. I decline cake whenever by birthday rolls around. But the moment I hit 75-and I had better live to be 75- screw it. If I have enough money, I might do what she's doing.
DAVE Aug 22nd 2008 10:48AM
Corky your a dork who cares what you eat !!!!!!!!!
Diana Aug 22nd 2008 11:15AM
IF I WERE MRS. MULLER I WOULD DO THE SAME THING. THE ONLY THING I WOULD DO DIFFERENT, IS I WOULD BE THE QE2 FOR MYSELF AND HIRE A STAFF.THAT IS IF I HAD THE MONEY WHICH I DON'T... WELL, IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO DREAM...
heidi Aug 22nd 2008 11:31AM
that sounds nice my husband and i are both retired maybe we should do the same thing, i wonder if children can come to visit on the boat when they pull into port. i would have to know that first before making a decision. we are still young and could travel the world for many years
Jhn Aug 22nd 2008 12:31PM
What in the hell do your pictures of nearly unclad young girls on your story page have to do with the human interest story of the 89 year old woman living on a cruise ship? Clean up your act you sickos!
George Aug 22nd 2008 12:35PM
A $700,000 home will have payments of about $7000 per month. And all meals are included on a cruise liner. Cunard is one of the more expensive lines. All in all, not a bad deal....
JEFF Aug 22nd 2008 12:43PM
I have cruised on the QE2 twice and was able to meet this absolutely charming lady. She has a small cabin and of course knows every one. She loves travel and spends her time on deck or at any of the various activities. She is much more fun that the couple that rent the two penthouses fot the QE2's round the world cruise every year. I am sure she will adjust to a different ships schedule but I hope Cunard does everything they can to keep her on one of its ships.
CeCe Aug 22nd 2008 12:46PM
It's great she can do this on her retirement pay! I've never had the money to go on a cruise and never will with my paltry retirement. But I applaud those of us 'old' people who can live well and happily after their working years are over. A word to the younger folks, plan well for your retirement so you can enjoy life with the time you have left!
JILL Aug 22nd 2008 1:01PM
I think it s a Brilliant idea..
The QE2 was such a Beauty in it's day & I know that it still is just a bit older..
My Family & I have many fond Memories on the QE2 back in the 70's-80's..
We sailed to the Caribbeann often and took a trip fro NYC to England..
It was a dream come true..
We have seen been on many Cruise Ships since then and I have to say, none live up to the QE2..
I would love to retire someday & live on a ship..
It would be absolutely enthralling..
Mjacks Aug 22nd 2008 1:07PM
If she is looking for a way to spend the money, how about giving it to me. I would gladly take some of it right off of her hands. LOL!
Dewi Subianto Aug 22nd 2008 1:36PM
She must have a really nice room to be paying 7000 a month. You can actually get a decent room for 3k-4k per month including tips, tax and port fees
dewy647 Aug 22nd 2008 1:41PM
Dear Beatrice
How fun your life must be. If you need a cruise agent
I would love to have you as my client. Call me toll free I will set you up on a new cruise ship.
888-943-4943 Cruise Deals 4 U
Duane
dmrebol4 Aug 22nd 2008 4:49PM
i wish i married as well as she did. or divorced as well as she did. whatever the case good for her. it is good to see someone able to enjoy their golden years.