Forget mortgages: This woman bought a cabin on a cruise ship and plans to live on it for the next 15 years

Sharon Lane’s dream for many years had been to travel, and now, thanks to a residential cruise liner, she will set sail for years to come.

Lane was able to purchase a cabin on Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey, which means she’ll be living full-time on the vessel. The 77-year-old from California told CNN that she used her life savings to purchase an interior cabin, which entitles her to a 15-year permanent ticket aboard.

How much do the cabins cost?

Mikael Patterson, CEO of Villa Vie Residences—which has become a leader in the extended cruise industry—says there are still cabins available on the Odyssey. Interior cabins start at $129,000, while those with exterior windows begin at $169,000.

In addition to the cabin price, residents are required to pay a monthly maintenance fee: $3,000 for individuals, or $2,000 per person for shared cabins. For exterior cabins, an additional $500 is added to the monthly cost.

Browsing the website, some units—such as the “Deluxe Balcony Villa”—carry a significantly higher price tag (around $379,999) and appear to come with higher maintenance fees as well.

So, what does the fee get you?

The fee covers meals (since grocery shopping at sea isn’t practical and the units lack kitchens), as well as access to the ship’s amenities. These include high-speed internet, laundry, and housekeeping services. The ship is also equipped with a medical center; while some visits are covered, passengers must pay for additional procedures or medications.