It didn’t occur to us when we signed up for living on a Residential Cruising ship that we were being pioneers. Maybe we are pioneers in general already, and I just hadn’t considered it.
I did already know that our lives have definitely been an adventure, a big grand one at that, especially so since moving from our Colorado home. It was a challenge clearing out the house, and giving up everything we owned. There was a sense of lightness that came upon us, as we divested ourselves of our possessions.
But looking back now, I know we’ve been pioneers all along, both individually and as a couple. Randy started his online business when the Internet was still considered non-commercial (June 1994). But then, my own first web site went online in April 1996 — more than 28 years ago now. I think Randy was attracted by that. 🙂 I was the first woman bed and breakfast-specialty Realtor (1989).
Despite us both growing up urban, Randy had a dream of living not just rural, but on 40 acres on a dirt road, and we made that come true in 2003 in a 542-square-mile county with a whopping 4,500 residents. We bought an electric car, with much of its charging powered by solar panels.
Changing Directions
Then came Residential Cruising: we decided we wanted to be residents on the first real RC ship to sail. The first one promising that was VCL, so we signed up. When we learned that ship wasn’t leaving in December 2023 (or really ever), the jolt wasn’t as harsh as our friends thought it might be. Yes, we fussed for a few days, but we quickly came up with a plan and moved on. By then we had sold our house and nearly everything else. When you don’t own much it’s easier to be flexible, to go with the flow.
We were nimble. Our next ship choice materialized — unlike the other two failures, this one had its sights on a ship, and did buy it right on time — and our dream started becoming more real than ever.
The reality pioneer came home to us when the ship’s departure was delayed — again… and again… and again. There were more than 100 pioneers on their way to Southampton, England, then on to the ship’s location in Belfast, N. Ireland, who were impacted by the delays. The ship took care of us with lodging and transportation, and even some excursions, during the three-plus months of delay. Even with that, each delay took something out of the pioneers.
But you know what? Being pioneers means that there are very likely going to be obstacles in the way. It truly is part of the adventure.
As I pondered all of this while watching the reactions of other residents — some suffered distress and misery; nervousness that there was going to be a rerun of VCL or Life at Sea indignation; mild fear; entitlement. There was lots of “shoulding” going on about how the owners made decisions or how the residents ought to be treated. There was lots of judgement. The emotions ran higher and higher. People started sparking at each other.
And it occurred to me: maybe some of those folks aren’t really of the pioneer spirit. Some quit and went home, letting the dream go. These people probably would have been better off waiting for a year to sign on. Pioneers are probably more willing to realize that when it’s the first time for something, there will be mistakes, setbacks, false starts, disappointments — and then a surge ahead as the company founders find ways to make it work. To dig in and find a way. Because they have a dream too. They’re definitely of the pioneering mindset.
Extending the Metaphor
Every pioneer has faced disappointments, setbacks, and challenges. Many have also experienced exciting successes. The pioneers set the path for others to follow, and for some to take the challenge to improve the “technology” that started any particular pioneering adventure. Without pioneers we’d still be huddling in the back of our cold caves.
My pioneer analogy goes like this: If you aren’t willing to walk alongside the wagon, maybe this isn’t for you. If you are uncomfortable making decisions, maybe this isn’t for you. If you don’t like feeling lost or at sea (excuse the pun), maybe this isn’t for you.
But if you are fine with the unknown and the challenges, this could be the life for you. If you don’t expect anything of the adventure except for the food, lodging, transportation, and fun and surprises, this could well be the life for you.
“We’re the kind of people who can be genuinely thrilled,” one resident said, “after 3+ months of waiting, just to sleep on a ship that isn’t moving!” — because that’s progress toward the difficult goal of getting going. He’s clearly a pioneer too.
Last Updated August 17, 2024
Originally Published August 17, 2024
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Kit is the co-founder of Residential Cruising, and is best known as a longevity mindset coach at Live in Focused Energy. She and her husband, Randy, are to live full-time on the Residential Cruising ship Villa Vie Odyssey starting September 2024, where they will be “Digital Nomads” — continuing their work while aboard the ship.
I love this! Your Conestoga ship!
Nancy, I think Conestoga is Greek for Odyssey! Well, maybe not, but it’s a fun idea.
I have been along on part of the journey — was to do a “test drive” from Reykjavik to Bermuda (originally Miami) towards a purchase. Obviously my test drive never got any gas but I was thinking this morning about how this is for pioneers in a fledgling industry. Your post resonated with me. Pioneering is not for the faint of heart — and approaching 73 I find myself not as resilient as I was even 10 years ago when this concept came on my radar. But it is a concept I strongly believe and VVR has gotten so much further than any other endevour that it has me excited. Do I have the energy and strength to make another run at this? This is on my mind daily. So, thank you for a very accurate description of this journey. Hope to meet you onboard someday!
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Likewise, Sheri! -rc
Sheri, it seems I accidentally hit a button of yours. Everything I said was meant in a light way. It was all intended as a tease and as encouragement to continue follow your heart. Sorry for teasing too hard.
Love this take on it all, Kit. Such a conscious way to look at things. We class ourselves as pioneers too, having been digital nomads since 2013, long before it became a thing. It is hard to navigate such a world where you don’t quite fit the norm, but oh so rewarding, even for the fact we don’t fit into “normal”! Got to be happy with that!! Here’s to all the pioneers, including yourselves, those that change our world and “normal” people’s perceptions. We’ll see you on the ship sometime soon!
Here’s to the pioneers, Nat & Jodie!
I’ve long felt I don’t fit in most places, but I’m comfortable with my fellow pioneers regardless of the adventure.
See you then.
Definition of a pioneer: The poor sod with the arrows in their back.
However, without pioneers there would be no progress. You two keep it up and pave the way for the rest of us.
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Enough of us survive to pave the way. -rc
Larry, your statement that there wouldn’t be progress without pioneers reminds me of my statement that it’s the people gifted with ADD/ADHD who improve the world. I guess pioneers are also gifted. 😊
I LOVE the idea of RC. Ideas are percolating in the back of my mind….
Glad to be teasing your brain cells with our articles. Are you of pioneer spirit, too?
Kit, a wonderful read. Thanks.
Thanks, Deborah. 💝
Hi Randy, nice to hear from Kit that you’re very soon underway. You are very lucky (as am I) to have a wonderful wife. Stay healthy and happy, enjoy the sailing adventure of a lifetime!!
On the other hand, the Donner party probably should have waited for Spring.
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There’s a nice picnic area at Donner Pass. -rc
Pioneer spirit perfectly defined, Kit! I’ve done it a few times… taken off for a couple of weeks in another country, which soon morphed into a two-year stay. There were those who thought I was nuts (and to be fair, I can kinda understand their thinking). But I don’t think I’d do things much differently, given another go at it. I’m sure you and Randy will make the most of the experience, just like you always have.
Excellent, excellent post! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and emotions.
Thank your for your praise. We have fun sharing our thoughts and reactions to this grand adventure. Stay tuned for more.
Doc, I recognize the pioneering spirit in you. Pioneers are nuts — thank goodness! We’re cuckoo (nuts) for Coco Puffs and adventures. Thanks for being on this journey with us.
Thank you both for sharing your very different sort of adventure and spirit of the awesomeness of staying open for all the possibilities new discovery….
We’re glad you are following our adventure, Christine. That adds to our fun for sure. What’s around the next bend? Let’s go check!
Pioneers are risk takers. But without the pioneers there wouldn’t be progress. And of course, there will always be the pioneers that had it much worse than modern pioneers. Most of you were inconvenienced and wondered if your financial sacrifice would pan out…. But at least they fed and housed you (think Donner party!). I am truly enjoying following the blogs and videos of those of you that choose to continue to look to the future instead of bashing the progress that has happened.
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Right? First world problems. We’re grateful for the progress, and it’s huge: we are witnesses to the differences. -rc
It’s all in one’s mindset. We are blessed have curious minds and wonder what’s next. We don’t look at a glass and debate whether it’s half full or half empty, we wonder what’s in it and if there’s more. 😁
I’ve read every Residential Cruising post, and I’ve never been so emotionally invested in the lives of two people I’ve never met! Thank you so much for sharing your grand adventure, with all its ups and downs, and allowing us to live vicariously through you.
I’m looking forward to saying “Bon Voyage!” as you finally get cruising!
How touching! Thank you. Let’s toast with a great bubbly when we sail. My treat. 😊
I commented earlier that my wife and I are adventurous but definitely not early (first) adoptors. We would not respond well to the situation you are in, but I can easily see us becoming residential cruisers on the third or fourth ship. Is that pioneering? It’s close enough for me.
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The theory is called the Diffusion of Innovations. It actually uses “Innovators” rather than Pioneers. You sound like Early Adopters, which is the next portion (then Early Majority, Late Majority, and Laggards). We all probably know of representatives from all of those, and what group one is in can vary depending on the innovation in question. -rc
In 10 years — or less — some folks will be making this decision about living on Mars. Perhaps even you two.
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We probably wouldn’t be going even if we could make the choice now: they’re going to want younger people who could be there for quite awhile. Plus, I’m dubious they’ll be ready to fly anyone in a decade. We’ll see, though! -rc
Your reflections on pioneers came at an interesting time. I’ve been researching my great-grandparents, all of whom homesteaded in immediate-post-Civil-War Minnesota after leaving three European empires. They didn’t get the arrows in the back, but they sure were “nimble”. Two of them, 16 and 9 at the time, walked 600 miles from now-Slovenia to Hamburg to board a ship for America. They missed the ship and had to find work until the next ship left a month later. Fortunate that they missed it; it sank. They did catch the next ship, took a train from New York to St. Paul, and then walked 50 miles in the Minnesota winter to meet their father in St. Cloud.
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Now those are some hearty pioneers! -rc
Great story of pioneering, Herb! Things do happen as they should. You’ve done your fair share of pioneering, too. Keep on keepin’ on.
Thank you for the update. It’s exactly the pioneering spirit that prevails. My partner and I are booked for the South American segment and will stay on for about another month through to Mexico. I’m also contemplating segments after the Singapore dry dock up to Asia/India/Middle East and definitely doing the African circumnavigation. Looking forward to meeting you on board!
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Cool! -rc
I’m looking forward to meeting you and adventuring with you. Pioneer on!
Absolutely! See you “soon”. C
Thanks Kit, for your perspective, and for taking us all along on this adventure. I first met you in Boulder, before your Washington chapter. You were our customer at our vacuum store then. It is exciting to follow your journey.
You’ve known me a *long* time, sir! Your memory impresses me.
Thanks for being a long for the adventure. Stay tuned for more excitement. 😊
I am not a risk taker myself, but I think this would be the adventure of a lifetime. New culinary adventures, new languages, and new experiences. I do hope the stops will give you enough time to explore, make new friends and so on. Are you allowed to have temporary visitors on board the ship, such as family etc, just as if you were in your own house? But wow, what an adventure with your partner this will be, and how lucky you are to both have the same objectives. Not always the case, that.
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It’s not quite “just as if you were in your own house” when they’re bringing you across borders, but yes we can host friends and family. And yes, Kit and I are quite similar in outlook. -rc
Thanks for the update Kit!
I am following your adventures from New Zealand and very excited for you (and jealous as well!). As they say, good things take time.
I have also watched Ivan the hotel manager’s YouTube video, where he introduces himself and talks about what the staff are doing to get the ship ready to sail. I am sure it will all fit into place — it was good to see the effort being made by staff to get things into place and that you will be well looked after under his leadership and energy.
Please keep us updated!
Harriet, it pleases me you are enjoying the process. You have our personal perspective and Ivan’s more global perspective – you have a good insight.
Good things do take time, and everything happens when and how it should. Things will be alright in the end. If things aren’t alright, it’s not the end.
What a fantastic way of framing this new adventure! I’m happy to acknowledge that I’m not quite the pioneer that I’d like to be, and to watch while you braver souls pave the way. Thanks for letting us follow along!
You live your life to your own drummer. Enjoy your steps. And follow us as long as we tickle your fancy.
Wow. Excellent article.
I discovered most of those issues myself when I took a rather “pioneer road” and moved as an older female widow to Thailand.
Those insights Kit mentioned are spot-on. She nails it.
I love what she said: “Pioneers are probably more willing to realize that when it’s the first time for something, there will be mistakes, setbacks, false starts, disappointments”.
Awesome game plan!
p.s. Yes, downsizing gives you a whole lot more flexibility.
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Moved on your own to Thailand? Yep: you’re got a pioneer spirit. -rc
What’s funny is that when you’re doing it, actively involved in whatever adventure you are pursuing, there’s no time to ponder that aspect of it haha.
Oh! That’s a pioneering move I’ve never considered, Beverly! How exciting.
If you have a blog I’d love to follow you.
We’ve been following your adventure with great excitement. Although family obligations are keeping us anchored in Florida at the moment, we plan on living vicariously through you until our own pioneer spirit is allowed to roam free. Can’t wait to hear more!
I guess y’all don’t get seasick like AT ALL! I went on a cruise once and I was good for 5/6 nights, which is a ratio that doesn’t seem to bode well for me living an oceanic life 😆
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I’ve never gotten seasick, but we brought lots of ginger items “just in case.” -rc
Living vicariously through your adventures. It’s not something Dave and I would/could do at this place in our lives, but we’re so excited about and interested in your adventures!
Ann, it’s a great world where you can live your life at your own pace and in your own style. I’m glad you know that.
Wow! Beautiful writing! “When you don’t own much it’s easier to be flexible, to go with the flow.” 👍
When you boil it down, you know what matters!
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You got it, sister! If “your stuff” is what matters, you’re not doing it right. -rc
Thanks, Jia. The less we own the freer our lives. That lesson still holds true for me. As I realized we may have lost some things, I realize it’s just stuff. Good friends and experiences are what matters.
Another version of the Odyssey journey on YouTube! Thank you for that info. Ivan’s story is almost as good as yours. I do like reading better than videos.
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Yeah, me too for most things. -rc
You are inspiring me! The attitude of flexibility, patience, and openness to new experiences is amazing. I remind myself the only thing we can control is our own attitude, response and reaction to change. Thank you for being examples and mentors for this!
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Well, I can tell you that it beats being upset and angry! -rc
Well written Kit. I propose you chat to Mike and have a ‘Pioneer’s Pin’ made up — but, only for inaugural residents.
Hi Kit, long time no see, what a great little piece on our adventure. I suppose i have to comment on these unbelievable hardships. After all Pioneering is simply a very hard thing to do (as we all know), and not many people have the mentality to keep on pushing and pushing and finally win. And win we will. In the meantime i will have to put up with many more hardships, like not knowing where my next meal is coming from (but somehow I’m 7 kgs over fighting weight) then there is the real miseries a tv that I can only watch movies on, a personal coffee machine that I have to adapt to boil water, and the granddaddy of all pains having to adapt to square pillows. I mean, REALLY, no one should have to put up with square pillows, Right!
Kit, I hope your writings inspire many others to join us on this little adventure that we call ODYSSEY. Thank you.