Cruise ship retirement dream hits Centrelink pension reality

Aussie retirees dreaming of ditching soaring housing costs for life at sea have been hit with a Centrelink reality check, with pensioners warned they could lose part of their payment if they stay overseas too long. From Sunday, the rules ease slightly, but not enough for anyone hoping a cruise ship can double as a taxpayer-backed retirement plan. As housing, rents and retirement living costs keep climbing, some older Australians are starting to see cruising as more than a holiday. With meals, cleaning, entertainment and even medical staff bundled into one fare, life at sea can look like an appealing alternative to expensive retirement options on land. RELATED ‘Not rich’ couple book all-inclusive 15yr cruise We earn $200k and live free on cruise ship Woman drops $2.9m on cruise ship home But before retirees trade bricks and mortar for a balcony cabin, there is a catch. From September 20, pensioners on payments including the Age Pension and Carer Payment can keep the full Pension Supplement during temporary overseas travel for up to 12 weeks, double the current six-week limit. Cruisers Jessica and Marty Ansen at Brisbane Cruise Terminal. Picture: Lachie Millard The supplement is paid...