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I May Be Homeless, But You Should See My Yacht
After Mama Lee Wachtstetter’s husband died she considered living alone in her big house on 10 acres in Florida, moving into an upscale retirement community, or spending all her time on a luxury cruise ship. Turns out, the choice was easy.
Cruising fulltime wasn’t prohibitively expensive, plus she’d be guaranteed the best food, twice-daily maid service, attentive health care (the ship’s doc makes “house” calls), nightly dancing, top-notch entertainment, educational classes, and visits to hundreds of exotic ports annually. So she sold her house and all her stuff to lead what may be the ultimate senior life.
In the 12 years since then and during the hundreds of cruises she took with her husband during their 50-year marriage, she has seen it all. A ship caught fire in the South China Sea. A tuk-tuk driver “kidnapped” her in Thailand. She has weathered hurricanes, typhoons and even a rogue wave in the Mediterranean. She has witnessed fights in the formal dining room and thievery in the guest laundry. She has sailed from Alaska to Antarctica, from Buenos Aires to Bom Bom Island. She can recommend “must sees” and “don’t bothers.” She has a list of rules for happy living, and there’s even a Mama Lee diet.
You’ll find all these things and more in this entertaining, informative, and inspirational memoir. Join Mama Lee, an 89-year-old great-grandma, as she recounts her adventures and shares her secrets for cruising through life.
Cruising fulltime wasn’t prohibitively expensive, plus she’d be guaranteed the best food, twice-daily maid service, attentive health care (the ship’s doc makes “house” calls), nightly dancing, top-notch entertainment, educational classes, and visits to hundreds of exotic ports annually. So she sold her house and all her stuff to lead what may be the ultimate senior life.
In the 12 years since then and during the hundreds of cruises she took with her husband during their 50-year marriage, she has seen it all. A ship caught fire in the South China Sea. A tuk-tuk driver “kidnapped” her in Thailand. She has weathered hurricanes, typhoons and even a rogue wave in the Mediterranean. She has witnessed fights in the formal dining room and thievery in the guest laundry. She has sailed from Alaska to Antarctica, from Buenos Aires to Bom Bom Island. She can recommend “must sees” and “don’t bothers.” She has a list of rules for happy living, and there’s even a Mama Lee diet.
You’ll find all these things and more in this entertaining, informative, and inspirational memoir. Join Mama Lee, an 89-year-old great-grandma, as she recounts her adventures and shares her secrets for cruising through life.
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2017
27 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 27, 2020
OMG! This book was written by a woman with a lot of backwards understandings about the world. Her opinion on Inuits, for example, made my skin crawl: "I don't know when Eskimo's started calling themselves Inuits, but I don't like it. I can't even pronounce the word."
The woman also steps on her scale 10x a day. Can you say TOXIC MESSAGING?
I hate-read this book because I am under quarantine. I hope she doesn't read this, because I would hate to hurt her feelings, but I urge you not to bother reading her book!
The woman also steps on her scale 10x a day. Can you say TOXIC MESSAGING?
I hate-read this book because I am under quarantine. I hope she doesn't read this, because I would hate to hurt her feelings, but I urge you not to bother reading her book!
April 28, 2020
This was a semi interesting read for the first chapter or two and then it was kind of like reading a high school newspaper article.
July 4, 2022
Mama Lee is 90 years old when she wrote the book - now 94. She’s absolutely wonderful, enjoying life to its fullest and not a care in the world aside from finding joy in each day! We should all aspire to be this happy and involved in daily activities at that stage of life.
You don’t learn much about how to live on a ship but it’s a charming story of her life cruising and eventually retiring to live full time on a cruise ship traveling the world. It’s a simple, delightful read, she’s witty, sarcastic and her kindness and zest for life are on apparent on every page. I hope she gets to celebrate her 100th birthday at sea!
Anyone giving a poor review needs to evaluate their own happiness - Mama Lee is a delight and a force to be reckoned with - she’s considerate, generous and caring. Her last line of the book “Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. If you hate it, why are you doing it?” If you don’t want to find the happiness that this book is - pass it along to someone who will appreciate who Mama Lee is!
You don’t learn much about how to live on a ship but it’s a charming story of her life cruising and eventually retiring to live full time on a cruise ship traveling the world. It’s a simple, delightful read, she’s witty, sarcastic and her kindness and zest for life are on apparent on every page. I hope she gets to celebrate her 100th birthday at sea!
Anyone giving a poor review needs to evaluate their own happiness - Mama Lee is a delight and a force to be reckoned with - she’s considerate, generous and caring. Her last line of the book “Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. If you hate it, why are you doing it?” If you don’t want to find the happiness that this book is - pass it along to someone who will appreciate who Mama Lee is!
April 5, 2018
I adore this little book because I fell in love with its author. Mama Lee is courageous, adventuresome, fun-loving, spirited, positive, smart, and inspirational. If you're looking for something light and happy, especially if you like cruising vacations, I highly recommend Lee Wachtstetter's memoir. Her attitude about life is infectious.
THANK YOU FOR WRITING IT, MAMA LEE!
THANK YOU FOR WRITING IT, MAMA LEE!
February 21, 2020
Such a joy to read! I’ve seen Mama Lee on the Serenity and always wondered about her, I so much enjoyed her book. She tells some hilarious stories about cruising and what it’s like to actually live on a cruise ship. She sounds like she’d be a real hoot to meet and travel with. A cool old broad who loves to dance, needlepoint, and cruise cruise cruise. Fun book.
January 29, 2020
Interesting insight to a very lovely lady!
I saw Mama Lee on YouTube and found her book. As we all grow older, it does my heart good to see that age is not a deterrent to doing something you love. If there’s a will and hard earned cash, there’s a way.
I saw Mama Lee on YouTube and found her book. As we all grow older, it does my heart good to see that age is not a deterrent to doing something you love. If there’s a will and hard earned cash, there’s a way.
August 4, 2022
A story of a very privileged person who thinks highly of herself with poor writing skills.
June 16, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
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https://numberoneboats.com/concept-44...
https://theboatyacht.com/concept-27-f...
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Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/concept-4400...
https://numberoneboats.com/concept-44...
https://theboatyacht.com/concept-27-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/concept-27...
July 12, 2023
I'll give this a three star for content--how to retire and live on a cruise ship--but only two stars for writing ability and organization. I'd like more information on how the actual planning works, and as for how much it costs, Mama Lee is coy and says "None of your business." The famous article about her listing $164,000 back in 2015 was made up, she says and not accurate.
So how much would it cost? If you lived on a Carnival ship (much, much cheaper than Mama Lee's ride) estimates are $200K for two people. A single person on a cruise ship gets hit with a higher "supplement" fare because that loss of a second person doesn't buy drinks, shore excursions, etc. So that's doubled right there and at least doubled because Crystal is all inclusive (free booze) and much more luxurious. So maybe $600,000?
Mama Lee says she doesn't take any prescription drugs--I wondered how she got her refills--and doesn't go to a dentist unless there's an emergency. Her family live in Southern Florida, where she cruises from Miami. She loves to dance--there's ballroom dancing 3x a day--and needlepointing. She's currently 93 and still onboard. I don't know where she went during covid. She says she got tired of packing, unpacking and flights and decided to just live on the boat.
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So how much would it cost? If you lived on a Carnival ship (much, much cheaper than Mama Lee's ride) estimates are $200K for two people. A single person on a cruise ship gets hit with a higher "supplement" fare because that loss of a second person doesn't buy drinks, shore excursions, etc. So that's doubled right there and at least doubled because Crystal is all inclusive (free booze) and much more luxurious. So maybe $600,000?
Mama Lee says she doesn't take any prescription drugs--I wondered how she got her refills--and doesn't go to a dentist unless there's an emergency. Her family live in Southern Florida, where she cruises from Miami. She loves to dance--there's ballroom dancing 3x a day--and needlepointing. She's currently 93 and still onboard. I don't know where she went during covid. She says she got tired of packing, unpacking and flights and decided to just live on the boat.
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April 2, 2019
Enjoyable read!
I enjoyed learning about Lee’s life along with her spirited commonsense approach to it, as well. It was very informative for me as I am seriously contemplating the idea too. I feel like I’d need to have a small condo near Ft. Lauderdale while adjusting. Would be hard to just sell it all & jump aboard. I see the condo cruise liners now being built but I do love Crystal Cruises & like the idea of living aboard with ever changing faces & consistent 5 star service. It would be hard to not have a little balcony to open from time to time for fresh air but it is much more economical. Thought provoking read!
I enjoyed learning about Lee’s life along with her spirited commonsense approach to it, as well. It was very informative for me as I am seriously contemplating the idea too. I feel like I’d need to have a small condo near Ft. Lauderdale while adjusting. Would be hard to just sell it all & jump aboard. I see the condo cruise liners now being built but I do love Crystal Cruises & like the idea of living aboard with ever changing faces & consistent 5 star service. It would be hard to not have a little balcony to open from time to time for fresh air but it is much more economical. Thought provoking read!
January 19, 2024
"I tell everybody if you can afford it, why not live this way, too?"
Mama Lee, the icon, the legend, a cruise world wonder... As someone who loves cruise ships I was invested in Mama Lee's story, I wanted to hear all about her life at sea. I loved hearing all about stateroom 7080, the retrofitting, the change to the smoking area outside, etc.
This lifestyle is something many people could only dream of. Crystal (cruises) seems to have it all, the views, food, entertainment, etc. Lee's typical day at sea sounded blissful.
"Far and away, of all the places I’ve been, this ship is my favorite destination."
Mama Lee, the icon, the legend, a cruise world wonder... As someone who loves cruise ships I was invested in Mama Lee's story, I wanted to hear all about her life at sea. I loved hearing all about stateroom 7080, the retrofitting, the change to the smoking area outside, etc.
This lifestyle is something many people could only dream of. Crystal (cruises) seems to have it all, the views, food, entertainment, etc. Lee's typical day at sea sounded blissful.
"Far and away, of all the places I’ve been, this ship is my favorite destination."
January 18, 2025
Mama Lee’s memoir is a fantastic read. What an interesting and incredible life she has lived both on land and (the reason i picked it up) at Sea.
Im 43 and have only sailed on two Virgin Voyages cruises but ive loved them.
With my own and also friends with older family members i watch them and say to myself: they are no longer living their best lives.
As Mama Lee says “Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. If you hate it, why are you doing it?”
Im 43 and have only sailed on two Virgin Voyages cruises but ive loved them.
With my own and also friends with older family members i watch them and say to myself: they are no longer living their best lives.
As Mama Lee says “Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. If you hate it, why are you doing it?”
August 4, 2025
If you wanted to know more about Mama Lee after reading the news article, etc. this is a way to get more and what she chose to do with her living situation. Her writing is just okay. It is more of a compilation of stories that she felt were important, rather than a memoir. And that's okay.
January 3, 2019
Very interesting. Gift from Mike.
July 21, 2024
I loved this book! It kept me entertained and it was an enjoyable read. It was a nice escape.
August 15, 2023
captivating
Great read about an even greater personality! I felt I could’ve been this mama Lee and one day hope to be mama Dee.
Happy sailings and praise to all staff on every cruise line. They’re amazing
Great read about an even greater personality! I felt I could’ve been this mama Lee and one day hope to be mama Dee.
Happy sailings and praise to all staff on every cruise line. They’re amazing
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews