New Jersey Photographer Sells Home, Moves Onto Luxury Cruise Ship

Sue Barr, 60s, leaves behind debt and finds joy capturing passengers' experiences at sea

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A New Jersey photographer named Sue Barr, in her 60s, sold her home to live and work on a luxury cruise ship after struggling with 'overwhelming' debt. Barr raised her son in the New Jersey home but realized she needed a change when he graduated and moved out. She was able to pay off debt and undergo dental work in Brazil after selling her home, then found a job as a photographer on a cruise line, where she rediscovered her passion for photography and the freedom to travel the world.

Why it matters

Barr's story highlights the challenges some Americans face with debt and the difficult choices they must make, like selling a home, in order to find financial freedom and pursue their dreams. Her transition to a life at sea also reflects broader trends of Americans, especially older adults, seeking alternative lifestyles and work arrangements that provide more flexibility and fulfillment.

The details

After her son graduated and moved out, Barr realized the New Jersey home she had raised him in had become a 'moneypit' and was keeping her from the freedom and creative possibilities she wanted to pursue. She was able to pay off debt and get dental work done in Brazil after selling the home. Barr then found a job as a photographer on a cruise line, where she rediscovered her joy in photography and the ability to travel the world, despite the long commute from her windowless cabin and use of outdated equipment. An injury sidelined Barr for months, but it gave her time to search for a more affordable apartment back in New Jersey with an ocean view.

  • Barr raised her son in the New Jersey home.
  • Barr's son graduated and moved to Florida.
  • Barr sold her New Jersey home.
  • Barr underwent dental work in Brazil.
  • Barr accepted a photography job on a cruise line.

The players

Sue Barr

A 60-year-old New Jersey photographer who sold her home to live and work on a luxury cruise ship after struggling with 'overwhelming' debt.

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What they’re saying

“The ocean made everything worth it. An unobstructed sunset on open water can shift your entire mood. Each time we reached a new port, the world opened again.”

— Sue Barr (Business Insider)

“My debt was overwhelming, and all I wanted to do was travel, but I couldn't get out from under it. Every time I had a little extra money, it wasn't enough to actually make a dent. It felt like playing whack-a-mole.”

— Sue Barr (Daily Mail)

“The physical and financial weight I had carried for years began to lift. Brazil restored my confidence and reminded me that reinvention was still possible.”

— Sue Barr (Business Insider)

What’s next

Barr plans to continue living and working on the cruise ship, exploring new ports and capturing the experiences of passengers.

The takeaway

Barr's story demonstrates the power of taking bold steps to overcome financial challenges and pursue a more fulfilling lifestyle, even in the later stages of life. Her transition to a career at sea highlights the growing trend of Americans, especially older adults, seeking alternative living and work arrangements that provide more freedom and creativity.