Have you ever wondered whether you can live on a cruise ship? This question has crossed the minds of many who dream of a life filled with adventure, neverending food, and constant travel. Living on a cruise ship might seem like a fantasy, but for some, it is a viable lifestyle choice.
In this guide, I’ll explore what it means to live on a cruise ship, the options available, and the considerations you need to keep in mind before making this move.
Can You Live on a Cruise Ship?
Yes, it’s possible to live on a cruise ship. Many residential cruise ships offer rooms for purchase, allowing you to live on them permanently. You can also book a world cruise, book several cruises back-to-back, or even get a job on a ship.
Keep reading to discover what it’s like to live on a cruise ship, including budgeting tips, daily life on board, and how to make the most of it. I’ll discuss the costs, what you can expect from life at sea, and other things you need to know.
How to Live on a Cruise Ship
Book back-to-back cruises
Dreaming of endless days at sea? By booking back-to-back cruises, you can turn that dream into reality. Some cruise lines may require you to disembark and re-board between itineraries, but you can avoid this by securing multiple sailings on the same ship well in advance.
Alternatively, some cruise lines allow you to book your next cruise while onboard, although you may need to change cabins. Even with early booking, there’s always a chance someone else might get there first, so factor in the time needed to change cabins, including packing and unpacking. You can book a cruise 18-24 months in advance to increase your chances of staying in the same cabin.
Ship hopping
Another less popular way to live on a cruise ship is by hopping between ships. This method is much more tiring and requires more planning. You need to ensure that your next cruise ship departs from the same port where your last ship docked. If it doesn’t, or if the departure port changes, you’ll also need to plan for transportation.
Go on a world cruise
World cruises can last for months, with the longest lasting for up to 9 months. Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise lasts for 274 days, which is almost nine months, offering a nearly year-long adventure. After completing a world cruise, you can rebook another one onboard (if possible) or even book multiple world cruises in advance.
Go on a residential cruise ship
The easiest way to live on a cruise ship is to purchase a suite on a residential cruise ship. Due to the growing interest and demand for living on a cruise ship, there has been a surge in cruises offering the chance to live permanently onboard. However, keep in mind that some of these residential cruises may not last forever, so you’ll need to consider this if you plan to live aboard for the long term. This option provides the most stability and convenience for those looking to make a cruise ship their permanent home.
Get a job on a cruise ship
Getting a job on a cruise ship can be a last-case option if you want to live on board, but it’s not for everyone. The work can be demanding, and the living conditions may be less comfortable than what you’re used to. Crew cabins are typically small, often shared with others, and lack the amenities found in passenger cabins. The long hours and strict schedules can also be challenging. However, if you’re adaptable and willing to work hard, it can be a way to experience life at sea without the usual expenses.
Cruise Ships You Can Live On
The World
Launched in 2001, “The World” was one of the first cruise ships designed for people to live on. It features 165 residences, ranging from spacious apartments to studio apartments and smaller studios. This ship mainly caters to retirees who want to enjoy a permanent or occasional home on the water in a lively community.
“The World” offers a lifestyle similar to a luxury resort. On board, you’ll find a spacious lobby, grocery store, gym, tennis court, jogging track, and swimming pool. The ship even has a golf simulator and a billiard room. For dining and entertainment, there are six restaurants, a library, and a movie theater. The ship also offers shore excursions and classes to keep residents occupied. Plus, you can stay connected thanks to full internet access.
Purchasing a condo on “The World” is an exclusive process only for a select group of financially well-off individuals. You’ll need a nomination from one resident and approval from another, and have a net worth of at least $10 million. Those curious about living on the ship can try a “taster sail” to see if it suits them. The travel routes of the ship are planned several years in advance and have included destinations like Antarctica, Cairns, and Buenos Aires.
MV Narrative by Storylines
MV Narrative is an upcoming residential cruise ship set to launch in 2027 from Croatia. This ship offers a more affordable residential option compared to others, with 530 residences, most of which include balconies.
Onboard amenities include 20 restaurants and bars, a microbrewery, three pools, a bowling alley, a gym, and a youth education program. The ship also has outdoor bars and lounging areas, running tracks, and a gym. Other spaces include a library, workspaces, and quiet areas.
Additionally, MV Narrative offers all-inclusive services with fees that cover Wi-Fi, gratuities, laundry, meals, and housekeeping. Residents can also enjoy a yacht club-style cafe and cocktail lounge. Powered by LNG, it is one of the few residential cruise ships designed to be environmentally friendly.
Blue World Voyages
Blue World offers a residential cruise centered around sports and wellness, with 225 luxurious suites. The ship has the largest fitness and athletic conditioning facility at sea, including a training gym, yoga studio, golf training facility, and cardio equipment. Guests can also enjoy a lap pool, marina deck, and two decks dedicated to spa amenities, which include a Himalayan salt room, ocean view solarium, and an aft therapy pool. The ship also has 4 specialty restaurants.
Residents gain 25-year residency rights upon purchase and can place their suite in the ship’s rental inventory when not in use. Blue World plans to expand its fleet to three ships within the next five years. Keep in mind these cruises are designed for adults, with no activities for children. Blue World suggests that its cruises are not ideal for those under 16.
Dark Island by Clydebuilt
Scheduled to set sail by late 2025, Dark Island offers 101 suites, each with its own balcony. The ship features an array of amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, art gallery, spa, beauty salon, sauna room, snack bar, gym, meeting rooms, children’s play areas, movie theater, and a helideck. The suites, which span over eight decks, include kitchens, with the four most expensive suites located on the top deck.
Dark Island’s itinerary is set in advance through a vote by suite owners, though the captain has the final say. This ship offers a premium, luxury travel experience and offers plenty of activities such as art, culinary, and photography classes, and a well-stocked library.
Njord by Ocean Residences
The Njord is a luxurious superyacht set to sail in 2025, featuring 117 private residences spanning 13 decks. It features floor-to-ceiling windows, gourmet kitchens, walk-in closets, smart-home technology, personalized housekeeping, and ensuite bathrooms. Besides luxury, the Njord focuses on scientific and ocean research, working with global research teams. The ship also offers daily lectures by subject experts and visits to historical and archaeological sites.
The Njord also offers world-renowned health and wellness facilities, including a spa and wellness center, an indoor hydro pool and jacuzzi, a yoga and meditation platform, and a medical center. The superyacht caters to families with a kids club and youth activities center, and provides various entertainment options such as a library, golf simulator, arts and crafts studio, outdoor movie screen, and even flight simulators.
Cost of Living on a Cruise Ship
Living on a cruise ship can vary widely in cost, depending on your choice of accommodation. If you’re considering a residential cruise ship, the price of a suite can range from $400,000 to a whopping $14 million for the most luxurious options available. Annual costs for residential cruise ships cover meals, amenities, and maintenance, ranging from approximately $60,000 to upwards of $300,000.
However, for those preferring a more flexible option, regular (non-residential) cruise ships offer a potentially lower cost alternative. A typical inside cabin costs around $50 to $75 per person per night, totaling between $18,250 and $27,375 annually. Opting for a balcony cabin, priced at around $100 to $150 per person per night, raises the annual cost to between $36,500 and $54,750, excluding additional expenses such as onboard and port charges.
World cruises tend to be more expensive than standard cruises. Prices for a six-month world cruise range from $30,000 to $50,000 for the most affordable rooms on mainstream cruise lines. This totals approximately $60,000 to $100,000 annually. Although expensive, they are cheaper than residential cruises and offer less hassle than having to hop between ships or book multiple cruises in advance.
Benefits of Living on a Cruise Ship
Ease of Travel – Living on a cruise ship means you can easily visit places all over the world, from the Mediterranean’s historic ports to the Caribbean’s tranquil beaches. This way of traveling makes packing simpler because your room travels with you, there’s no need to pack up between destinations.
All-Inclusive Living – The cost of living on a cruise covers essentials such as meals, entertainment, and activities. This means you can indulge in endless amenities without worrying about extra expenses.
Zero Upkeep Needed – All maintenance duties are managed by the ship’s staff, freeing residents from typical household chores.
Ever-Changing Scenery – Cruise ship living allows you to enjoy varying landscapes, from the dramatic fjords of Alaska to the azure seas of the Mediterranean.
Social Opportunities – The cruise environment naturally encourages interaction, making it easy to meet people and make friends due to shared spaces and activities.
Dining Options – Residents can enjoy a variety of international cuisines prepared by skilled chefs, ranging from casual buffets to fine dining experiences.
Leisure and Entertainment – A wide array of leisure and entertainment options are available on board, including live shows, movies, workshops, and games, ensuring residents always have activities to enjoy.
Drawbacks of Living on a Cruise Ship
Limited living space – Cabins on cruise ships typically provide less space than those on land, and the upgrade to a larger cabin often comes at a high price. This can make extended stays feel cramped and uncomfortable. The lack of space also limits storage options and privacy.
Seasickness – While it may seem counterintuitive for someone prone to seasickness to live on a ship, even those without issues may suffer discomfort during rough seas.
Medical care – Medical care on a cruise ship is limited, especially for special treatments. In emergencies, the time to reach a mainland hospital can be dangerously long.
Dining fatigue – Cruise ships offer a variety of food, but the menu can feel repetitive over time. This can lead to dining fatigue unless the menu changes often.
Monotony and boredom – Seeing the same things and doing the same activities every day can quickly get boring. However, frequent port stops or unique activities can keep things interesting, so the experience may vary depending on the cruise you’re on.
Restricted freedom – Living on a cruise ship means following the ship’s schedule and routes. This can limit personal freedom for travel and activities.
Isolation – Living far from the mainland can feel isolating, especially if you’re on your own. Being away from your usual community, friends, and family can make loneliness worse.
Few activities for kids – Residential cruise ships often cater to adults, which means there are fewer activities for children. Also, most cruise ships don’t offer educational facilities, so homeschooling is up to the parents.
Limited shopping – Shopping opportunities on cruise ships are confined to what’s available on board and at port stops. These options can lack variety and come with a higher price tag, complicating everyday purchases and access to certain items.
Challenges in maintaining relationships – The physical distance from family and friends back on land can strain relationships. This can make it difficult to maintain strong bonds and stay connected while living at sea.
What to Consider When Living on a Cruise Ship
Staying healthy
Staying healthy while living on a cruise ship can be challenging due to the laid-back atmosphere on board and the constant availability of delicious food. To stay healthy, make sure to participate in onboard fitness classes and make use of the gym facilities provided on board. Make sure to focus on eating a balanced diet by choosing healthier options from the ship’s dining menu. It’s OK to occasionally indulge as long as you practice moderation.
Social and community life
If you want to live on a cruise ship, you’ll probably want to be involved in the social and community events on board to reduce loneliness. Participating in onboard events and activities will help you meet fellow passengers and build friendships.
Working remotely
If you’re living on a cruise ship and not retired, you’ll need to work remotely. To do so, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Reliable internet access is a must for staying connected with colleagues and getting work done. Also, make sure to find a quiet and comfortable spot on the ship to serve as your workspace. Time zone differences can also affect your schedule, so plan your work hours to align with your team. And, most importantly, make sure to maintain a good work-life balance so you can enjoy all the ship has to offer.
Insurance
When living on a cruise ship, regular travel insurance might not be enough. You’ll most likely need long-term health insurance, which tends to be more expensive.
Read more: The Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Cruisers.
Living on a cruise ship means you need to think about how to handle your mail. Since you’re not at a fixed address, you might need to set up a mail forwarding service. This service can collect your mail and send it to a location where you can pick it up, such as a port you frequently visit. To avoid missing anything important, make sure you have a plan for managing bills, packages, and documents while living on a cruise ship.
People Who Have Lived on a Cruise Ship
During the pandemic, many people started working from cruise ships. Ryan Gutridge, who works in IT, spent an entire year on the Freedom of the Seas cruise ship starting in 2021. He only spent $30,000 for the whole year, which is quite cheap compared to living on land.
Jeff Farschman, who retired from Lockheed Martin Services in 2004, planned to spend his winters in the Caribbean. But a hurricane changed his plans, leading him to cruise for 47 days at first. This experience made him enjoy cruising so much that he now spends about seven to eight months each year on Holland America Line ships during his retirement.
Tony de Leede, a business owner from Sydney, spends three to five months each year on a cruise ship called The World. This allows him to run his business while traveling to different places. Recently, he bought a place on another cruise ship called the MV Narrative because it allows pets, which he thinks is a big plus for living on a ship.
Morton Jablin, also known as the “Captain,” has lived on the Seven Seas Navigator for over 13 years. He has a routine where he eats at the same table every day, enjoys music shows, and walks around the ship. Although he keeps to himself, he talks to the crew and maintains contact with his family in Miami.
John and Melody Hennessee from Florida sold almost everything they owned, including their business and home, to live on cruise ships. They started with long cruises around the world and then moved to a cruise ship called Villa Vie. Living on a ship costs them less than living on land because they don’t have to pay for things like a house or car insurance. They mostly pay for phone and internet and some other ship costs.
Retiring on a Cruise Ship
Why settle for a retirement home when you can enjoy the world from the deck of a cruise ship? Cruise ships provide many of the same amenities as traditional retirement homes, such as meals, accommodation, housekeeping, and a variety of classes and activities. However, they also offer the added benefits of stunning views and effortless travel, making them an attractive choice for retirees. Additionally, cruise ships offer a fun social environment, perfect for meeting new people and staying busy.
However, retiring on a cruise ship does come with some considerations. Booking back-to-back cruises is one way to retire on a ship, but this might be cumbersome for some retirees. As an alternative, purchasing or renting a cabin on a residential cruise ship offers a simpler retirement solution. You can live part-time on the ship and rent out your cabin when you’re not there to save money.
There are also practical challenges to consider. Living on a cruise ship can be expensive, and it can also make it difficult to spend time with family and maintain close contact. Additionally, most cruise ships do not allow pets, which can be a dealbreaker for pet owners. Health care and insurance may also become more complicated, especially as you age. If you’re unsure about retiring on a cruise, try a week-long cruise first, then test out living on a residential ship.
Can You Live Permanently on a Cruise Ship? – FAQ
How many people live on “The World” cruise ship?
According to the “The World”‘s FAQ, the average occupancy of the cruise ship is between 150 to 200 residents at any given time.
Can you live on a cruise ship for 30k a year?
Yes, you can live on a cruise ship for $30,000 a year, but it would mean scraping by on the bare minimum. This budget would likely only cover an inside cabin on a budget-friendly cruise line, with little to no money left for extras like excursions, specialty dining, or other onboard amenities. You’d need to be very frugal and carefully manage your spending to make it work.
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