Monica Brzoska and Jorell Conley were once just a regular couple living in Memphis as full-time school teachers. But in 2023, they made a decision that would change everything. They sold nearly all their belongings, quit their jobs, and set sail into a life most people only dream about—living permanently aboard cruise ships.
Since taking the leap, Monica and Jorell have completed an incredible 36 cruises and visited more than 45 countries, trading commutes and chores for sunrises over the open sea.
Their story sounds like something reserved for lottery winners or trust-fund travelers, but that’s what makes it even more remarkable: they didn’t need millions to make it happen. Thanks to smart planning and saving, they turned their dream of living at sea into a reality.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at how they made it happen, what daily life really looks like when your “home” floats from country to country, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with leaving everything behind.
When a Wake-Up Call Changed Everything
In 2022, Monica’s world shifted when her father faced a serious health scare and needed a liver transplant. Watching her parents go through such a difficult chapter forced her to confront a reality many of us try to ignore: life is fragile, and time isn’t something you can save for later.
During one emotional conversation, Monica’s mother offered the kind of advice that sticks with you forever: “Don’t wait for retirement to follow your dreams. Do it now.”
It wasn’t just talk. Monica’s mom went even further, planting the seed of an idea that would reshape everything: “Instead of coming back, why not keep booking consecutive cruises for as long as you can afford to?”
Monica and Jorell took that advice to heart. Instead of treating their upcoming one-week Caribbean cruise in March 2023 as just another vacation, they realized they could turn it into the starting point for a new life—simply by staying at sea and booking more cruises back-to-back.
They discovered that a complete life overhaul wasn’t necessary. By simply extending one trip into another, they could test the waters—literally—and see where this new path might lead. It was a small step at first, but one that opened the door to an entirely different way of living.
Living at Sea for Less Than Rent: Their Financial Secrets
At first, the idea of living full-time on cruise ships sounded like a fantasy—but when Monica and Jorell started comparing costs, it made surprising financial sense. Back home, monthly rent, utilities, groceries, car expenses, and entertainment added up quickly.
On a cruise ship, all of that was bundled together: housing, meals, cleaning, activities, and even nightly shows were included in the fare. When they added it up, the numbers weren’t far off—and in many cases, living at sea actually worked out cheaper.
A big part of making the plan possible was taking advantage of pandemic-era savings and the loyalty perks they had built up from past cruises. Frequent sailing earned them special deals, priority rates, and even onboard credits, helping their money stretch much further.
Instead of burning through their savings all at once, they booked smart: securing eight months of cruising for under $10,000 by choosing the most affordable cabins, paying deposits upfront when needed, and staying flexible about itineraries and ship assignments.
To create even more financial breathing room, they rented out their three-bedroom home in Memphis before setting sail. The steady rental income covered extra expenses and gave them a cushion in case unexpected costs popped up.
Between careful planning and a few creative strategies, they turned what sounded like a luxury dream into a surprisingly practical—and sustainable—way of life.
A Day in the Life of Full-Time Cruisers
Life at sea for Monica and Jorell is a far cry from their old routine back in Memphis. Their typical day might start with a craft workshop, roll into a trivia game or a spa visit, and end with a comedy show or a stroll along the deck under the stars.
When the ship is in port, they head ashore to explore on their own—sometimes hopping on a local bus, sometimes simply wandering and soaking in new sights. Every day brings a different rhythm, and that constant change keeps their life fresh and exciting.
One of the biggest shifts was embracing a completely carefree lifestyle. Monica jokes that she hasn’t touched a washing machine or cooked a meal in more than a year, and she’s not complaining. No grocery shopping, no cleaning, no rush-hour traffic—those daily stressors are simply gone.
Instead, they’ve built new weekly traditions, like dressing up for a date night at one of the ship’s fancier restaurants, turning a simple dinner into a little celebration of the life they’ve chosen. Taking time to reconnect each week helped keep their relationship strong and gave them something special to look forward to together.
Downsizing mentally took some getting used to, though. Many of their cabins are inside rooms with no windows, and space is tight compared to a traditional home. But over time, Monica and Jorell found freedom in having fewer belongings and fewer distractions.
Secrets to Sailing on a Budget
Monica and Jorell quickly figured out that living full-time at sea didn’t have to mean spending like vacationers. One of their biggest tricks? Skipping expensive cruise line excursions and planning their own adventures instead.
Whether it’s hopping on a local bus, taking a walking tour, or simply exploring a beach on foot, they often spend just a few dollars compared to the hefty prices charged by the ship. Not only does it save money, but it also lets them experience destinations more like locals than tourists.
Onboard, they’ve become masters at stretching their budget even further. They regularly enter raffles for free spa treatments, jewelry, and excursions—and have won their fair share of prizes just by showing up. Loyalty perks have added up, too.
Thanks to their frequent cruising with the same line, they enjoy discounts on future sailings, free drinks, complimentary meals at speciality restaurants, and even priority boarding, all of which make life at sea a little more affordable (and a lot more comfortable).
Their smart approach doesn’t stop there. To keep costs down, Monica and Jorell book back-to-back cruises that start and end at the same port whenever possible, avoiding expensive last-minute flights between ships.
They also stay flexible with travel dates and cabin choices, often choosing the cheapest inside rooms to stretch their funds. A little planning and a lot of flexibility have turned full-time cruising into a surprisingly budget-friendly lifestyle.
What They Miss (and What They’re Happy to Leave Behind)
While Monica and Jorell love their life at sea, they’re the first to admit it’s not without its trade-offs. Missing family birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments back home is one of the hardest parts.
Some days, the distance feels even heavier, especially during quiet stretches when there isn’t much happening on board. At times, they also feel homesick and question how far their savings will stretch.
Still, for Monica and Jorell, the freedom and simplicity of life at sea far outweigh the occasional downsides. They’ve learned to ride out the slower days, appreciate the small joys, and stay focused on the adventure they’re living every day.
Even with the uncertainty of how long they can keep it going, they know they made the right choice. Trading the daily grind for new horizons—and memories they never would have made otherwise—has been more than worth it.
The Realities Behind Life at Sea: Why It’s Not for Everyone
Monica and Jorell’s story might sound inspiring, but full-time life at sea isn’t something that works for everyone. For most people, there are more practical ways to budget and cut living costs.
Selling nearly everything and moving onto cruise ships is an extreme choice—one that only works for a particular type of person: someone who’s comfortable living small, staying flexible, and spending long stretches away from home and loved ones.
It’s also worth noting that Monica and Jorell had a head start that many don’t. Their pre-pandemic savings and loyalty perks from years of cruising with Carnival allowed them to access deep discounts and special deals.
Someone starting from scratch—especially without prior cruise experience—would likely face higher costs, steeper learning curves, and more sacrifices along the way.
Even with their advantages, the realities of cruise ship living can be tough. Small, windowless cabins are common unless you’re willing to pay significantly more for upgrades. Internet access can be slow, expensive, and often unreliable, making it difficult to work remotely and stay connected.
Medical facilities onboard are basic, and for any serious health issue, you could be facing costly emergency evacuations. Financially, you’re also relying heavily on savings or passive income, with no guaranteed long-term safety net.
The emotional side can also be tough. Missing important family events, navigating quiet days with little activity, and feeling isolated after months at sea are very real parts of the experience. For those who crave comfort, routine, and strong social ties, the trade-offs might feel overwhelming.
On the other hand, for the right adventurous spirit, it can still be an incredible journey—but it’s far from the glamorous, carefree lifestyle it sometimes appears to be on social media.
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