Can You Live On A Cruise Ship?

Imagine waking up to breathtaking ocean views every morning, having world-class amenities at your fingertips, and exploring new destinations without the hassle of packing and unpacking. It sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? The idea of living on a cruise ship has captured the imagination of many, prompting the question: Can you live on a cruise ship?

The Allure of Cruise Ship Living

The allure of cruise ship living lies in the promise of a carefree, nomadic life filled with luxurious experiences. Cruise ships offer an array of amenities, including restaurants, pools, fitness centres, entertainment venues, and even medical facilities. With housekeeping services and no property taxes to worry about, it’s easy to see why some people are drawn to this lifestyle.

Practicalities and Benefits

Cost-Effective Living: For those who enjoy travelling frequently, cruise ship living can be cost-effective. The expenses associated with maintaining a traditional home, such as mortgage or rent payments, utilities, and property maintenance, are replaced by the cruise fare. However, it’s important to compare costs and consider long-term financial sustainability.
Travel Opportunities: One of the most appealing aspects of cruise ship living is the ability to wake up in a different destination regularly. From the stunning fjords of Norway to the tropical beaches of the Caribbean, your backyard becomes a vast expanse of the world’s most incredible locations.
Community and Social Life: Cruise ships foster a strong sense of community among passengers and crew with ample opportunity to socialise. Long-term passengers often form deep connections with fellow travellers and crew members, creating a unique social environment.
Amenities and Services: Cruise ships are essentially floating resorts, offering a wide range of services and activities to keep you engaged and entertained. From fine dining to Broadway-style shows, there’s always something happening on board.

Challenges and Considerations

Space Limitations: While cruise ship cabins have come a long way in terms of comfort and functionality, they are still significantly smaller than most homes. Downsizing and adjusting to limited living space can be challenging, especially for those used to larger accommodations.
Isolation: Despite the strong sense of community, long-term cruise ship residents may experience feelings of isolation due to the transient nature of fellow passengers and the lack of a stable local social network.
Healthcare Access: While cruise ships do have medical facilities, they might not be equipped to handle serious medical emergencies or ongoing healthcare needs. Access to specialised medical care could be limited, depending on the ship’s itinerary.
Legal and Logistical Considerations: Living on a cruise ship can involve navigating complex legal and logistical issues related to residency, taxes, and documentation. It’s crucial to understand the legal implications of such a lifestyle, especially if you plan to maintain ties to a specific country.

Read About Ryan Gutridge

Ryan Gutridge lives on a cruise for 300 days of the year and claims that costs aren’t as pricey as some people may think. After calculating and comparing the two costs of living, he found that living at sea for the majority of the year was almost the same, if not cheaper, as what he was paying for his apartment in Fort Lauderdale with maintenance.

Ryan started staying on Royal Caribbean cruise ships in 2021 after testing out a four-night cruise on Freedom of the Seas. He works remotely whilst at sea and with WiFi packages, or sometimes free internet, onboard, it is a cost-effective way of living. Plus, most food, and sometimes drinks, can be included within the cruise fare, alongside not having to clean and onboard laundry services.

Ryan says living on a cruise ship is great for his social life and loves meeting new people on different itineraries. It is great as opposed to working from home which can be quite isolating. After completing 2 years of cruising, Ryan will be a Pinnacle member of the Royal Caribbean loyalty scheme so will be able to access extra discounts and benefits.