This Man Ditched Rent for a Floating Apartment – And It’s Cheaper Than You’d Think

Imagine swapping your rent payments for a fully furnished apartment that takes you around the world. That’s exactly what Austin Wells did when he snapped up a studio on MV Narrative—a cruise ship designed as a permanent floating community.

The 31-year-old from San Diego won’t just be cruising for a few weeks—he’s moving in full-time. With over 500 private residences, MV Narrative is like a luxury neighbourhood at sea, complete with restaurants, bars, a cinema, and even a bowling alley. It’s basically a floating city, and for Wells, it was a no-brainer.

How Much Does It Cost to Live on a Cruise Ship?

You’d think living on a cruise ship would cost a fortune, but Wells reckons he’s saving money. A one-bedroom flat in San Diego goes for around $2,500 (£2,010) per month, whereas his studio on MV Narrative will cost him about $2,000 (£1,608) per month. Not bad considering he gets ocean views and doesn’t have to book flights to see the world.

Of course, there’s an upfront cost—he forked out $300,000 (£238,000) for a 12-year lease. That’s a fraction of the ship’s most expensive residences, which can set buyers back a cool $10 million. Prices have likely gone up since Wells made his purchase, but Storylines (the company behind MV Narrative) claims these apartments are a “rare investment opportunity” with high resale value.

What’s Life Like on MV Narrative?

If you’re picturing a tiny cabin with a porthole, think again. The ship offers everything from compact studios to four-bedroom apartments, all fully furnished and customisable. Wells’ studio is 237 square feet and comes with a desk, pantry, foldaway bed, and shower room—perfect for his remote work lifestyle.

But it’s not just about the apartments. Residents get access to a microbrewery, a farmers’ market, a spa, swimming pools, and even a bank. There’s also a gym, 24-hour room service, and private kitchens for those who prefer to cook. Basically, it’s a cruise ship that never stops cruising.

When Will MV Narrative Set Sail?

Right now, MV Narrative is still under construction in Croatia, with a launch date set for 2027. The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas and will embark on a never-ending three-year global journey.

For Wells, the biggest draw is that he doesn’t have to change his daily routine to travel. “I don’t have to pack a bag, book a flight, or rent a room,” he told CNBC. “My condo, my gym, my doctors and dentists, all of my grocery stores—travel the world with me.”

Not a bad way to see the world, is it?

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