Imagine waking up every day to the sound of waves and a new view from your window. Living on a cruise ship is a unique and exciting way to live that’s more achievable than you might think.
This lifestyle isn’t just for the mega-rich; it’s an option for anyone interested in doing something different with their life.
In this article, we’ll look into the details of living on a cruise ship, covering everything from costs to everyday life. If you’re curious about swapping your usual surroundings for life at sea, let’s find out if living on a cruise ship could be your next adventure.
First, it’s useful to know there are a few different ways of doing it:
- Traditional Cruises
- World Cruise
- Cruise Ships Designed For Permanent Living
Let’s go into the details of each…
1. Traditional Cruises
You can certainly try to live long-term on a traditional cruise ship by booking each journey consecutively. If you fancy keeping the same cabin on every cruise, you must be at the front of the queue when bookings open. If not, you might just lose your spot to someone else.
Remember, you can usually book cruises around 18 to 24 months ahead, so planning is key. Although moving between cabins isn’t the worst thing, life would be simpler without the hassle of packing and unpacking with each new cruise. Also, some cruise lines may require you to disembark and re-board between itineraries.
An alternative strategy is ship-hopping, switching ships every few weeks. This might be more budget-friendly, particularly with cruise lines that offer economical nightly rates and one-way repositioning cruises. However, it’s a lot of work, constantly planning your next move and worrying about securing your next cabin.
Fraser from the YouTube channel Fraser At Sea is one person who has mastered this lifestyle.
I’ve found deals as cheap as $40 per night, including all meals. So, if you’re clever, living on cruise ships can be quite affordable.
2. World Cruise
Opting for a world cruise is another fantastic way to enjoy life at sea over an extended period. These can last three to six months, though they don’t usually run consecutively. You’ll need to be ready to book the next available cruise each time one ends. They’re not cheap, so budgeting is essential.
3. Cruise Ships Designed For Permanent Living
These are your best bet if you’re serious about making a cruise ship your home. They offer facilities and amenities tailored for long-term residents.
While these types of ships aren’t plentiful, there are a few tailor-made for life at sea, ensuring you don’t have to constantly worry about rebooking your next cruise.
Here are some ships that cater exclusively to full-time living:
- The World, Residences at Sea, launched in 2002. It’s one of the pioneers in residential cruising.
- Victoria Majestic, operated by Victoria Cruises Line, was originally expected in 2024 and later rescheduled for July 2025, but the ship has still not launched.
- Somnio, from Somnio Superyachts, was first announced for 2024, though the project has been delayed with no confirmed revised launch date.
- Villa Vie Odyssey, from Villa Vie Residences, had been targeting a 2024 debut and, after some delays, finally launched in October 2024 and is now in service.
- MS Utopia, from Utopia Residences, was initially scheduled for 2023, then moved to 2024 and again to 2025, but it has still not launched, and no firm delivery date has been announced.
- MV Narrative, launching under Storylines Cruises, and is currently expected to debut in 2027.
- Njord, by Ocean Residences, originally aimed for a 2025 launch, with current projections suggesting it may enter service around 2026.
- MS Dark Island, from Clydebuilt Dark Island Residences, was once listed for 2026 and is now projected to launch in 2028.
It’s crucial to remember that these are all planned launch dates. Delays are common in the industry, as demonstrated by th. If you’re considering this lifestyle, being flexible with your start year is advisable, as timelines can and do change.
Here are the details about each ship:
1. The World
Imagine living on the largest private residential ship on the planet! That’s “The World,” a floating community with 165 residences, including 106 two- and three-bedroom apartments, 19 studio apartments, and 40 studios.
Here, you don’t just book a cruise; you buy your residence and live on your terms. Some owners stay year-round, while others pop in and out, treating it like a holiday home or a yacht alternative.
The World blends traditional cruise elements with a unique residential twist. You can expect luxury amenities similar to those on luxury world cruises: guest speakers, musicians, cultural performances, and even daytime activities like tennis, swimming, and gym classes, including yoga and cardio. And yes, there are six gourmet restaurants on board!
But it’s not just about dining out; each residence has its own kitchen, and there’s even a grocery store on the ship. Fancy a spa day? They’ve got that covered, too.
Essentially, it offers all the perks of cruise living but with the bonus of your own kitchen and the ability to stay as long as you like. Plus, you can host guests in your own space.
While it’s not the most family-friendly option (geared more towards adults and retirees), your family can still visit, though they might have to pay to use certain facilities.
2. MS Utopia
The ambitious MS Utopia project, a $1.1 billion luxury residential ocean liner, has faced its share of setbacks since its initial order in 2009. Its launch has been repeatedly delayed, with the latest date set for 2025, and updates have been scarce, leaving some doubt about its completion.
If it does launch, Utopia promises an impressive array of amenities typical of a luxury cruise ship, including 190 residences, a 175-room hotel, a casino, a large spa, a nightclub, and more.
Its itinerary coincides with the world’s most prestigious events, such as Wimbledon, the Rio Carnival, and the Cannes Film Festival, providing residents an unparalleled luxury lifestyle.
3. Victoria Majestic
Transformed from the former ms Veendam of the Holland America Line, the Victoria Majestic redefines residential ship living as the “world’s first affordable residential ship.”
Rather than buying, residents lease their cabins long-term, with significant discounts for longer stays. For instance, a 37-month lease on an Inside Cabin would cost $4,800 per month for two people. That’s just $2,400 each, a steal for living on a ship!
The Victoria Majestic has ample facilities to ensure a comfortable, entertaining stay. With WiFi throughout, it’s even suitable for working remotely. The ship’s itinerary is as adventurous as it is extensive, covering the Americas, Asia, Africa, and a comprehensive tour of Europe, making it an enticing option for anyone looking to live at sea affordably.
4. Somnio
Somnio remains largely shrouded in mystery, with information available only to those invited to apply for residence. This superyacht defines exclusivity with just 39 customisable residential apartments. Initial buy-in prices are steep, starting at around $11 million, plus ongoing maintenance fees of about $100,000 annually.
Residents of Somnio enjoy access to the aft deck, the yacht’s social epicentre, featuring a large lap pool, two spa pools, various bars, and comfortable seating areas. There’s also many water sports equipment and boats for fishing or diving. The ship’s itinerary is leisurely, designed to minimise environmental impact by cruising slowly, allowing guests more time to explore each port.
5. Villa Vie Residences
Villa Vie Residences offers a unique proposition with its Odyssey World Cruise. This epic 3.5-year journey visits over 420 ports across all seven continents and is set to repeat indefinitely, providing endless opportunities to explore the world.
Cabin ownership starts at $99,999, with a monthly fee after that. Owners can rent out their cabins when not in use, recouping some costs, and only pay guests daily port fees and gratuities.
Alternatively, the Voyagers Program allows guests to craft their own world cruise experience, with prices starting at $89 per person per night.
The cruise is all-inclusive, offering beer and wine at meals, complimentary healthcare, free high-speed WiFi, selected free excursions, and laundry services. Villa Vie has acquired the former Fred. Olsen ship Braemar to facilitate this voyage.
Related reading: Villa Vie Residences Unveils “Golden Passport” Lifetime Cruise Fare
6. MV Narrative
Storylines’ MV Narrative offers a more accessible luxury living option at sea, with residences starting at $875,000. This large contemporary superyacht has 547 residences spread over 18 decks. Residents can choose to lease rather than buy, making this an attractive option for those not ready to commit fully.
The MV Narrative is well-equipped for relaxation and entertainment, featuring three swimming pools, 20 restaurants, a 10,000-book library, and even its own microbrewery. Other inclusions include laundry services, high-speed WiFi, premium satellite TV, and regular health check-ups with onboard medical staff.
For families, the MV Narrative is particularly appealing. It offers a comprehensive ‘world schooling’ program with onboard teachers providing field trips, tutoring, classes, and clubs, making it an ideal environment for children to learn while travelling the world.
Each of these ships provides a distinctive approach to living at sea, catering to a range of budgets and lifestyles, from the ultra-luxurious to the more practical. They ensure a floating home for nearly anyone dreaming of a life on the ocean.
7. Njord by Ocean Residences
Njord is set to launch in 2025 and is all about luxury. It offers apartments from two to six bedrooms, with the biggest ones being 9,000 square feet. Just to give you an idea, that’s much larger than the usual 130-square-foot rooms on most cruise ships.
The yacht will be equipped with stylish furnishings, high-end kitchen appliances, and smart home technology. Onboard, there are seven restaurants, a large spa and fitness area, a hospital and medical centre, a cinema, a games room, arts and crafts studios, and even a kids’ club. There are also two swimming pools, including one infinity pool at the back.
Starting prices for these luxury apartments are $8.5 million, clearly aimed at very wealthy individuals.
8. MS Dark Island
Dark Island’s launch is planned for 2026. It aims to offer unique travel experiences, complete with educational talks and field trips led by experts related to each destination.
The ship will have 101 luxury suites, each with its own balcony, available in one—to three-bedroom layouts. Dark Island also focuses on being environmentally friendly and incorporating sustainable practices.
How Much It Costs To Live on A Cruise Ship
The cost of buying an apartment on a residential cruise ship ranges from $1 million to $14 million. In addition, there are annual fees between $60,000 and $300,000. Alternatively, cruising year-round on traditional cruise ships might cost around $35,000 per year if you opt for a basic package.
Residential cruise ships are pricey because they are like luxury ships and offer an exclusive experience. You’re also buying an asset that you could potentially sell later.
It’s hard to compare costs directly since each ship offers different service levels, depending on how long you plan to live there.
Live On a Cruise Ship Cheaply
Life At Sea’s Three Year World cruise is the most budget-friendly long-term living option on a cruise ship. Starting at $38,513 per person per year, it includes everything you need. Monthly payment options are also available, which could be manageable for many, such as digital nomads.
Benefits of Life at Sea include:
- Free visits for family and friends
- Medical consultations
- Business Center Access
- Alcohol with dinner
- All port fees and taxes
- High-speed internet
- Laundry and housekeeping
- All entertainment and seminars
If you prefer traditional cruise lines, you can still find ways to save. Opt for the cheapest lines like Carnival or MSC Cruises. A typical cheap fare on a Carnival cruise might involve basic accommodations and meals but exclude internet and drinks outside of meals.
Choosing this budget-conscious lifestyle means enjoying the free entertainment and meals included with your fare, but it lacks some of the amenities of more expensive options.
In summary, while the Life at Sea cruise offers a lot for less, traditional cruise lines provide familiarity but might require more careful planning to avoid extra charges.
Related reading: Full Time Cruiser Exposes How Much It Costs to Live on a Cruise Ship
Can You Live On A Cruise Ship For Free?
The most budget-friendly way to live on a cruise ship is actually to work on one. Although it’s not the leisurely cruise life you might imagine, it does mean your accommodation and meals are covered, and you earn a salary. However, the trade-off is working six or seven days a week with long hours and very few days off.
If you’re considering this option, many entry-level cruise ship jobs require no prior experience.
For those in higher positions, like ship captains or cruise directors, there might be a chance to have family stay onboard. This isn’t a common practice, and officers usually live on the ship alone. But if one partner has a career as a senior officer, you might have a shot at living on the ship together for free!
Related reading: The 5 Best Cruise Lines to Work For
Comparing The Cost of Cruise Ship Living With Other Options
Living on a cruise ship is like travelling the world and experiencing new cultures and adventures. But let’s compare the costs to traditional living:
Is it cheaper to live on a cruise ship than in a house?
For many Americans, the cost of living on a cruise ship is surprisingly close to the cost of running a typical household. The average monthly cost of living in the United States is around $3,200, which is in line with the $2,500 to $3,000 per month some full-time cruisers spend onboard.
In higher-cost cities, the comparison becomes even more interesting. While the average New Yorker may spend around $5,100 per month on housing and living expenses, living on a cruise ship can come in significantly lower, or at least competitively. Even in other expensive markets, the numbers often favour life at sea.
Is living on a cruise ship cheaper than in a nursing home?
Living on a cruise ship is often far cheaper than staying in a nursing home. In the United States, the average cost of a care facility is around $7,900 per month, while many people living full-time on cruise ships spend around $2,500 per month.
If you need general support but not specialised medical care, it can actually be more affordable to pay for two people to live on a cruise ship than for one person to stay in a nursing home.
| Accommodation Option | Monthly Cost for 1 Person Plus Carer |
|---|---|
| Nursing Home in the UK | $4,250 |
| Nursing Home in the US | $7,900 |
| 3-Year World Cruise (Life At Sea) | $5,000 |
| Mainstream Cruise (Carnival) | $5,800 |
| Luxury Cruise (Regent) | $36,500 |
However, consider the additional costs of travel insurance and potential medical expenses. Cruise ships have medical facilities, but serious health issues would require land-based hospital care, and onboard medical services can be expensive.
While it might be more affordable, you need to carefully consider your health and insurance needs before choosing to live on a cruise ship.
Things To Consider When Living On A Cruise Ship
When living on a cruise, you must consider two main tax issues. First, traditional cruise bookings may not include taxes and fees, so factor these into your budget. Second, if you work while cruising, you must follow tax laws from your home country. For example, you might avoid taxes in the UK by not residing in the country for over half the year.
Next, regular travel insurance won’t cover long-term cruise living. You’ll need a specialised health insurance plan, which can be significantly more expensive.
Also, staying healthy on a cruise requires effort. While there’s usually a doctor onboard, medical visits can be costly, and most ships don’t offer dental care. Consider eating healthier options and using the ship’s gym to stay in shape.
Lastly, handling mail can be tricky on a cruise. You might arrange for mail to be held at a port agency or use a post box at a regular port of call.
Related reading: This Guy Tried to Get Fitter on a Cruise, Here’s What Happened
Wrapping It Up
Living on a cruise ship is realistic but requires substantial financial planning. You’ll need at least $3,000 per month, potentially more, if you plan to live solo.
Choosing a cruise designed for long-term living can provide comfort and affordability compared to ultra-luxury options. This lifestyle offers a unique retirement possibility, combining travel with convenience and care. Are you considering making a cruise ship your home?
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I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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