Those who have an inside cabin will be paying about $2,400 a month per person, said Valerie Linderoth, a Victoria Cruises Brand Ambassador. It's actually pretty affordable. While the price of $2,400 a month may not sound affordable at first, there are other factors to consider.

Living on a cruise ship in 2026 typically costs between $3,500 and $7,000 per month for a couple. This varies based on the type of ship and the length of the commitment. For example, residential-focused lines like Villa Vie Residences offer monthly packages starting around $4,000 for double occupancy, which includes housing, all meals, utilities, entertainment, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, and even basic medical care. This price is often comparable to, or even lower than, the total cost of living in expensive cities like New York, London, or Maui when you factor in rent, groceries, and property taxes. For those on traditional "back-to-back" vacations with mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean or Holland America, the cost may be higher (around $150–$250 per day) unless you book far in advance or utilize "senior" discounts. While this lifestyle replaces most land-based expenses, you must still budget for "extras" like excursions, specialty dining, and comprehensive travel health insurance for complex medical needs.