Is living on a cruise ship cheaper than a retirement home?
The bottom line is that in some cases, spending an extended amount of time on a cruise ship can be more cost effective -- as well as more enjoyable -- than a nursing home or retirement community. But it isn't for everyone.
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Some retirees plan to retire aboard a cruise ship. Embracing life as a long-term cruiser does offer some benefits including the ability to sail around the world and receive discounts through loyalty programs offered through cruise lines.
Life at Sea cruises, which will host a three year cruise for $30,000 per year, is taking on more passengers. Apparently, the number of people who want to sail away from their lives is bigger than expected.
“Cruise vacations are a great option for seniors because they can do as much or as little as they want, depending on their level of ability,” says Ronald Pettit, senior specialist access manager with Royal Caribbean International. “Some seniors are quite active, while others are more relaxed.”
Considering all these factors, the cruise fare for living on a cruise ship can cost anywhere from $60,000 per year to upwards of $150,000. However, knowing what you get and where you spend your money is important. Let's look at what you can expect to spend your money on when living on a cruise ship.
Cruise ship that lets you live onboard for 3 years for $38,000 per year will accommodate more passengers. Life at Sea cruises, which will host a three year cruise for $30,000 per year, is taking on more passengers. Apparently, the number of people who want to sail away from their lives is bigger than expected.
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.
Some cruise lines offer cabins for sale, allowing you to own your place at sea. Other ships accommodate extended trips, such as 180 days or more. You also need to decide what to do about your current housing situation. You might rent your home while you set sail or divide your time between cruising and living on land.
Storylines, for example, is a newer cruise line offering retirees and other travelers the opportunity to purchase onboard condominiums starting at around $352,000 for 172 square feet. At the high end, Storylines offers permanent residences starting at $3.2 million for up to 1,690 square feet.
Christine Kesteloo is a former cruise director and has lived on ships for more than a decade. After losing her job in 2020, she became a "wife on board," as her husband works for Holland America. Kesteloo has said she's not allowed to gamble on board or disembark with paying guests.
How long can you be on a cruise? Why some passengers opt to sail for 6 months or longer. Some cruise passengers prefer long sailings, from a couple weeks to many months. Passengers say there's a greater opportunity for camaraderie on longer sailings.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holding's Oceania Cruises has unveiled a 180-day 2024 around-the-world cruise. Staterooms and suites range from about $48,500 to nearly $174,000.
One of the world's largest cruise lines unveiled a new $13,200 116-day around the world cruise in 2025— see what it'll be like. MSC Cruises, one of the world's largest cruise lines, unveiled its 2025 world cruise starting at $13,200 per person.
The cruise promises to circle the globe for three years. Miray Cruises, which owns Life at Sea, had been due to complete the sale on its ship for the three-year cruise, slated to be called the MV Lara, at the end of September.
For $61,000, you can take Royal Caribbean's 274-night cruise around the world. Cruise-lovers yearning to return to the open seas, this news is for you: Royal Caribbean International announced its inaugural 274-day Ultimate World Cruise will set sail in 2023.
In short, it depends on the cruise line. We recruit seasonal staff to work anywhere from 2-weeks to 4-months. Seasonal contracts are a great way to see if ship life is for you!
Most cruise lines offer kids-free pools and/or sun decks, as well as age restrictions on casinos, spas (save those that allow teen treatments with parental supervision) and most nightclubs and bars after certain hours. Some ships even have adults-only restaurants.