Who is the woman who lives on a cruise ship?

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.



While "Super Mario" (Mario Salcedo) is the most famous man living on ships, the most well-known woman currently living full-time on a cruise ship in 2026 is Joyce Wood, who is often cited alongside other long-term residents like the late "Mama" Lee Wachtstetter. Joyce, often referred to as a "Cruise Queen," has spent years living aboard various lines, utilizing her investment income and travel agency commissions to fund her ocean-going lifestyle. These full-time residents often book their cabins years in advance to ensure they keep the same room and receive the highest level of "Loyalty" perks, which can include free laundry, unlimited internet, and priority dining. For these women, the cruise ship offers a safe, socially active, and "hassle-free" alternative to a traditional retirement home, providing a rotating view of the world’s most beautiful ports while maintaining a consistent and pampered daily routine among a community of familiar crew and fellow travelers.

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Retired Australian couple Marty and Jessica Ansen revealed they have been aboard the Coral Princess cruise ship for more than 450 straight days.

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The Resident community is comprised of approximately 150 families who hail from 20 countries throughout North America (U.S. and Canada), Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and South Africa.

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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.

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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.

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The cost of living onboard a cruise ship varies depending on the type of cabin you choose and the amenities you desire. Generally, retirees can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 - $3,000 per month for accommodation, meals, entertainment, and other activities.

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For those with a degree in hospitality, among the highest-paying cruise ship jobs are executive chef, cruise director, chief purser, hotel director, and human resources manager. While the positions of captain and safety officer pay more, they require graduation from an accredited maritime training institution.

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A majority of cruise ship lines offer their employees free food throughout the duration of their contracts. There's typically a special kitchen on the boat that prepares food for staff members. Employees may eat in separate dining areas, depending on their classifications.

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If you wonder whether cruise ships have jails, the answer is yes. Jails are called brigs on a cruise ship and tend only to be used in serious circumstances when no other options are available. Cabin arrest is typically used before the brig is needed.

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Is there a cruise ship you can live on? There are several cruise ships designed for permanent living. The World is the only one sailing currently but more are coming soon. MV Gemini is the most affordable option, with apartment purchase prices starting at $1,000,000 plus $65,000 per year for fees.

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Neonatologist Dr. Jorge Perez said the 2-pound baby boy was born at a little over five months on board the Jewel of the Seas. He's a miracle, he said. Royal Caribbean officials said the mother didn't feel well on the cruise and decided to seek medical attention.

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Depending on the cruise line, some nurses may have the option to bring family members aboard with them. This benefit is sometimes conditional on length of service or limited to a specific number of days per contract.

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It is possible to live on a cruise ship and there are several cruise lines that allow you to purchase an apartment onboard. Alternatively, you could book a series of short cruises on a mainstream cruise line. It's better to choose a cruise ship designed for long-term living than one from a mainstream cruise line.

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A couple have traded life on dry land for sailing the seven seas. And I'm not just talking living on a little sailing boat and fishing for lunch, but settling down on cruise ships. Finding it to be cheaper than paying a mortgage, Seattle couple Angelyn and Richard Burk ditched their jobs for a new start.

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Will I have my own room? Accommodations vary depending on the ship and position. Those in non-management positions generally share a cabin with one to three other roommates whereas those in most management positions are entitled to a single cabin. Cabins include a storage space, TV, and DVD player.

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What will happen is the cruise line will fly you home, but will deduct from your wages what you owe, Jim Walker, a Miami-based maritime lawyer who represents cruise workers and passengers, told Insider. So it's a very punitive type of step if you try to quit and go home.

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5 entry-level jobs on a cruise ship
  • Cabin steward.
  • Deckhand.
  • Bartender.
  • Activity coordinator.
  • Bellperson.


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Among many difficult jobs on cruise ships, handpicking the toughest one is tricky. Still, one job will stand out in terms of horrific working conditions and cruel working hours-the galley steward.

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How much does a Cruise Ship Bartender make? As of Sep 23, 2023, the average hourly pay for a Cruise Ship Bartender in the United States is $15.34 an hour.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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