As more and more people are able to work remotely, the desire to live on a cruise has become increasingly popular. And with this desire comes the inevitable question of affordability. Just how expensive is it to live on a cruise ship full-time, year-round? In this blog, we’re going to break down an approximate budget for this enviable new lifestyle.

Cruise Accommodations

By far the most expensive aspect of living on a cruise ship year-round is the accommodations. However, the good news is that aspiring full-time cruisers have a variety of options to choose from, all suitable for different types of travelers with diverse budgets.

Some travelers opt to lease apartments on residential cruises such as Residence At Sea’s The World and Villa Vie Residences. This is by far the most expensive option, as many of these residential cruise apartments have six-figure price tags. However, for those willing and able to rent long-term accommodations, this option comes with a host of luxurious benefits, all the while taking you to hundreds of ports around the globe.

A more affordable option is what’s referred to as a World Cruise. Much like the residential cruise lines mentioned above, these cruises sail all around the world, with voyages such as the World Cruise from Life At Sea guaranteeing a visit to all seven continents. These itineraries typically span three to six months, and many full-time travelers choose to book these longer voyages back to back. 

Life At Sea’s world cruise, however, was specifically designed with full-time cruisers in mind, offering a three-year cruising option. Benefits of this three-year itinerary include all-inclusive dining, laundry service, and diverse entertainment options. The price? For their November 2024 itinerary, prices start at around $80,000 per year, per person, though in previous years prices have been several thousand dollars cheaper. 

For those with a tighter budget hoping to live on a cruise ship, there are still plenty of great alternatives. Some travelers prefer to book traditional, short-term cruises back-to-back, giving them greater control of the itinerary. Prices for these vary from itinerary to itinerary, but an average cabin price of $100/night for an entire year comes out to over $36,000. Talk about a discount. The catch here is that you will be in a near-constant state of booking short cruises, injecting a level of uncertainty into your living situation.

One last thing to note is that many of these long-term cruise options charge passenger fees on top of accommodation fees. If you choose to lease an apartment on a residential cruise, for example, in addition to the price of rent, you will also be expected to pay an annual cruise fare. The prices for these fares vary significantly from cruise line to cruise line, so be sure to do thorough research before deciding which option is the most economical for you.

Food on a Cruise

Another financial factor to consider when deciding to live on a cruise year-round is food. While many cruise lines offer all-inclusive options to their guests, this isn’t always the case. Furthermore, living full-time on a cruise gives you the opportunity to try local foods from around the world. So ask yourself: how much money are you willing (or able) to spend on food while traveling the world?

This is not the easiest question to answer, particularly as every person has different priorities, preferences, and restrictions when it comes to food. If you follow a strict diet at home, it will likely be harder and more expensive to stick to it abroad. Furthermore, while prices in the restaurants, buffets, and grocery stores on your ship will remain stable throughout your journey, food prices in ports can vary tremendously from country to country, from continent to continent.

Another factor to consider is tipping. Tipping culture varies from region to region, so if you plan on visiting restaurants or bars in port, be sure to research how much money (if any) you’ll have to spend on gratuities.

Creating a food budget while living on a cruise full-time can be a challenge. But rest assured that this is one of the aspects of year-round cruise living over which you have a lot of control. By sticking to all-inclusive dining options aboard your ship, you can save a substantial amount of money.

The Unexpected Expenses (Taxes, Insurance, Healthcare)

While living on a cruise guarantees an exciting and adventurous lifestyle, it also comes with certain logistical complications that you may not have considered. For example, in addition to the accommodation fees and cruise fares, you should also expect to pay a considerable amount of taxes while living aboard, with one notable example being the port fee. All passengers must pay this tax when they choose to disembark at any given port, and while living on a cruise full-time, these fees can quickly add up.

Secondly, you will likely have to purchase new insurance policies that cover your medical expenses abroad. Relying on your typical travel insurance plans will not be suitable as these policies are meant for shorter-term trips. Thus, it’s worth contacting your current insurance provider and discussing your options for year-round coverage.

In a similar vein, it’s important to think ahead about health care. While there is a doctor on board open to passengers, their time and resources are limited. If you have any preexisting conditions that require frequent visits to a health care provider, living on a cruise full-time can prove to be a challenge. Thus, it’s best to have a few plans in place as to how you would handle any medical emergencies abroad.

Lastly, you will likely have to purchase a new phone plan to ensure that you don’t lose access to your data while traveling the world. For more information on using your phone and other devices on a cruise ship, be sure to read this article in which we break down everything you need to know. When in doubt, however, contact your at-home provider and research whether they have any international phone plans that will meet your needs.

Living on a Cruise Full-Time Is Possible

As you can see, there are a nearly endless number of factors that contribute to the affordability of full-time cruise ship living. Doing your research and making the most informed decisions for yourself will ensure that this lifestyle is financially feasible for you. In the end, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000 to live on a cruise ship full-time, though added amenities can quickly drive this price up.

It’s important to note that this number is approximate, and the actual cost of living on a cruise ship full-time will vary from person to person. But at the end of the day, this alternative lifestyle of travel can be feasible for people with diverse budgets. Armed with the right tools and information, you can curate the year-round cruise experience that is perfect for you and your needs. That feeling of flexibility is just a taste of the freedom you can expect from cruise living.

The post How Expensive Is It To Live On A Cruise Ship Year-Round? appeared first on Porthole Cruise and Travel.

Every cruiser knows that disembarkation day is the most challenging part of any cruise vacation. After days of indulging in amazing cuisine, world-class entertainment, and serene pools, leaving the ship can easily lead to the “cruise blues.” What if you didn’t have to get off the ship and could live there permanently or long-term? Well, some cruise enthusiasts have discovered a way to retire on cruise ships, and it’s not as costly as you may think! With the rising costs of retirement homes and communities, retiring on a cruise ship has become less of a fantasy and a more attainable goal. If you’re interested in learning how to retire on a cruise ship, keep reading! 

Pros 

One of the biggest advantages of retiring on a cruise ship is the opportunity to travel. Instead of being confined to one location, retirees have the rare option of exploring a new destination every few days. This is especially true for month-long or world cruises because cruisers visit many more ports than a shorter itinerary. Another benefit of living on a ship is the necessity of downsizing. With no ties to hold you down, you can easily move around to different locations for any period of time. An additional advantage is having all your meals prepared and served at your convenience. Forget the days of grocery shopping and meal planning; when you retire on a cruise ship, leave all the work to the chefs. Guests will never tire of the culinary options on cruise ships, as there are endless choices! Lastly, retirees can also relish the daily cabin cleaning and the overall cleanliness maintained on most cruise ships. Although many cruise lines charge additional fees for laundry services, sheets and towels will be replenished at guests’ convenience.

Photo by Sheila Jellison on Unsplash

Cons

One of the greatest disadvantages of retiring on a cruise ship is the challenge of seeing friends and family at a moment’s notice. Undeniably, being on a cruise ship for months or years limits the freedom to choose destinations and social interactions. Another drawback is maintaining your goal weight amidst unlimited food and drink. However, this can be mitigated by adhering to a gym routine at the onboard facilities and watching portions and food choices. Lastly, for individuals aged 65 or older, Medicare coverage can be limited outside of the country. Cruise ships typically prioritize emergency care, with limited access to many specialized checkups or procedures. Those in good health may consider purchasing a private healthcare plan for extended travel. 

Cost

According to Cruisebooking.com, the average daily cost aboard a cruise ship ranges from $150 to $250. Money.com reports that, on average, in 2023, a semi-private room in a nursing home can cost around $260 to $290 a day, depending on the facility and the state. With that in mind, if someone is considering full-time living on a cruise ship, they should research the average costs in their home states for reference. Retirees should also consider the services included in the cruise fare, as listed above. While cruise fares can be more affordable than many mortgages, especially if a retired person owns their home, a helpful suggestion may be to consider renting out their home while they spend their time aboard a cruise ship. Renting out your home can easily help cover expenses while at sea. 

Photo by Nick Kane on Unsplash

Cruise Line Suggestions 

Holland America Line is one of the more popular lines for seniors seeking long-term itineraries. Offering itineraries ranging from 20-day trips to 133-day sailings and everything in between, guests have a variety of choices when considering extended voyages departing from the United States. In 2020, Holland America Line won the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards for the best cruise itinerary. Their impressive offerings include stunning sailings such as the Grand Africa Voyage, Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage, Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage, and much more. 

For retirees in search of a more permanent option, The World stands out as a residential cruise ship where guests can purchase studios or 1-2 bedroom apartments. This vessel also provides a comprehensive range of services one would expect on any other cruise line, including housekeeping, wellness programs, dining experiences, concierge services, and more. With 165 other apartments, The World offers its residents an intimate experience that allows them to explore the world without leaving the comfort of their own homes. 

Finally, for those seeking a luxury living option, Storylines’ MV Narrative is a larger ship featuring 547 fully furnished apartments ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms. Retirees can purchase an apartment for approximately $1-8 million, or alternatively, they have the option to rent an apartment aboard the vessel for around $400,000. The MV Narrative even has its private marina at the ship’s aft, so residents can sail, jetski, kayak, or swim in the sea. 

Photo by Jamie Morrison on Unsplash

Retiring on a cruise ship may seem like an unattainable dream for many retirees. However, after reading this article, hopefully, you’ve gained some insight into how this dream can become your reality. Whether it’s booking months-long itineraries, embarking on sailings that span over a hundred days, or even considering the purchase of an apartment aboard a residential ship, retiring on a cruise ship can be achieved. This retirement plan can be made possible with some research, downsizing, and a dash of creativity. Have you considered retiring aboard a cruise ship? Let us know in the comments below! 

By Danielle Morris 

The post Living The Dream: Retiring On A Cruise Ship appeared first on Porthole Cruise and Travel.

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Moms are the best.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and children of all ages are in search of the best way to celebrate such a special day. She loved your macaroni art in grade school, but this year, it might be nice to show Mom how much you really care.

If you haven’t considered taking Mom on a cruise this Mother’s Day, we highly suggest looking into it. Whether it’s a day cruise or a weeklong tropical getaway, Mom will love spending time with her family while enjoying all the activities onboard. Here are some of our favorites!

Spa Day

Enough with the flowers and cards. Show Mom you really love her with a spa day aboard a cruise liner. Cruise lines take luxury seriously and the spa onboard is usually a prime example. Hot stone therapy, saunas, skin treatments, and full-body massages are just some of the amenities you’ll find at a cruise ship spa. Newer ships take beauty and wellness to a whole new standard, offering treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections and hydrotherapy pools. It’s the perfect escape for a busy Mom who needs some much deserved me-time.

Viking Ocean Cruises’ LivNordic Spa utilizes traditional Nordic hot and cold therapies in pursuit of beauty and wellness. Hot water vapor opens pores and cleanses the skin while the snow grotto helps Mom feel her best by improving circulation. 

RELATED: MSC Cruises Introduces Vinotherapy Spa Treatments

Luxury Dining

Don’t worry about getting a reservation at that exclusive restaurant for Mother’s Day, there’s always a table waiting onboard a cruise ship. Great dining is a staple on the high seas. Modern ships feature numerous food and drink options from the ultra luxurious to fun spots the whole family will love. Skip the cooking and cleaning and enjoy fabulous dishes and flavors from cultures the world over. Sip fine wine or spirits without worry because your stateroom is just a short walk away!

Windstar Cruises recently added sommeliers on many of their ships to aid guests in choosing the perfect wine with every meal. 

RELATED: 5 Dining Options on Your Next Cruise

Adventure Awaits

Zipline through the jungle or swim with the dolphins, there’s no shortage of activities and shore excursions to choose from when you book a cruise to an exotic locale. Mom will love exploring glaciers in Alaska or hiking volcanoes in Hawaii. Maybe a sunset horseback ride on the beach is more her style? How about a romantic catamaran sail for two? Mom will love all the options offered by major cruise lines.

If she’s a history buff, Carnival Cruise Line offers an unique excursion to the ancient Mayan city of Tulum on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Every shore excursion is something new and different to enjoy!

RELATED: Holland America’s New Culinary Shore Excursions

Trust us. Skip the flowers and card this Mother’s Day. Treat Mom to a vacation she’ll never forget!

— Evan Gove

The post 3 Reasons to Take a Cruise This Mother’s Day appeared first on Porthole Cruise and Travel.

On May 1st, Viking  announced the Ultimate World Cruise, a 245-day cruise spanning six continents, 59 countries, and 113 ports. Beginning August 21, 2019 in London, Viking Sun and her passengers will embark on a journey unprecedented in its ambition and unmatched in its scale.

Viking Sun Naming Ceremony in Singapore

245 days is the longest-ever continuous cruise itinerary, so Viking offers numerous amenities like free wifi, a complimentary shore excursion at every port, and numerous other perks to ensure guests are happy and engaged throughout the adventure.

Staying entertained is not difficult aboard Viking Sun. 

Complete with a library, shopping plaza, fitness room, spa/sauna, and private dining rooms, Viking Sun embodies the luxury experience. She holds just 930 passengers for a more intimate, relaxing atmosphere.

There are five different stateroom options to choose from, each with a private veranda, king-size bed, in-room entertainment, and even heated floors. 

Guests looking for the most exclusive way to travel the globe should upgrade to one of the 14 Explorer Suites on board. These two-room luxury suites afford guests the most amenities and privileges aboard the ship.

Plan Your Trip with Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises is known for offering programs and itineraries designed for those with a thirst for knowledge. From art and music to history and cuisine, Viking challenges guests to immerse themselves in the local culture at each stop for a truly enriching experience.

Some of the most noteworthy stops along the way include:

• Quebec City, Canada
• Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
• Ushuaia, Argentina
• Hobart, Tasmania
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Luxor, Egypt
• Cagliari, Italy
• Many More

The Ultimate World Cruise does come at a hefty price tag, totaling more than $92,000 per guest. For the experience and amenities however, most would say the trip is well worth the cost if it’s in your price range.

Is 245 days at sea too long? There are shorter options with many of the same destinations and amenities. Viking operates a number of ships and itineraries so you can plan the perfect vacation for almost everyone.

Check out the Viking Cruises website and learn more.

— Evan Gove

READ MORE: In Brief: Viking Sun in Shanghai, new river ships, and more….

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