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.

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When many people think of cruise vacations, the first image that comes to mind is a family with young kids lounging by by the pool on a Disney cruise. And this is for good reason; cruises have earned a reputation as being the perfect place for families to get away from their busy lives. With all-inclusive itineraries with water slides and arcades, many cruises are built with families in mind.

But what about all of the cruise passengers who aren’t with their families or young children? What sorts of cruise offerings are there for adults looking to have a more age-appropriate vacation experience? If you’ve been asking yourself these questions, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we will be sharing everything you need to know about the wondrous world of adult-only cruises, including three incredible cruise itineraries to consider in 2024.

What Is An Adult-Only Cruise?

Now, you may be wondering what exactly is an adult-only cruise. Besides the obvious minimum age requirement (most adult-only cruises are 18+), adult-only cruises are packed with specific amenities aimed at a more mature audience. While you can still expect the typical features of a cruise vacation (multiple dining options, pools, spas, etc.), adult-only cruises also emphasize nightlife, educational programs, social activities, and adventurous excursions for their passengers.

When looking for the best adult-only cruise for you, it’s important that you take a moment to consider what type of vacation you’re after. Do you want to focus on relaxing by the pool all day, eating snacks from the buffet, and sipping cocktails from the all-inclusive bar? Or maybe you want to spend your vacation learning about and exploring new, unfamiliar places, opting for multiple port excursions and onboard educational seminars. The wonderful thing about cruise vacations is that they offer a large level of customization, meaning you can curate the best cruise itinerary for you.

Another factor to consider when booking your adult-only cruise is whether or not you want to try a themed cruise. Due to their rise in popularity in recent years, themed cruises offer the perfect opportunity for you to combine your vacation with one of your passions.

Have you been a lifelong classic rock fan? Then maybe you’d enjoy a weeklong classic rock cruise where every night a different band plays a concert on deck. Or perhaps you’re a part of the LGBTQ+ community and are looking to connect with others in a safe space. There are plenty of adult cruises aimed at bringing different communities together, and this can dramatically enhance your vacation experience.

Furthermore, many adult cruises market themselves as “romance” cruises. These cruise vacations are specifically designed to give you and your partner the romantic getaway of a lifetime, and they can be the perfect way to celebrate a wedding, an anniversary, or a vow renewal. These adult cruises are perfect for couples hoping to spend luxurious, quality time with each other without the distractions of families and children running around the decks.

Choosing which type of adult cruise can be a difficult, if not near-impossible task. But the beauty of these endless possibilities is that there is an adult-only cruise suitable for every type of cruise passenger. The possibilities here are truly endless.

Three Adult-Only Cruise Itineraries for 2024

Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of adult-only cruises, let’s take a look at three upcoming itineraries that you do not want to miss.

Australia & New Zealand with Virgin Voyages

Take a journey down under with this incredible Australia and New Zealand itinerary from the adult-only cruise line Virgin Voyages. This all-inclusive, 10-day voyage is perfect for those wishing to set sail in luxury. Departing from Melbourne and ending in Auckland, this itinerary will have you enjoying the finer things in life all the while discovering the natural beauty of Oceania.

Turkey & Greece with Viking Cruises

If you’re interested in ancient history, this is the cruise itinerary for you. Explore the most important and well-preserved historical sites throughout Turkey and Greece with Viking Cruises. Starting in Istanbul and ending in Athens, this incredible cruise vacation is filled with ancient anthropological sights important to the development of Western civilization. If you’re looking to learn something new on your cruise vacation, you don’t want to miss this gem of an itinerary.

Northern Lights in Norway with Saga Cruises

Our last recommendation is perfect for all of the nature lovers out there. Give yourself the gift of exploring one of the most beautiful natural phenomena our earth has to offer: the northern lights. On this expedition cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to truly engage with the northern wilderness. Not only will you hunt for the famed Aurora Borealis, but you will also have the opportunity to learn local Norwegian customs. If you’re looking for a winter adventure, this is the perfect vacation for you!

Book Your Adult Cruise Today!

As you can see, booking an adult-only cruise is a fantastic opportunity to take control over your cruise vacation. Depending on your unique interests, you can find an adult-only cruise that checks all of your boxes. When you do, you’re bound to be in for the vacation of a lifetime.

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So you’re considering an Antarctic expedition.

You’re not alone — the fastest-growing segment of the cruise business is expedition cruising, and a wild array of lines, from Atlas Ocean Voyages to Silversea, Princess to Ponant, Hurtigruten to Swan Hellenic, all have cruises to Antarctica in 2023. Porthole was recently fortunate enough to sail aboard Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine (expect more on this new ship in Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine) and came away with some insights for getting the best out of an Antarctica Cruise.

1. Lectures. Attend them. Ultramarine was a fantastic ship, but the greatest asset on board was the expertise offered by more than 30 expedition guides. They included historians, marine biologists, ornithologists, military pilots, safari guides, and researchers who’d spent years above the Arctic Circle in Svalbard or at facilities in Antarctica like McMurdo Base.  They are, in the best possible way, geeks. They love polar regions, they know an awful lot about them, and they’re super eager to share their enthusiasm. This isn’t like school. It’s like a sneak preview of what you’ll be seeing on your landings. You’ll come away a big fan of krill, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, and Commandant Jean-Baptiste Charcot (who brought Champagne and a croissant baker on his Antarctic expedition). If you can’t catch the lectures in person, they should also be available via simulcast in your cabin.

2. Mid-layers. Don’t overdo them.

This may be Antarctic travel heresy, but most of the time when visits take place, it’s Antarctic summer. You can tell the folks back home you were braving sub-zero winds to rub noses with the penguins, but the temperatures are really more like Boston in November. Once you’re on the ship, the best tip is to walk both sides of the outer decks (it’s Deck Five on Ultramarine) before breakfast and adjust your wardrobe accordingly.
When packing, avoid cotton. It holds water, and you’ll be on boats and in snow. You’ll want a base layer (merino wool, silk, or polyester thermals, a couple of pairs of wool socks), and maybe two mid-layers (a long-sleeved shirt, wool pants or synthetic leggings, a wool sweater or non-cotton fleece). Your cruise line will probably provide your outer layer: loaned snow boots and a parka to keep in a distinctive shade of yellow. (On our flights home, the Quark guests were resplendent in a bright canary while the Seabourn folks in the same passport lines wore a deeper goldenrod.)

That and a hat, gloves, and scarf are really about it. You can get any other warmth you need from a pack of chemical handwarmers kept in pockets or boots. They’ll also keep your phone battery alive a little longer in the cold. 

Photo: Porthole Cruise & Travel

3. Bathroom floors. They’re heated. If you’re the kind of cruiser who’s not above doing a little laundry in the bathroom sink, heated floors are the perfect clothes drier. But they’re also ideal for doing what they’re designed for: returning sensation to your frozen fingers and toes after a few hours walking with the penguins on shore or spotting fin whales on deck.
Basically, thanks to this simple bit of technology, every cabin comes with its own private sauna. Just bear in mind that it takes more than an hour for them to reach full temperature, so turn them on before you head out and they’ll be toasty on your return (plus your freshly washed T-shirts will be ready to change into). 

4. Learn the lingo. 

1. • Sporty is expedition leader-ese for “F@ rough!” as used in the phrase, “Well, the winds are gusting over 45 knots so it’s looking a little sporty out there.” 
   • Fresh is expedition leader-ese for “F@ cold!” as used in the sentence, “That low pressure we saw on yesterday’s charts brought the mercury below 0-degrees C this afternoon, so it’ll be a bit fresh at Danco Island tomorrow morning.”
   • Whipping describes the wind and/or waves once the captain has closed outer decks until conditions improve; in other words, the weather that you are not expected to partake in. Example sentence: “It’s started whipping out there, so I’m afraid those doors should remain closed until Captain says otherwise.”

5. High seas. Expect them. (But don’t freak out.)  Unless you’re on one of the few passenger ships departing from New Zealand, you’re going to be spending time in the notorious Drake Passage, where 8-meter seas are not uncommon. That means waves of more than 25 feet. 

Some of your fellow travelers will rely on prescription scopolamine patches. Others of us go with the flow. Keep watching the horizon. Don’t let yourself get hungry. Take a green apple from the breakfast buffet and keep it in your cabin just in case. Take a Bonine as soon as your palms start sweating (except with the aforementioned handwarmers). Order a ginger beer. If the bartender adds rum and a lime, that’s a dark and stormy. The rum will not help, but the ginger will.

Don’t lock eyes with that polar-bear photo in the forward stairwells. That beast does not have your best interests at heart. Look out the window. Sip tea in the observation lounge, if you can.

This is the windiest region on Earth, but what blows in will also blow out. Tranquility is waiting there, just over the horizon. Keep staring out there and you’ll find it. . 

Photo: Porthole Cruise & Travel

6. Bring your phone as well as a camera. The best photos will happen off the ship, but they might not take place on land. If you’re on a Zodiac zipping between icebergs and a family of humpbacks starts surfacing nearby, you’ll want to snap a photo quickly. You’ll want to keep your nice camera and fancy telephoto lens in a waterproof bag — but an iPhone in a Ziploc bag is just as waterproof and can be in your hand in a second. 

And if you’re lucky enough to snap a sounding whale’s splashing tail, you can use that same phone to load the photo up to HappyWhale.com. The site should be able to identify that individual whale from its tail, and can send you emails as it’s tracked during its global migrations. 

Another advantage of keeping a phone handy is to be able to record videos with sound. Until you’ve stood in the middle of a colony of 150,000 king penguins, waddling carefully around the fleshy mountains of half-snoozing fur seals, you can’t really appreciate the sounds of an Antarctic voyage. 

As much as photos, that cacophony is something worth remembering from a bucket-list trip. 

Photo: Porthole Cruise & Travel

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