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How To Live On A Cruise Ship For A Year

Published: December 11, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Brina Porter

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Introduction

Imagine waking up to the gentle sway of the ocean, your only responsibility for the day being to explore new destinations and enjoy the luxuries of a floating paradise. Living on a cruise ship for a year may sound like a dream come true, but for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a unique travel experience, it can become a reality.

Embarking on a long-term cruise offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of endless possibilities. From exploring exotic ports of call to indulging in delicious cuisine, enjoying onboard entertainment, and meeting fascinating people from around the globe, a year-long voyage promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Choosing to live on a cruise ship for an extended period requires careful planning and consideration. From selecting the right cruise ship to budgeting, packing, and managing your day-to-day life at sea, there are several important factors to keep in mind. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about living on a cruise ship for a year and make your journey a smooth and enjoyable one.

Whether you are a retiree looking to embark on a fulfilling adventure, a digital nomad opting for a unique work-life balance, or simply a travel enthusiast longing for an extraordinary experience, living on a cruise ship can be the answer to your dreams. So prepare to set sail on the ultimate voyage and let’s discover the secrets to living a year on a cruise ship!

In the following sections, we will delve into the different aspects of choosing and booking the right cruise, preparing for life onboard, packing essentials, finding your routine, staying healthy and fit, socializing, exploring ports of call, dealing with homesickness, and managing finances. By the end of our journey, you will have all the information you need to embark on your year-long adventure at sea.

Choosing the Right Cruise Ship

When it comes to living on a cruise ship for a year, selecting the right vessel is crucial. With countless options available, it’s essential to consider your preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Here are some factors to help you make an informed decision:

Booking Your Long-Term Cruise

Once you’ve chosen the right cruise ship for your year-long adventure, it’s time to book your long-term cruise. Here are some tips to make the booking process as smooth as possible:

Preparing for Life on Board

As you prepare to embark on your year-long cruise, it’s essential to make the necessary preparations to ensure a smooth transition into life on board. Here are some key steps to take before setting sail:

Packing Essentials for a Year at Sea

When preparing for a year-long cruise, packing the right essentials is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some items to consider when packing for your adventure at sea:

Navigating the Ship’s Amenities

Living on a cruise ship for a year means having access to a wide range of amenities and facilities. Here are some tips to help you navigate and make the most of the ship’s offerings:

Finding Your Routine

Living on a cruise ship for a year offers a unique opportunity to establish a routine that suits your preferences and lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you find your rhythm and make the most of your time on board:

Staying Healthy and Fit

When living on a cruise ship for a year, maintaining your health and fitness is essential for enjoying the journey to the fullest. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and fit during your time at sea:

Socializing and Making Friends

One of the greatest joys of living on a cruise ship for a year is the opportunity to meet fascinating people from around the world and develop new friendships. Here are some tips to help you socialize and make friends during your time at sea:

Exploring Ports of Call

One of the most exciting aspects of living on a cruise ship for a year is the opportunity to explore a variety of ports of call. Here are some tips to make the most of your time ashore and create memorable experiences:

Dealing with Homesickness

Living on a cruise ship for a year can be an incredible experience, but it’s natural to feel homesick at times. Here are some tips to help you cope with homesickness and make the most of your journey:

Budgeting and Managing Finances

When living on a cruise ship for a year, it’s important to establish a budget and effectively manage your finances. Here are some tips to help you stay on track financially during your journey:

Living on a cruise ship for a year is an extraordinary adventure filled with endless possibilities and memories. By choosing the right cruise ship, booking your long-term voyage, and preparing for life onboard, you are embarking on a journey like no other. Throughout your cruise, you can enjoy the ship’s amenities, explore new ports of call, and engage in social activities while prioritizing your health, managing homesickness, and budgeting your finances.

By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can make the most of your year-long cruise experience. Embrace the opportunity to meet new people, immerse yourself in different cultures, and create lasting memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, a year on a cruise ship offers a unique blend of both.

From dining on delectable cuisine to indulging in spa treatments, participating in enriching activities, and exploring vibrant destinations, every aspect of your year-long voyage is designed to provide an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you may face challenges such as homesickness, but by staying connected with loved ones and seeking support from fellow passengers and crew members, you can navigate these emotions and find comfort in your incredible journey.

As you set sail on your year-long adventure at sea, remember to stay open-minded, flexible, and embrace the unexpected joys that come with living on a cruise ship. Explore the ship’s amenities, make new friends, try new activities, and immerse yourself in the wonders of each port of call.

So, get ready to embark on an incredible journey of a lifetime. Pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and let the year-long adventure on a cruise ship unfold as you create memories, discover new horizons, and experience the joy of living in the lap of luxury on the open seas!

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Live On A Cruise Ship Permanently: Cost & Logistics

I have always had a deep-seated desire for adventure and a love for travel, so when I first heard about the possibility of living permanently on a luxury cruise ship, I was intrigued. The idea of waking up each day to a new destination, experiencing different cultures and cuisines, and having all the amenities of a five-star hotel at my fingertips seemed like a dream come true.

But is it really feasible to live on a cruise ship permanently, and what are the costs and logistics involved? In this article, we will explore the world of permanent cruise ship living, including the financial considerations, ship selection, and challenges that come with this unique lifestyle.

We’ll discuss the pros and cons of this lifestyle, and provide a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, including the initial investment, monthly fees, and additional expenses. So if you’re someone who craves freedom and adventure, and is considering a life on the high seas, read on to find out if living on a cruise ship permanently is the right choice for you.

Living permanently on a cruise ship requires careful consideration of financial, logistical, and health factors.
The cost of living on a cruise ship permanently can range from $60,000 to $300,000 in annual fees or $2,500 to $3,000 per month for a three year world cruise.
Health considerations include maintaining hygiene, potential medical costs, and researching necessary long-term health insurance and tax considerations.
Social life on board can be fostered through participation in activities and clubs, but challenges such as staying healthy and receiving mail must also be considered.

Cost of Living on a Cruise Ship

It’s clear that living on a cruise ship permanently requires careful planning and consideration of logistics, like packing and unpacking, as well as tax and health insurance considerations.

When it comes to cost breakdown, residential cruise ships can cost between $1 million and $14 million to buy, with annual fees ranging from $60,000 to $300,000. The cheapest option for long-term living is Life At Sea’s Three Year World cruise, which costs around $2,500-$3,000 per month.

However, living on a cruise ship permanently also requires taking into account health considerations. While cruise ships do have medical facilities onboard, they may not be equipped to handle serious medical emergencies. It’s important to have long-term health insurance that covers you while living on a cruise ship.

Additionally, staying healthy while living on a cruise ship requires careful attention to hygiene and avoiding exposure to contagious illnesses. Overall, while living on a cruise ship permanently can be a unique and cost-effective option, it’s important to carefully consider all logistics and health considerations before making the decision.

Exploring different options for long-term residential living at sea requires careful consideration of budget and practicality. While the idea of living on a cruise ship may seem like a dream come true for those seeking adventure and freedom, it is important to understand the logistics and financial considerations involved. One of the key factors to consider is the cost of purchasing a residential cabin on a cruise ship. Depending on the ship, the price can range from $1 million to $14 million, with additional annual fees of $60,000 to $300,000.

Another important consideration is the logistics of living on a cruise ship permanently. While it may seem like a carefree lifestyle, there are practicalities to consider such as packing and unpacking belongings every time the ship docks in a new port, as well as receiving mail and staying healthy. However, for those who are willing to put in the effort, living on a cruise ship can be an affordable and exciting option for long-term residential living at sea. To help provide a deeper understanding of the financial considerations, the following table compares the cost of living on a cruise ship to the cost of living in a nursing home.

As you can see, living on a cruise ship can be a more affordable option compared to living in a nursing home. However, it is important to note that additional costs may be incurred for medical services onboard. Overall, the financial considerations and logistics of living on a cruise ship require careful planning and consideration, but the opportunity to see the world and experience new cultures may be worth it for those seeking a unique, adventurous lifestyle.

Researching the tax considerations and necessary long-term health insurance for living on a residential cruise ship is an essential step in planning for this unique lifestyle.

While living on a cruise ship may offer the opportunity to travel the world and experience new cultures, it also comes with health concerns that must be taken into account. Being on a ship for an extended period of time can increase the risk of illnesses such as norovirus and influenza. Therefore, it’s crucial to have adequate health insurance that covers medical expenses both on and off the ship.

Aside from health concerns, social life on board is also an important aspect to consider when planning to live on a cruise ship permanently. While some may relish the idea of constantly meeting new people and attending various onboard events, others may find it difficult to maintain meaningful relationships with fellow passengers.

It’s important to research the demographics of the ship and ensure that it aligns with your personal interests and lifestyle. Additionally, participating in activities and clubs on board can also help to foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for socialization.

Imagine the joy of never having to worry about finding a parking spot again, only to realize that the only place to park is a lifeboat that’s been turned into a makeshift garage.

Living permanently on a cruise ship may seem like a dream come true for those seeking the ultimate freedom, but it’s important to consider the cost comparison and health considerations before taking the plunge.

When it comes to cost comparison, living on a cruise ship can actually be cheaper than traditional living in some cases. While purchasing an onboard apartment or booking a series of short cruises can come with a hefty price tag, working on a cruise ship can be the cheapest way to live on one.

However, it’s important to consider the long-term health insurance and tax considerations that come with living on a cruise ship. Additionally, staying healthy can be challenging when living in close quarters with others, and receiving mail can be a logistical nightmare.

Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if a life at sea is right for you.

What are the visa requirements for living permanently on a cruise ship?

To live permanently on a cruise ship, one should consider the visa requirements and cost implications. Depending on the individual’s nationality, a long-term visa may be necessary. Additionally, taxes and health insurance must be considered when calculating the overall cost.

Can you have pets on board a residential cruise ship?

Having a furry companion onboard a residential cruise ship may require some lifestyle adjustments. Pet policies vary among ships and certain breeds may not be allowed. However, some ships do allow pets with additional fees and regulations.

What kind of medical facilities are available on board residential cruise ships?

On board healthcare is available on residential cruise ships, including medical centers and emergency services. However, it’s important to consider the level and availability of care for long-term health needs.

Are there any age restrictions for permanent residents on cruise ships?

Prospective residents should check with specific cruise lines for age restrictions. Retirement communities on ships typically require residents to be 55 or older, but some ships have no age limit.

How do you handle mail and packages while living on a cruise ship permanently?

Managing deliveries and mail while living on a cruise ship permanently can be as tricky as trying to catch a fish in the middle of a storm. I make sure to arrange for deliveries to be sent to port stops and use a virtual mailbox service for mail.

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Cruise Lines With Ships You Can Live On

Yes, you can actually live on any cruise ship that you want, but it would require booking a cruise on every single voyage on that ship. You also would not be able to decorate the cabin as you would not own it. A better solution? Buy a cabin on one of the following cruise lines and explore the world from the comfort of your home.

The world’s first cruise ship that offered cabins you can buy and live in full time. There are 135 residences laid out on the 12 decks on the ship. 106 of them are apartments with the rest being studios.

The cruise ship was launched in 2002 and at 644 feet long, the ship’s website actually refers to itself as the largest private yacht in the world and the “most exclusive floating city on the planet”. The residents vote on the ports and itinerary that the ship will visit in the upcoming season.

Many of the apartments aboard the ship have been designed by the cruise ship residents, but they are not cheap. To enjoy this mobile and adventurous lifestyle, it will cost you between $2-15 million. But for a view that is always changing from one spectacular sight to another, and to be able to enjoy stress-free traveling to exotic locations, the families aboard the World have decided that the price is well worth it.

Blue World Voyages

Former Starbucks President John B. Richards is serving as the CEO of this new cruise line. Blue World Voyages is promising to create a ship that is unlike any other cruise ship at sea. Blue World Voyages’ first 350 passenger cruise ship will debut in 2019 and will have 26 cabins you can purchase as a home, a lap pool in the ocean, beds by the pool deck so you can sleep under the stars, and staterooms for solo travelers. For photo renderings of their first cruise ship, click here .

Not only will their first ship will have a sea water lap pool, but the ship will have the first full spa deck at sea and first full sports deck at sea. Blue World Voyages will begin sailing in the Mediterranean in May 2019 and will be a “gouge-free price zone”. Visit BlueWorldVoyages.com .

The world’s first affordable cruise ship that you can live on with condo/cabins starting at just $155,000. The average entry price will be less than $355,000 with monthly fees similar to the cost of living in a major city. Named My Home At Sea, this signature ownership and travel experience is offering cabin/condos aboard a cruise ship that travels the world. For photo renderings, click here.

Their first 24,000 gross ton cruise ship is bringing the beauty of classic ocean travel into the 21st century. The vessel will offer 450 cabins broken into five tiers that will range from $155,000 to $1.4 million. The ship will first set sail in February 2020 after receiving a $40 million renovation.

The itinerary is set only from point-to-point every 2 weeks to allow for provisioning and safe running of the vessel. The ship will say in most ports for 3-5 days, giving you the proper time to explore each port of call.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

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How Much Does It Cost To Live On A Cruise Ship?

by Gary Bembridge · October 4, 2022

Despite all the cruises I have done, I only once came across someone living on a cruise ship. I tried to find out from the cruise industry how many people live or retire on their ships – but no-one knew. It seems very few do, despite how attractive the idea seems. It got me wondering: why do so few people do it? Is it the cost? The practicality? Or do the cruise lines make it hard to do?

I have the answers.

Living or retiring on a cruise ship is a story that newspapers love to cover.

They’ve written frequently about Beatrice Muller, who lived for 14 years on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2. Lee Wachtstetter, known as “Mama Lee”, who lived on Crystal Serenity for over 12 years. Morton Jablin, who lived for 13 years on Regent Seven Seas. And Mario Salcedo, known as “Super Mario”, who has been living on Royal Caribbean for over 20 years.

So, I started by exploring roughly what it was costing these well-known residents to live at sea.

The person who does it at the least cost is Mario Salcedo, “Super Mario”. He revealed the costs in various interviews, including Washington Post and with the vlogger Alanna Zingano. And the 5 steps required if you want to live cheaply on a cruise ship

First, if you want to live as inexpensively as possible on a cruise ship, you need to decide which line you’re going to live on. He chose Royal Caribbean because it’s a mass line and offers lower fares than premium and luxury lines.

Look at your chosen line’s loyalty scheme. He chose Royal Caribbean, as their Crown & Anchor programme offered a perk critical to him as a solo passenger: a lower surcharge of 150% versus 200%. And then other perks like drinks vouchers, which save him more money.

Secondly, decide the cabin you want to live in. He chose an inside cabin. Living in a small inside cabin is not appealing to me, but may work for you. Remember that on many lines you pay 100% surcharge to travel solo.

Thirdly, decide if you are going to stick to one ship or use multiple ships within your chosen line.

The way to keep living costs down is to constantly jump ships within a line. Mario says, he keeps his costs down by chasing the itineraries on various Royal Caribbean ships with the lowest price.

Fourthly, and linked to this, is stick to the Caribbean for most of the year.

Mario says 80% of all his cruises each year are in the Caribbean, as it is the cheapest place to cruise.

Around 15% of his cruises are repositioning cruises. Again, these tend to be inexpensive cruises. For example, Transatlantic Crossings and East-West Coast Repositioning.

He hardly ever cruises in areas like Alaska and Europe because they are much more expensive.

The fifth decision is how low can you keep your outgoings going out?

There is no escaping taxes, port fees and gratuities. However, Mario hardly ever leaves the ship in ports and almost never pays for excursions. He doesn’t do specially dining, go to the casino or buy drinks packages, but he does have WIFI.

How much will doing it this way cost you?

Mario targets an average base daily fare for his solo cabin of $150 before taxes. Once taxes and port fees are added (around $20 a day), gratuities (around $15 a day) and Wi-Fi, that comes to around $200 a day.

So, it costs him around $72,000 a year before things like drinks, shopping, laundry, tours and so.

If Mario followed the same approach in a balcony cabin, he calculates it would cost him least $100,000 dollars a year.

What does it cost the other travellers I mentioned earlier?

“Mama Lee” (Lee Wachtstetter) who lived on Crystal admitted to the Washington Post that it cost her $175,000 a year. That’s about $480 a day. And, of course she had much more included in that than Mario.

Beatrice Muller who lived on Cunard’s QE2 back in 2008 said she was paying around $60,000 a year for her inside cabin on the QE2 before gratuities and onboard spending. That is $76,000 in today’s money considering inflation.

To see how the cost of using Mario’s system compares to living on a ship that would see more of the world, I looked at extended cruises including World Cruises costs as a guide.

One of the longest, but best value world cruises is Royal Caribbean’s 9-month, 274-day, 60-country World Cruise between December 2023 and September 2024, on Serenade of the Seas.

If I pro-rata up these fares from 9 to 12 months, an inside cabin would cost per person (based on double occupancy) $87,000 and a balcony cabin $112,000.

The positive is this cost includes gratuities, taxes, drinks package, Wi-Fi, laundry and even some excursions. So, many of the big add-on costs that Mario did not include are included.

The big catch is these are the costs per person for double occupancy. So, even with Mario’s 50% surcharge for an inside cabin it would cost $131,000 a year to explore the world, over double his $72,000.

This shows Mario’s point of controlling costs when living on a ship. You need to stick to the Caribbean rather than explore the world. So, one compromise would be cutting back on seeing the world, which would remove one of the big attractions of living or retiring on a ship, for me, anyway!

Knowing the scale of the cost is one thing, but what do the cruise lines think and are there other hurdles stopping more people like us doing this? I found both offer some fundamental challenges!

Are We Welcome?

I mentioned earlier that I was on a cruise where I came across someone living on the ship. One evening I had dinner with one of the officers, and he told me that they were trying to tactfully encourage that person to leave the ship.

As the guest aged, they were starting to expect, demand and require more help and care and were placing demands on the crew beyond their roles. The Officer said to me bluntly that cruise ships are designed and run for short-term vacation travel and are not set up for people to live on permanently. Certainly not people who are elderly and retired.

They’re not designed to be residential or retirement homes, and they don’t have the medical, care facilities and support to cater for residents.

More Hurdles

Not only are we not really welcome to live on a ship, the more I explored I found several hurdles that I am sure are the reason few people live or retire on ships.

First, you need to be in good health and stay that way. The medical care on a ship is not designed to deal with ongoing health issues. It’s designed for minor illnesses and injuries. They cannot provide on-going prescriptions to cover what you need for the year.

Second, you will have no dental care whatsoever on the ship.

Third, getting insurance will be difficult and costly. It’s hard enough to get insurance, even for a 3 or so month long world cruise. We did a leg of a world cruise and struggled to find insurance. When we finally did, it was expensive.

Fourth, we would still need a home country permanent address, to do banking, qualify and receive any pensions or benefits paid, to be registered with a doctor, where mail can be sent to and so on.

Fifth, when I listen to interviews with people like Super Mario and Mama Lee, I feel friendships and loneliness are an issue. We would meet lots of people; however, they’re changing every single week.

We’d struggle to build friendships and end up feeling, despite all these people around us, relatively lonely. Because we won’t have on-going friends, relationships and of course won’t be seeing family.

Six, repetitiveness will be an issue. All those who live on ships, don’t go off in the ports anymore, because they’ve been to them many times and seen what they want to see. It becomes very repetitive.

Entertainment on board will also be very repetitive, because the same shows are on board for years. The same guest entertainers come on.

Next, there will be interruptions. The pandemic, for example, meant people living on cruise ships for years had to leave.

Ships go into dry docks; ships may be chartered, and you will not be able to stay on board. I guess, if you’re someone like Super Mario, you’ll just jump ships and carry on.

And, of course, logistically it is complex. You’d have to book every single cruise across the year individually, meaning you could be booking up to 52 cruises and ensuring you can stay in the same cabin.

There could be a solution to some of these, though.

An Alternative?

There are a few permanent resident ships.

The World Residences at Sea is the longest established, permanently privately owned residential ship. It has 165 units from studios to three bedrooms, but they cost millions to buy. And then, the annual fees range from $113,000 a year if you own a studio up to over $1 million if you own a three-bedroom suite.

Storylines is a new residential line. Their first ship is MS Narrative. Their studios start at from $350,000 with a $55,000 a year maintenance fee, and they offer penthouse options costing millions of dollars.

I can see that living on a cruise ship is possible, but the costs are big! There are a lot of barriers and it’s not especially welcomed by the cruise lines. It’s a great fantasy. It’s a great idea. But now you know what it costs.

Why not find out more about some things that make no sense on a cruise ship in this video where I start by talking about something that totally threw me. See you over there.

Alanna Zingano Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4gKln13z0qVcuiw-Dobxew How Much Does It Cost To Live On Cruise Ship (Alanna Zingano): https://youtu.be/T9YjwOKKabI How Much It Costs To Live On Cruise Ship (Cruzely): https://youtu.be/2hl-H3ygx_I

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12 Dirt-Cheap Cruises for 2024 (Starting at $169)

Looking for a cheap cruise? We’re talking really inexpensive — cheaper than many flat-panel TVs and less expensive than a new couch. In other words, cruises so cheap that it’s more affordable to take a vacation than to be a couch potato.

The great thing about cruising is that there is something for everyone, from luxury lovers to penny-pinchers. You can go first-class if you want, paying up for things like suite cabins, alcohol packages, and excursions — or you can also spend just a little and still have a great vacation.

The good news is deals aren’t hard to find if you know where to look. In fact, there can be so many that you might have trouble whittling down your options.

How to Find Cheap Cruises

First and foremost — to start your hunt for cheap cruises, we always recommend visiting a third-party cruise booking site like Cruise Critic, Expedia, Orbitz, or others.

When you start your search, you have tons of different options. You can go straight to a cruise line’s website to find deals. However, when you do that you are limiting your search only to trips on that company’s cruises. Unless you’re an avid fan of one cruise line, this isn’t the best way to plan your voyage, since it gives you only a small sliver of what’s out there.

On the “aggregator” travel sites you can set up search parameters for all the cruise lines at once, then sort by price, departure port, date and more. That’s why we like to start our search on these sorts of websites. It gives you all your options instead of just one line.

Beyond that, there are a few other simple tips for cruise fans shopping for dirt-cheap fares.

While we have a full list of rules on getting the best deal on a cruise , the easiest way to find an inexpensive trip is to keep these things in mind:

Look for shorter cruises (shorter = cheaper)
Sail when school is in session (off-season means lower fares)
Book an inside cabin (balconies are more expensive)
Sail aboard an older ship (older ships have cheaper fares)

These four factors will have the largest impact on what you pay for a cruise .

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the flat-out cheapest cruises we could find across a variety of ports, cruise lines, and itineraries. Keep in mind that these prices can change by the time that you book your trip. Prices listed are per person for an interior room before taxes and fees.

Cruises Under $200 Per Person

Yes, it’s possible to take a cruise for under $200 per person. We’ve found cruises on several different lines offering inside cabin rates that cost less than most monthly car payments.

4-Night MSC Bahamas Cruise | September 12, 2024 | $199

Want to take a break… but don’t have time to leave for a week or more? This cruise is only three days, but will get you out into some of the most beautiful water in the world. And at less than $200, it’s a steal.

MSC Seashore will sail a 3-night round trip cruise departing Port Canaveral on September 12. The ship will visit Nassau, then call at MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. It’s a quick trip, but if you want an easy getaway and don’t want to break the bank, this is a great option.

Learn more about this cruise
Ship: MSC Seashore
Departure Port: Port Canaveral

4-Night MSC Bahamas Cruise | March 29, 2024 | $169

When it comes to the least expensive cruises, we found the most options from MSC Cruises . This cruise aboard the MSC Magnifica sets sail in late March for three nights.

The trip will take you to Key West for a day to visit one of the most popular cruise ports of call in the world. From there, you’ll head to MSC’s private island Ocean Cay for a stay.

We’ve personally spent time on Ocean Cay. and if you are a fan of electric blue water and white-sand beaches, you can’t go wrong spending time on the island.

Ship: MSC Magnifica
Departure Port: Miami

4-Night Carnival Bahamas Cruise | December 2, 2024 | $189

If you love Carnival and just need to get on a ship, then this cruise might be for you. It’s a four-night cruise from the popular line that comes in at less than $200 per person for cruise fare.

This particular sailing departs December 2, but there are more dates are available throughout the year. It departs Miami, spends a day at sea, followed by a visit to the Princess Cays (Carnival’s private destination), and then on to Nassau before heading home.

As with some other cheap cruises on our list, this trip sails an older ship. Still, the Carnival Conquest has been updated and boasts many of Carnival’s popular bars and eateries including Guy’s Burger Joint, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina, as well as an Alchemy Bar and Punchliner Comedy Club.

Ship: Carnival Conquest

4-Night Carnival Mexico Cruise | December 15, 2024 | $184

The absolute least expensive Carnival cruise we could find? It’s this one for just $184 — a vacation for about the cost of a pair of fancy sneakers (though port fees and taxes add about $120 per person).

This particular sailing leaves on December 15, 2024. Departing Los Angeles, it heads to sea for a day, then it’s a day in port at Catalina Island. Following that, it’s a stop in Ensenada,. Mexico before returning to Los Angeles the following morning.

At just four days, it’s a short cruise with just enough time to find your way around the ship before it’s time to leave. That said, it comes with an unbelievably low price tag.

Ship: Carnival Radiance
Departure Port: Los Angeles

Cruises Under $300 Per Person

Spending slightly more than $200 per person can give you a few more choices – including slightly longer voyages, and visits to different destinations. Here’s a list of some of the great options you can find in the $200-$300 per person range.

4-Night Royal Caribbean Mexico Cruise | September 26, 2024 | $290

You can find plenty of affordable cruise choices for sailing out of Galveston. That’s because there are a number of short sailings from the island, and the fewer days on the ship, the less you’ll pay.

This 4-night voyage aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas departs September 26 and features two blissful sea days, with a stop in Cozumel in between. If you’re looking to simply get out of town and want some time at sea, this trip fits the bill. It will give you plenty of time to relax (and work on your tan) on the ship, as well as some time exploring the beautiful Mexican Riviera.

Ship: Mariner of the Seas
Departure Port: Galveston

3-Night Royal Caribbean Bahamas Cruise | November 1, 2024 | $270

You might start to see a trend that many of the cheapest cruises on our list have a common feature of departing from Florida and heading over on a short trip to the Bahamas. This trip aboard Royal Caribbean fits that bill as well.

This sailing aboard the Liberty of the Seas will take you from Fort Lauderdale over to Nassau, followed by a trip to CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island . CocoCay has set the bar in cruise line private islands and can’t be missed.

It’s a quick trip, but will pack in a lot of fun for not a lot of money.

Ship: Liberty of the Seas
Departure Port: Fort Lauderdale

5-Night Carnival Caribbean Cruise | December 2, 2024 | $294

You can book a 5-night Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Freedom sailing out of Port Canaveral for as little as $294. Yes, there are less expensive five-night cruises from the line ( some as little as $209 per person ), but the combination of ship and itinerary is tough to beat.

The voyage departs on December 2, and includes a day at sea, followed by visits to Grand Turk and Amber Cove , then another sea day before returning to Port Canaveral.

Although the Carnival Freedom is one of the fleet’s older ships, it has been refurbished to offer lots of Carnival favorites. It has one of the cruise line’s trademark WaterWorks waterparks and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, along with all the well-known food experiences Carnival fans love – including Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.

Ship: Carnival Freedom

6-Night Royal Caribbean Pacific Coast Cruise | September 22, 2024 | $227

When we searched for dirt-cheap cruises, we never dreamed we’d find something this inexpensive.

This is a six-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas for only $227 per person in cruise fare (of course, taxes and fees will increase the price). That’s a price that’s normally found on three-day cruises. It’s among the cheapest longer trips we’ve ever seen. The catch? It’s a repositioning cruise, meaning it’s one-way.

The cruise departs Vancouver, Canada, headed to Los Angeles. During the trip, there are stops in Victoria, San Francisco, and Catalina Island — three beautiful ports that shouldn’t be missed.

Ship: Brilliance of the Seas
Departure Port: Vancouver, BC

Cruises Under $500 Per Person

View of the cruise ship from Thrill Waterpark

Going up slightly in price while remaining within the budget-cruise range can get you a slightly longer cruise time, which means more port visits, and/or longer port stays.

6-Night Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean Cruise | September 8, 2024 | $491

Outside of Florida, Galveston is one of the biggest cruise hubs in the country. It’s also within driving distance for tens of millions of people, saving on the cost of flying to Miami or Orlando.

In fact, with the introduction of a third cruise terminal, the island is now also home to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships — the largest on the planet.

Harmony of the Seas is one of those ships. This cruise aboard Harmony is dirt-cheap, especially for the ability to sail on one of these massive vessels with tons to do. The cruise leaves and heads south to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.

In addition, you have two days at sea to enjoy all the ship has to offer before you have to go back to the real world.

Ship: Harmony of the Seas

7-Night Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise | May 13, 2024 | $448

Compared to Caribbean cruises, Alaskan trips are usually more expensive. You can save money by sailing early in the season (May) or late in the season (September). This trip is a great example. It allows you to sail to Alaska for under $500 per person in cruise fare. That’s a dirt-cheap price.

The sailing aboard Quantum of the Seas departs Seattle to head up to Alaska. You’ll stop in Sitka, Skagway, cruise the Endicott Arm, then stop in Juneau and Victoria.

If you’ve ever had an Alaskan cruise on your bucket list, this trip is an opportunity to experience the amazing landscape without it costing a fortune.

Ship: Quantum of the Seas
Departure Port: Seattle

8-Night Carnival Caribbean Cruise | October 5, 2024 | $499

Treat yourself to more than a full week of cruising — including some incredibly desirable ports of call — for less than $500 with this wonderfully inexpensive cruise. An 8-night Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Magic , this route will sail from Miami October 5, bound for Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

In addition to four ports of call, the itinerary also includes three sea days — giving you a chance to to take advantage of the vessel’s many amenities. Let yourself be pampered at Cloud 9 Spa, or indulge in some waterpark thrills, then grab a meal at Cucina del Capitano or Guy’s Burger Joint.

Ship: Carnival Magic

6-Night Princess Caribbean Cruise | April 14, 2024 | $309

Princess is known for being more luxurious and more adult-oriented than lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean that focus on families. That’s why many people wanting to really relax — without so many kids on their cruise — will be excited about this deal.

With this cruise aboard Caribbean Princess, you’ll have six days to unwind as you head from Fort Lauderdale to Princess Cays, Grand Turk, and Nassau. There are also two days at sea. Best of all, the fare comes in at just $309 per person before taxes and fees, or only about $50 a day to sail Princess.

Ship: Caribbean Princess

More Cruise Deals:

12 Cheap Alaskan Cruises (Starting at Just $339)

12 Cruises Under $300 Per Person (Updated)

12 Cheap Cruises Under $500 Per Person

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How To Live On A Cruise Ship – Top Tips For Life At Sea

By: Author Mona Marks

Posted on Last updated: October 14, 2023

Categories CRUISE PLANNING , LEARN , ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

Most humans never experience what it’s like to live at sea, as 99% of us are land dwellers to the core. A few trendsetters have altered the reality of normal living by packing up their life on land and moving it to a cruise ship on the sea. Cruise ship living is a concept that’s picking up momentum. How to live on a cruise ship starts with proper financial planning, additional health insurance, and awesome deals from cruise liners. Keep reading to learn how your ocean-living dreams can become a reality.

How To Live On A Cruise Ship – Take A Cruise Ship Test Run

Permanently living on a cruise ship might sound glamorous and exciting. And it could be the best decision you’ve ever made but also the wrong one. You should take a trial run at extended cruise ship living before making a decision so that you can confirm if your “living on a cruise ship” dream is for you.

Book long trips (more than 3 months at a time) on different cruise liners, mix them up with different cruise itineraries and immerse yourself in life at sea.

Rope In The Help Of A Cruise Specialist

When you have decided that you want to spend large amounts of a year cruising the world, it’s time to rope in the experts. A cruise specialist can add some value to your experience regarding the following:

One-on-one personal customer service
Assisting in finding the right accommodation
Helping to choose the perfect cruise ship
Access to discounted bookings regarding extended cruise travel
Added amenities such as onboard credit, free specialty dinners and drinks vouchers, airport transfers, and complimentary shore excursions
Ensuring that special promotions during your trip are applied to your fare

Cruise companies such as The Cruise Web offer innovative packaged plans (Seniors at Sea) tailor-made for active and independent seniors looking to retire on a cruise ship. After a cruise specialist has assisted you in finding the best cruise liner option with the best price package available, it’s time to draw up your budget with the help of a financial planner.

Brainstorm With A Financial Planner

You will need to get your financial ducks in a row. Brainstorm with a financial planner about what you can afford to spend per day, week, or month, and see how those numbers fit with your cruise specialist’s quotes. If you’re looking to retire on a cruise ship, a full retirement income plan that includes taxes should be implemented.

Cost Of Permanently Living On A Cruise Ship

The most important factor when living on a cruise ship is the cost. The overall cost of living on a cruise ship is determined by many factors, such as the following:

The cruises you book (Caribbean cruises work out the cheapest, whereas European and Alaskan cruises are the most expensive)
Which cruise ship line do you choose to live on (Mass, premium, or luxury lines)
Type of accommodation (Inside cabins are cheap but small, whereas balcony rooms are expensive but come with a view)
Cruise Line loyalty program and perks
Taxes, port fees, and gratuities (inescapable expenses)
Cost of shore excursions

The average person spends approximately $212 per day on a cruise ship, which includes boarding, food, and entertainment. Your available daily budget should be close to this amount if you want to live successfully on a cruise ship.

Purchase A Permanent Residence On A Cruise Ship

One method of living on a cruise ship is to book multiple cruises on one specific ship or move from ship to ship within a cruise line, using different itineraries. For example, there’s a Royal Caribbean Super Cruiser who has essentially sailed for the past 20 years on various Royal Caribbean ships and spends only about two weeks a year on land!

If your finances allow it, another option is to buy property on a residential ship or an available cabin on a cruise ship.

Storylines is a private residential ship selling 547 at-sea residences (1-bedroom to 4-bedroom residences, 2-story penthouses, and studios) ranging from $400,000 to $8 million, which excludes yearly maintenance fees. Living fees start at $2,152 per month, depending on the residential unit, which is lower than what you would pay in most major cities and comes with a host of all-inclusive living perks.

The world is a residential cruise ship that offers 165 private residencies with prices ranging from $2 million to $16 million, excluding annual ship fees. This luxurious residential cruise ship offers residents culinary delights prepared by Michelin-star chefs, an enrichment program featuring world-renowned experts, a spa and gym facility , and a host of sporting activities.

Utopia

Utopia is a luxury cruise ship that sells permanent residencies totaling 190 units, which range from 1,400 to 6,500 square feet. The prices range from $4 million to $36 million per unit. Luxury retail shops, spas and salons, and all sorts of luxury amenities are expected on board.

Work While Cruising

Today, many people have the opportunity to work remotely from their homes. Technology has changed how we work in the last couple of decades. With access to WI-FI aboard cruise ships, nothing stops you from working online, making cruise ship living a reality for most digital nomads.

One of Royal Caribbean International’s most famous long-term cruisers, Mario Salcedo , works from the top deck of all the ships he sails on. Nicknamed “Super Mario,” Salcedo has been living on various Royal Caribbean International cruise ships for over 20 years.

Mario budgets between $60,000 to $70,000 per year to maintain his life at sea. Booking consecutive yearly tours in advance, staying in cheaper indoor cabins, and not leaving the ship when stopping at a port help him to stay within this budget. Salcedo manages investments for his private clients to fund his stay.

Protect Yourself With Private Health Insurance

Medical facilities found on most cruise ships feature basic medical equipment used for treating basic medical emergencies in the short term, such as defibrillators, x-ray machines, and all sorts of medicine. A medical team consisting of at least one doctor and two nurses is on call 24/7. However, they typically are not set up to provide chronic medical care.

If you’re on chronic medication, you will need to get the prescriptions filled by your doctor before you board the ship. Suppose you have serious health ailments that often require a trip to the hospital for check-ups and treatment. It would be best if you run the scenario of permanently living on a cruise ship by your regular physician.

Full-service hospitals are found at ports only, which can be few and far between when cruising. Retirees using Medicare health insurance are often not adequately covered in a medical emergency and unforeseen medical expenses. Typically, Medicare’s coverage dwindles when members are out at sea or more than 6-hours from the US.

The smartest option, even if it’s more expensive than standard US insurance plans, is to invest in private health insurance, which includes evacuation insurance. Most cruise line offer insurance that is inclusive of medical coverage. You may also have options through a variety of private insurance carriers.

If you’re paying with a credit card, remember to call your credit card company to inquire about the travel insurance they offer and what it covers in a scenario where you live on a cruise ship. Ask your travel specialist for recommendations and put the question to your financial planner.

Pros And Cons Of Living On A Cruise Ship

All life decisions come with pros and cons. Living on a cruise ship has both, and we need to highlight a few of them before you sell your land home, say emotional goodbyes to the family, and put the pets up for adoption.

Pros Of Living On A Cruise Ship

Traveling the world

Can be cost-effective compared to other retirement options

Exciting shore excursions

No utility, gas, or grocery bills

No monthly home or car payments

Constant menu of activities and entertainment steps away

Opportunity to meet new people

Attentive staff available to serve you daily

Renting out your property to receive passive income

Cons Of Living On A Cruise Ship

Leaving friends & family behind

Additional private health insurance required (including evacuation insurance) or cruise liner insurance that includes emergency medical coverage

Gaps between cruises lead to additional costs (hotel, flights, transfers)

Cruise liners not equipped for assisted living (you need to be heal

Have to monitor your diet as food on cruise ships often include fine dining and rich foods

Potential loneliness

You will have to store or sell extra possessions

Shore excursions can be costly

Closing Thoughts

How to live on a cruise ship may seem like a fantasy, but with a little planning, insurance, and guidance from a financial planner and cruise specialist, you can make it your reality!

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Want to live on a cruise ship? 2-year trip around the world from Florida may cost less than living on land

"rent" for your home on the high seas includes meals, gym, cabin, pools and shore visits. add-ons are the shows, a dentist and a doctor..

Living on a cruise ship may be more affordable than a permanent home

If you love a cruise, why not live on one. Once cruise ship is offering a 2-year, all inclusive "vacation" around the world that may be cheaper than a mortgage and living expenses on land.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A new cruise experience could be more affordable than the rent or mortgage you’re paying on land. There’s a new option to live on a cruise ship while traveling the world.

"We’re excited!" said Barbara Violetta, a retiree from The Villages, Florida, who has been on more than 70 cruises.

Now, she’s gearing up for the voyage of a lifetime.

"It’s a dream come true," she said.

The all-inclusive cruise ship offers a 2-year cruise that may be more affordable than living on land.

(Victoria Cruise Lines / FOX 35 Orlando)

She will be boarding a two-year cruise with Victoria Cruises Line. There are 214 ports in 115 countries on seven continents. The ship is more than 750 feet long and about 100 feet wide, and there will be 1,000 passengers on board.

"Anybody who is working from home, who says it has to be a home fixed in the ground, why can’t it be at sea?" Violetta asked.

A cabin aboard the ship.

What is the cost for a trip like this?

"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. Rent paid monthly includes cooked meals, television, Wi-Fi, gym, pool, spa and access to doctors, nurses and a dentist on board.

There are dentists and doctors aboard.

"They do your laundry three times a week!" Violetta said. "Free laundry is done for us. No cleaning. No making your bed. There’s even a turndown service every day."

The $2,400 price tag is for one person in an inside cabin if you sign up for the 37-month option, which offers the biggest discount. If you choose the 24-month option, it will cost you $5,119. The 12-month option is $5,759 a month.

(Victoria Cruise Lines)

The ship is a complete luxury cruise with theatres, cocktail lounges, pools, spa and restaurants. (Victoria Cruise Lines)

Passengers can come and go

Whichever option you choose, it’s a long time to be away from home base, which is why Victoria Cruises allows passengers to take a break and pay just 30% of their rent while they’re gone.

"I have to take a break," Violetta said. "My daughter is planning a wedding next year."

Some passengers said they plan to renew their stay indefinitely.

"We have quite a few people – about 70% – who are choosing to do the 37-plus month, and a lot of them are saying, ‘I’m going to stay on this ship until the day I die,’" Linderoth said.

The cruise around the world sets sail Dec. 1 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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Celebrity Beyond

Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in the cruise line's Edge Series, capable of holding up to 3,260 passengers and over 1,400 crew members. On board, guests have their pick of 32 food and beverage venues serving everything from Greek to French to Italian cuisine; there are also several cocktail bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink.

One of the highlights of Celebrity Beyond is its 4,500-piece art collection, which includes works by travel photographers and international artists. There is also no shortage of unique entertainment options; these range from acrobatic shows to juggling mixologist performances. To enjoy stunning water views, enjoy Celebrity's "Magic Carpet," a large platform that hangs off the edge of the ship and moves from deck to deck.

Staterooms offer amenities like plush bathrobes, comfortable Cashmere mattresses and flat-screen TVs; many also come with private verandas. For a one-of-a-kind experience, splurge on a room in The Retreat. This resort-within-a-resort features villas and suites with added luxuries like plunge pools, hot tubs and butlers. Plus, guests of The Retreat have exclusive access to a private sundeck, restaurant and lounge, along with an onboard credit that can be used however you see fit.

Celebrity Beyond sails to a variety of popular Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations, including Italy, Mexico and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Celebrity Beyond, if you're lucky, your drink might be poured by Captain Kate McCue herself during the nightly flair bartender show at the Grand Plaza Martini Bar. Make sure to follow her behind-the-scenes adventures on Instagram. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Celebrity Edge

Debuted in December 2018, the Celebrity Edge stands out for its modernity. The vessel carries 2,918 guests at double occupancy, 3,373 guests at maximum occupancy and 1,320 crew members. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. Passengers can delight in the ship's rooftop garden, take a dip in one of many ocean-facing pools, work up a sweat on the jogging track or relax at the on-site spa.

You'll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club and a theater showcasing a variety of productions. The Edge was the first Celebrity ship fitted with the Magic Carpet – the line's cantilevered venue at sea that travels 13 stories. The open-air venue can be repositioned alongside several decks, allowing it to transform from a live music venue to a bar to an exclusive specialty restaurant, depending on its location.

For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. After a bite to eat, take a break and relax in your modern stateroom or suite. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. What's more, with a roughly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, service across the ship will be spot on.

Celebrity Edge makes sailings across Alaska, Hawaii, Asia, Australia and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Edge Series ships, park yourself at the Sunset Bar with a spicy margarita every evening – it’s the best spot on the ship to watch for the fabled green flash. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Debuted in October 2021, Rotterdam welcomes up to 2,668 guests at double occupancy, 3,172 guests at maximum capacity and 1.048 crew members. The name hearkens back to the line's founding in the late 19th century, when its first ship, Rotterdam, sailed from the Netherlands to New York. Though the ship's name is rooted in the cruise line's past, its amenities are anything but antiquated.

Among Rotterdam's standout facilities is World Stage, a performance venue that features a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen that creates a panorama of light and sound for audience members. For more entertainment, passengers can catch a performance at any of the ship's numerous music venues, including the Rolling Stone Rock Room and B.B. King's Blues Club.

When travelers aren't grooving to live tunes, they can test their luck at the onboard casino or relax at the spa. Meanwhile, kids can play the day away at the Kids Club. Foodies will be pleased to hear the ship offers eight dining options, including Rudi's Sel de Mer, a French brasserie, and Tamarind, which highlights the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan.

Cabins range in size from 143 square feet to 1,290 square feet, with some of the luxury suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, whirlpool baths and verandas with hot tubs.

Sailings aboard Rotterdam depart from ports like Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and Amsterdam to destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and the Panama Canal.

U.S. News Insider Tip: The art collection aboard Rotterdam is valued at more than $4.1 million and has 2,645 pieces of diverse works ranging in value from $500 to $620,000. Take some time to walk around the ship to explore the collections. Each of the three stairwells has a theme that reaches from top to bottom: architecture, music or zoology. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex – which made its inaugural sailing in June 2021 – can hold up to 2,910 passengers at double occupancy, 3,385 at maximum occupancy and 1,320 crew members. Guests can wine and dine at 29 restaurants, bars and lounges, then spend the night testing their luck at the casino or enjoying live music at the Magic Carpet (which offers great ocean views). Specialty restaurants include a steakhouse and a raw bar, while main dining options feature Mediterranean, Italian and French cuisines. There are also meeting spaces and multipurpose areas on board, as well as upscale shops.

Visit the spa or adults-only Solarium pool to stay relaxed throughout your stay at sea. For younger travelers, there are some kid-friendly areas of the ship – such as a Camp at Sea. However, the ship is geared more toward adult clientele (or families with older children) looking for a relaxing escape.

The ship's staterooms, which start at 181 square feet, offer smart TVs, customizable air conditioning and plenty of storage space. Many rooms also offer private verandas. If you're willing to splurge, consider booking a room in The Retreat. This exclusive section of the ship features luxury accommodations as well as access to a private restaurant, sun deck and lounge. Plus, rooms in The Retreat offer more space, measuring up to 1,892 square feet.

The Celebrity Apex sails to European destinations like Italy, Croatia and Portugal, as well as to Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas , Puerto Rico , Belize and Grand Cayman .

Resilient Lady

An adults-only, LGBTQ-friendly cruise ship, Resilient Lady has a maximum capacity of 2,762 passengers and carries 1,150 crew members. Since setting sail in May 2023, Virgin Voyages' third ship has received praise among travelers for its exceptional dining scene and exciting entertainment options. With onboard experiences ranging from acrobatic performances to comedy shows to themed parties, Resilient Lady is best for travelers who are seeking an upbeat and social atmosphere.

When you've worked up an appetite from your activity-filled day, grab a bite at one of the ship's 20-plus eateries, which serve everything from Mexican to Asian to Italian fare. Although all food is included, reservations are still required at many restaurants. There is also no shortage of bars to choose from, whether you want to sample The Loose Cannon's signature cocktails or sip some bubbly in the Champagne lounge.

All accommodations come equipped with comforts like flat-screen TVs, rain showers, mood lighting and convertible Seabeds. For more room, opt for one of the ship's RockStar Quarters. These upgraded suites feature extras like a terrace with a hammock, European king-size mattresses and spacious marble bathrooms.

Resilient Lady sails to a variety of destinations in Europe and the Caribbean, including top destinations such as Athens, Greece ; Dubrovnik, Croatia .; and Castries, St. Lucia .

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Wake boasts the most ambiance of all eateries on Virgin Voyages vessels by far, so make sure to lock in reservations when you can. This upscale restaurant offers prime entrees with plenty of upgrade options for those who want to splurge. This establishment also features huge windows that provide incredible views of the ocean from the back of the ship. – Holly Johnson, Contributor

Symphony of the Seas

The 6,680-passenger, 2,200-crew-member Symphony of the Seas set sail in 2018 and features 18 decks packed with activities.

For heart-pounding fun, travelers will find a surf simulator, an indoor ice skating rink, two 40-foot rock walls, a zip line and a 10-story slide. Meanwhile, relaxation seekers can unwind in the spa, sip cocktails made by robotic bartenders or stroll through the Central Park -inspired neighborhood.

Onboard snacks and meals are served at 20 quick-service and sit-down eateries. The Main Dining Room is where the ship's traditional, complimentary dinners are provided nightly, but specialty options like a steakhouse, a bistro and a Johnny Rockets outpost are also available. What's more, cruisers can dine at Jamie's Italian, a restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

After filling up on gourmet fare, passengers can retreat to their cabins, all of which include work desks, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Guests can choose from 149-square-foot Interior Staterooms, some of which have virtual balconies with real-time views of the ocean, or opt for upgraded cabins with furnished balconies and up to 1,524 square feet of space. Select suites also feature two bedrooms, whirlpool tubs and dining rooms.

Symphony of the Seas departs from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, Miami , Fort Lauderdale, Rome and Barcelona for sailings throughout the Caribbean and Europe.

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re on one of the 19 Royal Caribbean ships that have a FlowRider, like Symphony of the Seas (which has two!), reserve a private lesson with a pro. For a small fee, you'll save yourself some embarrassment and get more ride time. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Odyssey of the Seas

Launched in July 2021, the Odyssey of the Seas holds 5,498 passengers and 1,550 crew members. Royal Caribbean's latest ship is the first Quantum Ultra Class vessel to sail in the United States. As a member of this class, Odyssey of the Seas offers standout amenities like RipCord by iFLY, billed as the only skydiving simulator available at sea, and the FlowRider, a 40-foot-long surf simulator. There is also the North Star observation capsule, which hoists guests 300 feet above sea level over the cruise ship to enjoy unparalleled views below.

In addition to these thrilling activities, the ship comes equipped with standard facilities like pools, an arcade, a spa, a fitness center with classes, kids clubs and shopping venues. There are also 15 dining options, ranging from Japanese fare to all-you-can-eat buffets to Starbucks. For drinks, the ship offers nine bars and lounges, giving passengers plenty of places to enjoy libations. Entertainment options include theatrical performances, live music, a casino, outdoor movie nights and more.

As far as cabins go, cruisers can choose between Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms, as well as suite accommodations and new Virtual Balcony rooms. These technologically advanced cabins feature floor-to-ceiling displays that project real-time views of the sights and sounds from the outside of the ship.

Odyssey of the Seas sails to ports in Europe, as well as to various destinations in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

Scarlet Lady

The first ship within the Virgin Voyages fleet, the adults-only Scarlet Lady welcomes a maximum of 2,762 passengers and 1,150 crew members. Debuted in October 2021, Scarlet Lady boasts unique amenities not often found on cruise ships, including a tattoo studio, a record shop and a blow-dry bar. And instead of a buffet or a dining hall, the Scarlet Lady offers a collection of more than 20 specialty restaurants, all covered by the cruise fare. Standouts include Extra Virgin, a traditional Italian restaurant serving handmade pasta, and Gunbae, a Korean barbecue eatery.

The Scarlet Lady also deviates from cruise industry tradition when it comes to onboard entertainment. Instead of Broadway classics, cruisers will be treated to six original shows, along with "micro plays" that are performed throughout the ship.

Cabin sizes range from 105 to 177 square feet for the Insider rooms to over 2,160 square feet for RockStar Quarters suites. The latter are outfitted with marble bathrooms and serviced by RockStar Agents who are available to assist guests 24/7. All accommodations feature mood lighting, minibars, free Wi-Fi and adjustable Seabeds, which allow travelers to transform their beds into couches when they want to entertain.

Scarlet Lady is homeported in Miami; it sails throughout the Caribbean and Europe.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Use the app to book dinner reservations as far out from your sailing as you can, or 45 days out for most sailors. If you wait until closer to time or until you're on board, you will likely find that the most popular restaurants and dining times are all booked up. – Holly Johnson, Contributor

MSC Euribia

MSC Euribia, named after the Greek goddess of mastery of the sea, launched in June 2023. MSC Euribia stands out with its commitment to sustainability (the ship runs on liquid natural gas, or LNG) and art-filled aesthetic (with original works of art throughout the ship and a "Save the Sea" motif on the hull).

Entertainment options abound, with an immersive gallery, a sports center, a theater, a casino and seven rooms dedicated to kids and teenagers. Five pools and a water park are also available. The Galleria, the main promenade featuring a dazzling LED sky dome, is a hub for shopping and dining.

With MSC Euribia's 11 dining venues, passengers can choose from formal Italian, fast-casual tacos, a sushi bar, a buffet, a crepe shop and more. What's more, the ship offers 21 bars, including a British pub, a wine bar and upscale cocktail lounges, as well as the Carousel Lounge, where passengers can dance to music of varying genres.

MSC Euribia holds up to 6,327 guests and 1,711 crew members. Staterooms range from the 129-square-foot Interior Studio to the 420-square-foot Grand Suite with a whirlpool and terrace. MSC Yacht Club Suites, which offer access to exclusive perks like butler service and a dedicated sun deck, are also available.

Most MSC Euribia itineraries sail through northern Europe, particularly the Norwegian fjords and destinations including Norway, Kiel, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark ; Cruises to the Middle East, including ports like Doha, Qatar, and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, will also be offered.

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re dead set on cruising in the MSC Yacht Club, you’ll want to be selective with the vessel and itinerary you choose. Many older MSC ships do not offer a Yacht Club section, including the Poesia, Armonia, Lirica, Musica and Opera. – Holly Johnson, Contributor

Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance (previously Carnival Victory) set sail in December 2021 after a full transformation. The ship, which holds 2,984 guests at single occupancy, 3,873 guests at double occupancy and 1,108 crew members, boasts plenty of fun indoors and outdoors for cruisers of all ages.

Carnival Radiance features a ropes course, waterslides, a mini-golf course, dive-in movies in the evening and a sports area for activities like soccer, basketball, volleyball and boxing. The ship also offers a kids club for youths ages 2 to 17. The pool is surrounded by lounge chairs – perfect for relaxing – and those seeking additional quiet space can spend some time at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Inside, the spa, the piano bar, the comedy club and the performance event venue, which features musicals, concerts and more, round out some of Carnival Radiance's most popular offerings. Dining options (14 eateries in total, including a Chef's Table experience) abound on this ship as well: Cruisers can enjoy casual fare at Big Chicken or Guy's Burger Joint, or sit down for a more upscale meal at Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi or the Steakhouse.

Staterooms aboard the ship include Interior (porthole and picture window choices are available), Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category options. Carnival Radiance sets sail from Los Angeles to destinations in Hawaii and Mexico .

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

First impressions: Is Royal Caribbean's new Utopia of the Seas the best Oasis Class cruise ship ever?

Editor's Note

Ladies and gentlemen, has Royal Caribbean done it again? Has the line's sixth Oasis Class ship , Utopia of the Seas, somehow managed to be even more innovative than its five predecessors? It didn't seem possible to me, given that I have a soft spot for the original two ships in the class, so I went into a recent Utopia sailing a bit skeptical. I emerged a convert.

The ship debuted as the second-largest cruise ship in the world (a tad bigger than its Oasis Class siblings but smaller than its gigantic sister ship, Icon of the Seas). Royal Caribbean has also dubbed it the "world's biggest weekend," thanks to its short itineraries — three- and four-night Bahamas and Caribbean voyages. This is the first time the cruise line has dedicated a brand-new ship solely to short sailings , which means Royal Caribbean has found plenty of ways for cruisers to soak up as much fun as they can in what little time they have on board.

But what's really underneath all of those superlatives? Here, I'll break down why I think Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean 's best Oasis Class ship yet and what you can expect if you decide to sail.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Understanding the Oasis Class

The lead-up to Utopia of the Seas' debut was somewhat overshadowed by the rollout of fleetmate Icon of the Seas in early 2024, but the Oasis Class ships were the original trendsetters.

When the first one, Oasis of the Seas, set sail 15 years ago, it was the largest cruise ship in the world . It was nearly 45% bigger than the next-largest ship in the fleet, Freedom of the Seas, in terms of tonnage and 46% larger in terms of maximum passenger capacity. It also introduced the cruise industry to a groundbreaking neighborhood concept, which grouped popular themed offerings together in different areas and helped to control passenger flow. (Since then, other lines — including Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises — have developed their own versions.)

Within those neighborhoods, the class also delivered other industry firsts, including the first carousel, AquaTheater (a performance space featuring a pool for high-diving) and zip line at sea in and above the open-air Boardwalk neighborhood, as well as thousands of live plants tended by a resident gardener in the Central Park neighborhood . Both of these neighborhoods incorporate a central area of activity surrounded above by interior-facing ocean-view and balcony cabins — an idea pioneered on Voyager of the Seas in 1999 on the Royal Promenade , a mall-like indoor thoroughfare that has carried through to the line's newest vessels.

"This class of ship for Royal Caribbean has been a true game changer," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean, during a media briefing on Utopia when asked about the evolution of the Oasis Class and why it remains so popular.

"It just consistently delivers every single time, and it ages so well," Bayley said. "We've invested in these ships, and we continue to invest .... just before the pandemic, we put almost a quarter of a billion dollars into one of the Oasis Class ships just to bring it up to speed. The reason why it works so well is size and neighborhoods. ... It's the space and the fact that the neighborhoods have been able to pull people together into spaces that they really enjoy."

In other words, Royal Caribbean struck gold with this type of ship.

Why is Utopia of the Seas the best Oasis Class ship yet?

Fun new twists.

Although the Oasis Class is still evolving after 15 years, Utopia of the Seas remains largely unchanged from the original Oasis of the Seas prototype. Royal Caribbean has taken passenger favorites from the first few Oasis Class vessels and carried them through, or removed concepts that have run their course and added some fun new ones in their place, on Utopia of the Seas.

The highlight of the new additions is a meal at the Royal Railway — Utopia Station . It's an immersive train-themed dinner theater restaurant that makes you feel like you're actually in a dining car with scenery passing by via LED "windows." Live actors carry out their antics around you, complete with sound effects and "butt-kickers," which jolt your seat to make it feel like you're really on a train. The experience has a capacity of just 96 passengers per night with a price — $75 per person — that's just as expensive as the venue is exclusive. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to snag a reservation during my sailing, but I was able to tour one of the train cars, and it does truly suspend reality.

The next major addition is the Pesky Parrot, a tiki bar along the Royal Promenade. It's home to Brian, a drunk animatronic parrot who hadn't yet arrived at his perch on my voyage. (I'm told he's already made his debut, though.) Don't know which of the tropically themed drinks to order? Roll the bar's cylindrical accordion-style menu to help you figure it out.

Pesky Parrot replaces the Bionic Bar , a gimmicky bar found on other Royal Caribbean vessels, featuring robotic arms messily mixing up cocktails that passengers order via tablets. Trust me: The results at Pesky Parrot are much tastier, immensely more personable and far less sticky than their robot-crafted counterparts.

Spare Tire is a food truck-style concept on the pool deck that offers a walk-up counter with reheated frozen items like cheese and pepperoni tortilla roll-ups, ranchero beef and cheese tortilla roll-ups, chipotle chicken sandwiches, Mediterranean veggie wraps and fried raspberry cheesecake pockets. Although the food is tasty (and free), I was disappointed that the truck's items were probably some of the least homemade on the ship.

Other new additions to Utopia of the Seas include an extra-fee shave ice stand at the back of the ship near the FlowRider surf simulator ; a two-deck Giovanni's Italian specialty restaurant, which replaces molecular gastronomy restaurant Wonderland and offers great views over the Boardwalk neighborhood; bright, airy and spacious Solarium Suites located above the ship's adults-only Solarium area; and Omakase, an exclusive six-seat, eight-course Asian dining experience that costs $129 per person.

What all of this means is that passengers are able to experience the best of what other Oasis Class ships have to offer, as well as some new additions that make Utopia of the Seas feel even more fresh and exclusive.

Short itineraries on a brand-new ship

Utopia of the Seas sails only short itineraries, so it offers a low-commitment entry point for people who want to try cruising but worry they might not like it. Because it's a new ship, it also gives those people a chance to try something modern and splashy, rather than settling for older hardware.

"The percentage of new-to-cruise that will sail on Utopia is fantastic," Bayley said. "It's a short product, so people don't have to commit so much time and money to a longer experience. It's a much easier weekend break. It's no big deal to really hop on Utopia on a Friday and be in the office Monday morning."

For me, a three-night sailing was just long enough to whet my appetite for more. Utopia of the Seas is crammed with so many activities, amenities and places to chill that you'd be hard-pressed to see and do everything during a voyage twice as long as the ones the ship offers. If other passengers are anything like me, they'll be back, which is exactly Royal Caribbean's goal.

Utopia is also currently the only Oasis Class vessel that sails short cruises out of Port Canaveral in Cape Canaveral, Florida — about an hour from Orlando. Voyages on Utopia of the Seas allow travelers to better utilize their limited vacation time by combining a cruise with visits to Florida beaches, the Kennedy Space Center, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and other nearby attractions.

"One of the reasons we put this brand-new Oasis Class [ship] into this market is that we really expect to see a certain amount of demand coming from tourists who are going in [to Orlando], either for ... Disney or Universal," Bayley said. "They can also package themselves a vacation, which includes a three-night, four-night [cruise] to Perfect Day."

More parties and live music than ever before

With Utopia of the Seas sailing short cruises, Royal Caribbean's entertainment team has had to reconfigure some of its offerings. The ship combines three new shows with energetic live music and more parties than any of the line's other vessels to date. The changes speak to what passengers want on shorter voyages — more partying and less sitting in one spot for large chunks of time. It all ties back into the long-weekend theme and the line's goal of helping passengers maximize their vacation time.

"Utopia is a taste of what, possibly, you could experience on maybe a longer itinerary," said Allison Rider-Davidoiu, Royal Caribbean's director of headliner entertainment, live music and enrichment, during an interview on board. "It was really important to ... go in a little bit of a different direction and have one party after the other to where you don't ever stop."

In fact, parties are so important on board that the ship employs a dedicated party squad, a new addition to Royal Caribbean's entertainment team. The goal of the squad members is to keep passengers engaged. There's also an entire team of hired "party influencers" who are simply meant to "keep the vibe going and look cool," according to Rider-Davidoiu.

In addition to the usual outdoor sailaway soiree, red-themed nightclub party and music-forward "street parties" along the Royal Promenade, some of the key celebrations on Utopia of the Seas include Senses, a pool deck party where cruisers will find house music and sunset scenes on the big screen; ReZolution, where passengers wear white and become living art through a series of high-tech projections; and Plunge, a daytime pool party with surprise giveaways, music and water guns that shoot Champagne.

Catering to adults who want to cut loose and relive their college days, Silent Toga is a silent disco where crew members hand out togas and show passengers how to wear them, and the Royal Kappa Chi afterparty is the place to find games of beer pong, Flip Cup and Quarters backed by the skills of one of three resident DJs. On my sailing, the latter shindig didn't end until 4 a.m.

Music is also a big focus on Utopia, with many passengers choosing their favorite live performers and returning to the same venues night after night to enjoy their performances.

"We've noticed guests on three- and four-day cruises, many times — as incredible as our shows are — they'd much rather gravitate toward live music," Rider-Davidoiu said. "So we put a lot of focus on getting the best bands and the best talent."

But that doesn't mean the ship's shows aren't phenomenal. In fact, that's far from the case.

Bridging the gap between party and production show is "The Effectors Homecoming Parade," a hybrid that takes place along the Royal Promenade. The large cast features six main characters: superheroes Pixel, Reverb, Lume and Captain Viz, as well as villains Crash and Burn. This latest installment of "The Effectors" trilogy of original shows — with the first two appearing on a small number of other vessels in the fleet — is a street party-style celebration of Crash's defeat.

"All In" is the main production show in the theater on each sailing. Royal Caribbean has pulled out the stops with high-tech lighting and sound, interesting props, jaw-dropping acrobatics and creatively timed LED screen animations. It also leans heavily on the massively talented cast of singers and dancers who perform hits from Bruno Mars, Camila Cabello, Gloria Estefan, the White Stripes, the Eurythmics and more.

Most impressive, though, are Utopia's high-dive and acrobatics show "Aqua80Too," held at the ship's aft-facing AquaTheater, and the "Youtopia Ice Spectacular," held in the ship's ice rink where professional figure skaters perform to well-known tunes in colorful costumes amid a series of fun projections. If you have to choose, these two are the ones to see during your sailing.

Bottom line

There often isn't much that differentiates new ships in a particular class from their predecessors, but that's not the case with Utopia of the Seas.

Its short itineraries make the ship a superb pick for weekend warriors or travelers with little vacation time, as well as anyone who's curious about cruising but who isn't ready to commit to an entire week on board. The vessel is also a great option for active travelers who enjoy live music and parties, and for fans of large ships who want a mix of tried-and-true favorites and the latest bells and whistles.

Find out more about Royal Caribbean:

The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruises
Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes explained
Royal Caribbean cruise ships by size
Royal Caribbean cruise ships by age
All you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites
Royal Caribbean food
Royal Caribbean drink packages
Where you can cruise with Royal Caribbean
How to find the best Royal Caribbean ship for you
Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program
How to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise

Belfast cruise ship drama as passengers stranded in city for three months

Odyssey ship still to embark on the first leg of the three-year cruise due to problems with rudders and gearbox

14:04, 29 AUG 2024
Updated 17:03, 29 AUG 2024

The Villa Vie Residences Odyssey cruise ship in Belfast

Cruise ship passengers on a dream round-the-world trip are stuck in Belfast for nearly three months.

Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey vessel has been plagued by delays and has not left the city's Queen's Island - despite being scheduled to leave on May 30.

The ship is still to embark on the first leg of the three-year cruise due to problems with its rudders and gearbox.

Read more: Storm names for 2024/25 season released by Met Éireann and Met Office

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Florida resident Holly Hennessey is travelling with her cat, meaning she hasn't been able to leave the city while the ship is fixed.

During the day, passengers are permitted to spend time on the vessel but have to disembark in the evenings.

Ms Hennessey told BBC NI: "We can spend all day aboard the ship, and they provide shuttle buses to get on and off. We can have all of our meals and they even have movies and trivia entertainment, almost like cruising except we're at the dock."

Passengers had the option of buying their cabin outright rather than paying a daily rate, with the price of purchasing one ranging from $99,999 (£75,600) to $899,000 (£679,900). Cabin owners can remain on the vessel beyond the end of the Odyssey's three-year tour.

Ms Hennessey's cabin is large enough for a double bed, with room for her cat in its living area and even a balcony.

Villa Vie Residences says it is doing all it can to "relieve the anxiety" of passengers by planning trips for guests, other cruises or ensuring they're put up in hotels.

Married couple Angela and Stephen Theriac are among those who have immersed themselves in the city, insiting: "We are travellers, and we want to make the most of the place we are in."

Ms Theriac said: "We keep teasing we will apply for residency here in Belfast. Stephen says they've been getting to know the locals, and have "eaten in every restaurant and had a Guinness in every pub", adding that's it "just all part of our adventure".

Mike Petterson, chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, says he expects the ship to be ready by the end of next week.

He added: "We're not focused on the next days or weeks, we are focused on the rest of our lives and what this company will do for the residents and the industry."

Mr Petterson pointed out that Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey is the first "affordable" residential cruise ship of its kind.

"When you're the first at doing something, you will run into hiccups, but we're definitely getting there, and although we are late, we will launch," he said.

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