Picture this: endless horizons, salty breezes and the gentle sway of the ocean beneath your feet.
This could be your reality by retiring on a cruise ship.
This monumental transition isn’t just about kicking back – it’s about setting sail on the adventure of a lifetime. Welcome aboard as we discover the ins and outs of cruise ship living.
Wait, for real?
Yes, you can truly retire on a cruise ship, though the price tag may shock you. In recent years, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Viking Cruises and Princes Cruises have introduced year-long sailings around the world. And those who opt in do so for reasons including convenience and the perks of an all-inclusive lifestyle.
The benefits
Retiring on a cruise ship comes with several perks, like:
- All-inclusive lifestyle: Cruise ships offer all-inclusive amenities, including accommodation, meals, entertainment and activities, simplifying your daily life and eliminating the need to do your own household chores and maintenance.
- Continuous travel: You can explore the world without the hassle of getting on flights, packing, and everything else that comes with international travel.
- Community and social interaction: Large boats with large crowds foster a vibrant community atmosphere, allowing you to form relationships and socialize with other passengers and crew members from around the world.
- Cost-effective living: Retiring on a cruise ship can be cost-effective compared to traditional retirement options, as it consolidates expenses such as accommodation, food, entertainment and travel all in one package.
- Active lifestyle: Cruises offer a wide range of fitness activities and amenities, including fitness centers, pools, spas and classes, promoting a healthy lifestyle during retirement.
How to choose the right ship
Selecting the ideal ship for retirement requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are a couple of things to consider:
- Itinerary and destinations: It’s important to consider the ship’s itinerary and where you’re headed. Do you prefer tropical getaways, cultural experiences or scenic voyages? Look for cruise lines that align with your interests. For example, Holland America Line offers world cruises with extensive itineraries covering diverse regions such as the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. They even have voyages that last up to 56 days, like this South Pacific cruise.
- Ship amenities and features: Look into the onboard amenities and features before choosing your ship to guarantee they meet your preferences and lifestyle. Research things like dining options, wellness facilities and entertainment venues. Don’t forget to check if the staterooms and interior are updated and what the different options offer. Luxury cruise lines like Crystal Cruises are known for elegant dining, spacious accommodations and enriching onboard activities. And if you’re planning to retire in 2026, check out the Crystal Cruises’ World Cruise, where you’ll spend 135 nights exploring 72 destinations in 27 countries.
- Long-term stay options and pricing: Make sure to explore the long-term stay options and pricing structures offered by different cruise lines to determine affordability and suitability for retirement living. Some cruise lines, like Victoria Cruises, offer extended voyage options, allowing passengers to embark on multi-month or year-long journeys and even become resident owners of a suite. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, check out being a resident owner on The World, the planet’s largest residential yacht.
- Accessibility and medical facilities: Prioritize ships with accessible features and comprehensive medical facilities to accommodate any mobility or health concerns. Look for ships equipped with wheelchair-accessible staterooms, elevators and ramps, as well as onboard medical centers staffed by qualified healthcare professionals.
The cost
It’s important to understand the cost that comes with retiring on a cruise ship before making that initial leap. We separated the costs based on retiring on a traditional cruise line versus purchasing a suite on a residential cruise:
Traditional cruise
- Initial investment: The upfront cost of living on a traditional cruise ship typically involves purchasing a cabin or stateroom for an extended period, ranging from several months to a year. To get an idea of what the cost is, a year-long stay in a balcony stateroom on popular cruise lines like Carnival could cost between $130k to $200k per couple, depending on the itinerary, ship and onboard spending. A ticket for the 274-night world cruise through Royal Caribbean can cost anywhere from $54,000 to $105,000 per person.
- Ongoing expenses: In addition to the initial investment, you must also budget for other expenses such as gratuities, dining options, additional costs for onboard activities and shore excursions. For instance, a deluxe beverage package on Royal Caribbean can cost anywhere from $56 to $105 per person per day (depending on your ship and trip). If you are on the boat for 365 days, you could be spending an extra $38k just for deluxe beverages.
Residential cruise
- Initial investment: Residential cruise lines offer long-term stay options with the convenience of a permanent residency at sea. The upfront cost of purchasing a suite on one of these ships varies depending on factors such as location, size and amenities. And the price tag is high. For example, The World offers luxury residences ranging from $1 million to $15 million.
- Ongoing expenses: Residents on these cruises are responsible for monthly maintenance fees, which cover utilities, maintenance, insurance and amenities. On The World, monthly fees can be anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000 depending on the size and location of the residence.
Is it worth it?
While the allure of a carefree lifestyle at sea is undeniable, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision and to do some budgeting to figure out the cost. For some, the opportunity to explore new destinations, enjoy luxury amenities and make meaningful connections with others onboard makes it a dream come true. However, you may have concerns about cost, limited living space and potential challenges that come with life at sea, and that’s okay! Choosing to retire on a cruise ship is highly individual and requires careful consideration.
Whether you embark on a week-long voyage or a lifetime adventure, set sail with Faye Travel Insurance.
These activities and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration on how to retire on a cruise ship.
