It sounds like an unrealistic dream to live aboard a cruise ship all the time. While many tourists think that living aboard a cruise ship would be an amazing experience, some of them aspire to live aboard cruise ships full-time.
In addition to providing weeks-long or even months-long itineraries, cruise lines are increasingly providing chances for permanent living on board.
In addition to food and lodging, residents can enjoy 24-hour room service, a spa, private kitchens, a farmer’s market, a gym, and medical services.
You can enjoy one of the most distinctive lifestyle options available if you choose to live on a cruise ship permanently.
Who wouldn’t like to live aboard a specified ship and be enthralled with a life of ever-changing horizons, exotic locales, exquisite meals, first-rate hospitality, and a cozy cabin?
Although it is not feasible, it is technically possible to live on any cruise ship. The most popular accommodations and cabins fill up far in advance; hence, keep checking into cruise reservations to make sure you have a place to stay.
In this article, we will help you with all the necessary information to book your permanent living on the cruise. Cost, process, facilities, who can book, etc., every detail is available below.
Options of cruise type where you can live permanently
Living permanently on a cruise ship is an intriguing lifestyle choice that many people consider for its adventurous appeal. Below are the details about the ways through which you can book your permanent living on the cruise:
Traditional Cruises
You can live on a regular cruise ship for a longer duration just by booking cruises one after another. Make sure you make the reservations in advance to stay in the same cabin every time.
This is an appropriate option as you desire to stay on the waters for a long period. The booking window opens 18 to 24 months in advance, so planning ahead is important.
If you miss the booking, you’ll need to move to a different one between cruises. While it’s not a huge problem, it’s definitely easier to avoid packing and unpacking repeatedly.
Given that their itineraries can extend beyond six months, world cruises are also the most convenient method to enjoy long-term cruise ship living.
Make your reservations well in advance because these world cruises return to regular sailing for the remainder of the year.
Hopping Ships
Another option is to switch ships every few weeks. Given that some cruise lines provide inexpensive nightly rates and one-way repositioning, this may end up being a cost-effective choice.
Regularly making reservations could be stressful, but once you’re at the cabin, it might be worth it.
Cruise ships built for long-term occupancy
To experience a suitable way of living on a cruise, it is highly recommended to select cruise ships that are designed with all the basic amenities required for permanent living.
There aren’t many, however, there are a few cruise ships providing full-time accommodations. The information about these ships is as follows:
| Ship name | Operated By | Launch Year |
| The World | Residences at Sea | 2002 |
| Victoria Majestic | Victoria Cruise Line | 2024 |
| Somnio | Somnio Superyachts | 2024 |
| Villa Vie Residences | Villa Vie | 2024 |
| MS Utopia | Utopia Residences | 2025 |
| MV Narrative | Storyline Cruises | 2025 |
| Njord | Ocean Residences | 2025 |
| MS Dark Island | Clydebuilt Dark Island Residences | 2026 |
1. The World
This largest private residential ship was launched in 2002 and is operated by Residences at Sea. It offers 165 residences including 40 studios 106 three-bedroom apartments and even a six-bedroom penthouse.
The ship continuously travels to different destinations, allowing residents to explore the world without leaving home.
From having a private kitchen to enjoying daytime activities, everything is accessible to residents.
2. MS Utopia
It is a luxury residential ocean liner project costing $1.1 billion and is operated by Utopia Residences. As per the itinerary, this ship stops for premier events like Carnival in Rio De Janeiro, Running of the Bulls in Spain, and Cannes Film Festival in France.
Along with 175 rooms, there is a casino, spa, fitness centers, pools, and entertainment spaces promising an exclusive lifestyle.
3. Victoria Majestic
Previously known as Veendam for Holland America Line is turned into a residential ship and will sail soon. Residents cannot purchase a room that is available for long-term rental, with options starting at $79 per day that include meals, drinks, and room service.
The flexible rental plans cater to those seeking affordability and freedom without the commitment of cruise ownership.
4. Somnio
Not much is known about this cruise ship; still, the mystery is yet to unravel. Only those invited to apply for a residence onboard have the details; imagine the exclusivity of this ship.
Something that we know about it is that there are only 39 residential apartments starting from $11 million, exclusive of maintenance fees. The itinerary looks slow, cruising around the world and allowing guests to explore more.
5. Villa Vi Residences
It is a new concept in residential cruising that promises an interesting offering. Guests can choose to own a cabin for shorter stays or annual plans with flexible boarding along its global itinerary that covers 425 ports in 147 countries every 3.5 years.
Meals with wine and beer, free medical care, free high-speed WiFi, a few free excursions, and free laundry are all included for $49,999.
6. MV Narrative
It is a contemporary superyacht offering a luxurious residence starting at $875,000. You have the option to lease your living at a huge yacht, which includes 547 residences with 18 decks.
With onboard teachers and a “worldschooling” curriculum that allows kids to study through field trips, tutoring, classes, and clubs, it would be a great option if you have kids. Peace, comfort, and plenty of sailing exploration are all promised during this cruise stay.
7. Njord
The Njord by Ocean Residences is all set to be launched in 2026. It is an eco-conscious luxury residential superyacht as it boasts advanced sustainable technologies.
With 117 private apartments, the prices range from $8.5 million inclusive of amenities like a wellness center, observatory, golf simulator, and multiple fine dining options.
It is in the headlines aiming to redefine ocean living as “the finest address on Earth” for the ultra-wealthy.
8. MS Dark Island
By 2026, a luxurious residential cruise ship built for a long-term residence will be launched. The 101 suites, which range in price from £8 million to £110 million, include a jogging track, exercise center, hydrotherapy treatment, and fine dining options.
Prior to the locations and expeditions, this ship provides top academics with lectures, forums, discussions, and field visits in addition to its adventurous program.
The World Cruise for Three Years
This is another alternative to satisfy your desire for residential sailing, which is a middle option between residential cruising and traditional cruising.
For unspecified reasons, the launch of this historic journey has been rescheduled from 2023 to November 2025. On the seas, far from home, it is a unique chance for tourists to see the world without having to leave the comforts of a ship.
With high-speed internet, a business center, conference areas, and workspaces, the ship is specifically built to support remote workers.
Living on a cruise at minimal cost
After exploring and analyzing so many options to live on a cruise, it’s better to choose Life At Sea’s Three-Year World cruise to save your pocket.
In the minimum fare, you get to experience long-term living on the water which is inclusive of all luxuries like regular cruising.
There is also a benefit of paying $5,227 per month. Following are the perks you get for choosing Life at Seas:
- Free visit of friends and family
- Medical aid and consultation are available
- Entry to the business center onboard
- Complimentary alcohol with a meal
- Includes all port fees and taxes
- Access to high-speed internet
- 24/7 laundry and housekeeping service
- Allowed entertainment spaces
Cost of living on cruise ships comparison
| Type | Cruise line/ship | Cruise Fare / Fees (10 years) | Taxes (10 years) | Tips (10 years) | Drinks (10 years) | Estimated WiFi cost | Total cost for 10 years (for 2 people) | Asset value after 10 years |
| Cheap cruise | Carnival | $156,000 | $127,750 | $52,925 | $219,000 | $70,000 | $1,251,340 | $0 |
| Mainstream cruise | Royal Caribbean | $360,000 | $58,400 | $56,300 | $325,000 | $66,000 | $1,731,400 | $0 |
| Luxury cruise | Regent Seven Seas | $2,190,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $4,380,000 | $0 |
| Residential | MS The World | $1,000,000* | Included | Included | Included | Included | $4,000,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Residential | Somnio | $1,000,000* | Included | Included | Included | Included | $12,000,000 | $11,000,000 |
| Residential | Villa Vie | $419,880 | Included | Included | Included | Included | $519,879 | $99,999 |
| Residential (lease) | Victoria Majestic | $576,000 | Included | Included | Included | Included | $606,000 | $30,000 |
| Residential | MV Narrative | $650,000 | Included | Included | Included | Included | $1,650,000 | $1,000,000 |
A Way to live on a cruise ship for free
The only way to live for free on the cruise is to work on one. Surely, you would not have thought of this when you desired to live on a cruise ship!
Apart from living for free, you can actually earn from it where accommodation and meals are also provided by the cruise company.
You can apply for jobs in any field, from cook to ship captain. Higher-ranking employees are also permitted to bring their families to remain with them.
Points to remember when living on a cruise
1. Tax: Irrespective of the purpose of your cruising taxes are compulsory to be paid. The taxes or fees may differ from the cruise ships you choose. If you work while cruising, you are supposed to obey the tax law of your home country.
2. Insurance: No regular travel insurance would cover you while on a cruise. It’s better to go for long-term health insurance, it might be a little expensive but it provides 100% coverage and validity.
3. Health: There is a facility of 24/7 doctors onboard when you live on a cruise. To avoid uninvited illness, take maximum benefit of in-built fitness centers and private kitchens to eat healthy and stay healthy.
Real-life examples of people who lived on a cruise
1. Lee Wachtstetter
She was an American author who lived on a cruise from 2005 to 2018. Her choice of ship was Holland America Line’s MS Prinsendam and Crystal Serenity. Due to illness, she had to leave the cruise and return to the land in 2018.
2. Morton Jablin
He had spent almost 13 years living a luxurious life on the Seven Seas Navigator.
3. Mario Salcedo
He was nicknamed after Super Mario. Since 2000, he lived on Royal Caribbean ships and stayed away from the ship for just 15 months during the pandemic. He works on the ship as an investment manager of high-profile personalities.
FAQ’s
Q1. Which type of cruise ship you can live on?
Ans – Several cruise ships are specially designed for permanent living and offer all possible amenities as in regular cruising. The World is the only one sailing currently and many more are scheduled to launch.
Q2. What is the monthly cost of living on a cruise ship?
Ans – Living on a cruise ship might sound like an expensive matter hence research well about the packages and booking that can help you save a lot.
Approximately, it costs between $2,800 and $6,000 a month which includes your accommodation, meals, and WiFi. If you choose luxury cruise lines, it can cost up to $40,000 a month.
Q3. What would be the cost to retire and live on a cruise ship?
Ans – You have a choice to retire and live on a cruise ship with a monthly cost of $2,500 per month if you choose world cruise itineraries on the cheapest ship options.
