It may sound like a distant dream, but yes, you can retire on a cruise ship! Plus, you do not have to be rich to do so. In recent years, many retirees have embraced this lifestyle full-time as an alternative to traditional retirement communities.
If you do your research and know how to budget properly, your average living expenses could be around $50,000 per year, which would cover everything from cruise fares and onboard spending to utilities, gratuities, and more.
In this Article:
Can You Really Retire on a Cruise Ship?
Absolutely! Retiring on a cruise ship is not just the outlandish dream it was once considered to be. In fact, it can even be a practical, exciting option that many senior cruise passengers have already turned into their permanent reality.
Imagine trading a fixed apartment in a traditional retirement community or facility for a floating cabin residence on a luxury cruise ship where you can enjoy ocean views every single day.
With prices for cruises dropping at the same time that annual fees for retirement residences are skyrocketing, it is now becoming a viable and even practical way to live out some of your golden years.
People do this in a way that is far more straightforward than you may think. Many retired people looking to live this lifestyle choose to book back-to-back voyages through reputable cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line.
Some cruise lines make it easy for retirees by offering multi-voyage packages geared toward senior demographics. Other retirees simply choose to design their own itinerary that combines their love for travel with a laid-back yet sophisticated lifestyle.
This can involve booking consecutive cruises on the same cruise ship or traveling the world by regularly switching cruise lines to find ships that follow their preferred itinerary.
Cruise Ship Retirement Logistics
You might be wondering about the logistics of such an alternative lifestyle. Well, like all aspects of retirement, it’s all about planning.
For instance, some cruisers set up a system where each ticket for their next trip is pre-booked, ensuring that there is never a gap in their annual travel schedule and they don’t have to worry about any downtime between cruise voyages.
Most retirees also opt for all-inclusive packages that cover all their onboard expenses, meaning everything from entertainment and beverages to laundry and housekeeping is taken care of.
For those retiring on a budget, this type of cruise package makes financial planning much easier, as you know up-front how much each week, month, and year of your retirement will cost ahead of time.
One long-time cruiser and author, Lee Wachtstetter, also affectionately known as Mama Lee, has been living full-time on Crystal Serenity.
The 86-year-old Florida widow lives a life of luxury on the ship at a cost of roughly $164,000 per year, which may sound steep, but it’s not outrageous when you consider what she gets for that money, especially when you compare the costs of living in a luxury assisted living facility.
In her book I May Be Homeless, But You Should See My Yacht, which details her life on a cruise ship, Mama Lee wrote, “Living on a cruise ship has given me endless horizons. I wake up every day with a new view and new stories to share.”
And that really is the beauty of a cruise ship retirement: the freedom to change your scenery as often as you like while enjoying top-notch luxury amenities and a social life that involves meeting new people every single voyage and growing close ties with the crew and fellow permanent residents.
How Much Does It Cost to Retire on a Cruise Ship?
So, how much does it actually cost to live on a cruise ship? Well, as you can probably guess, costs vary depending on a wide variety of factors, including your chosen cruise lines and the level of comfort and luxury you are looking to enjoy throughout your retirement.
While it is technically possible to live a full year on a cruise ship for as little as $28,000, that would be a pretty bare-bones lifestyle.
More realistic statistics suggest that most people spend between $40,000 and $50,000 per year on cruise fares and living expenses, so it’s important to consider all ongoing costs, not just look at cruise fares alone.
Trust me, I know that budgeting isn’t the most exciting or glamorous topic, but I’m here to make it a little bit easier; so, here’s a very basic breakdown of the typical annual costs you would need to consider if you are serious about cruise ship retirement:
Cost Summary:
| Cabin Fare | $20,000 |
| Gratuities and Beverage Fees | $5,000 |
| Port Fees and Utilities | $3,000 |
| Onboard Spending | $7,000 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $5,000 |
| Total | $40,000 |
Your Stateroom or Cabin Fare
Unsurprisingly, your accommodations while on board the ship or several ships you choose to retire on will be your most costly expense. While this figure will vary depending on the type of stateroom you choose, it’s possible to spend approximately $20,000 per year in combined fares.
Gratuities and Beverages
Fortunately, plenty of cruise lines now offer package deals that combine your gratuities and beverage costs into one set fee. Not only does this help with budgeting, but it also makes for a more care-free retirement.
Read Also: Should You Tip on a Gratuities-Included Cruise?
Rather than worrying if you should enjoy that drink by the pool, you know it’s included, so you can just order what you want when you want it. Again, fees vary from cruise line to cruise line, but you can expect to budget around $5,000 per year for this.
Keep in mind that beverage packages that include alcohol are more expensive, but those that cover soda, coffee, juice, and other non-alcoholic drinks are actually fairly affordable.
Port Fees and Utilities
Port fees are the mandatory charges used to cover the docking fees and local taxes cruise ships must pay for each passenger they carry.
They are usually separate from the base fare, so you should expect to pay somewhere around $3,000 per year to cover them. Again, the destinations you visit and the size of the ship will impact the cost of these fees, so they could be higher or lower.
Onboard Spending
This can be a discretionary expense, but I would personally budget roughly $7,000 per year for onboard spending. After all, you want to be able to treat yourself once in a while. If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of ways to save money to reduce this spending.
Miscellaneous Expenses
To play it safe, I’d also budget around $5,000 per year just for extra expenses. Everything from sunscreen to buying a new laptop to staying in touch with your family and friends back on land will cost you money outside your cruise budget, so I’d say $5,000 is a fair figure.
Total Costs
Keep in mind this is just an example budget, but our estimated annual costs hover between $40,000 and $50,000 per year, which actually isn’t that bad, especially when you start looking at retirement costs.
Again, these figures cover many facets of life onboard—a comfortable cabin with ocean views, the convenience of pre-paid cruise fares, beverages, and dining expenses. Some retirees even reduce these costs by choosing single occupancy or negotiating crew member-style discounts on traditional cruise ships.
Worth Reading: How to Sleep Well During Your Cruise
If you’re planning to purchase a long-term package or sign up for a long-term stay on a residential ship, I’d always recommend sitting down with a financial advisor who can help you work through every part of your budget and the bottom line total you’ll need to cover your entire retirement on a cruise ship.
Benefits of Living Retirement on a Cruise Ship
If you’ve ever enjoyed a cruise vacation, you probably know that there are plenty of reasons why a cruise ship retirement would be an incredible lifestyle.
Simplified Budgeting
For starters, most cruise ships today offer an all-inclusive model, meaning your living expenses are bundled into one straightforward and predictable monthly cost.
For those wanting to keep their budgeting simple, the all-inclusive model is an appealing alternative to managing separate bills for rent, utilities, groceries, entertainment, and more. Plus, who doesn’t love having all of their meals cooked for them by professionals?
Imagine having the whole package: comfortable staterooms with private balconies, gourmet meals, round-the-clock entertainment, and even medical facilities onboard if health concerns should arise.
A Fun and Rewarding Social Life
Given that loneliness is a common issue for seniors, many retirees are drawn to the social aspect of living on a cruise ship. With organized activities like day sailing excursions, themed parties, and a constant flow of entertainment and new guests, there are endless opportunities to make new friends and become part of a vibrant community of fellow retirees.
One of the best examples is Mario Salcedo, or “Super Mario,” as he’s affectionately known. Super Mario is a well-known, long-term Royal Caribbean cruiser who has lived continuously on cruise ships since early 2000.
As someone who has been on over 1,000 cruises, including traveling on 25 different Royal Caribbean ships, he regularly talks about the unmatched sense of community he experiences at sea.
Others have even chosen to make their residence on board a luxury cruise ship, finding that the social opportunities, combined with beautiful ocean views and regular stops at exotic ports, make for a truly fulfilling experience.
In fact, he was featured in a 10-minute New York Times documentary titled The Happiest Guy in the World, which kind of tells you everything you need to know about his lifestyle and social life.
Simplified Assistance and Luxury
Another significant perk is the convenience factor. With everything from housekeeping to laundry already handled for you, you can focus on enjoying your retirement without worrying about the mundane details of daily life.
Plus, many ships offer excellent health insurance and Medicare options, so you can rest assured that you can access top-notch medical care on and off the ship.
Most cruise ships are also designed with full accessibility in mind, meaning seniors with mobility concerns don’t need to worry about being unable to access certain areas of the ship.
For those serious about cruise ship retirement, certain cruise lines, including Villa Vie Residences, create all-inclusive cruises that act as full-time homes for retired passengers.
If you’re traveling on a ship designed entirely for retired people, everything is oriented towards your age bracket. From accessible cabins to a full medical center dedicated to the care of senior guests, the concerns of retired travelers are taken care of. In some sense, they almost act like an assisted living facility at sea.
Plus, these cruise lines offer long-term “villa” rentals for guaranteed 15-year stretches, so you don’t have to worry about booking numerous trips or adjusting your budget each year. Instead, everything is just simplified on residential cruise ships.
Potential Problems (And How to Solve Them)
Pretty much any cruise enthusiast is going to think that cruise ship retirement sounds like the perfect lifestyle, but there are some challenges you might face, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared to face them.
Healthcare Concerns
We already discussed that health concerns are a primary issue facing most retirees, not just those planning to live at sea. To make things easy, modern cruise ships now come equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, so the reality that you might be far from home when you need urgent care doesn’t need to be something you’re overly anxious about.
Still, it is important to ensure that your health insurance or Medicare coverage is current and comprehensive enough to handle any emergency health issue. Always check with your provider to confirm that you are fully covered, even when you are away from your country of origin.
I would also recommend considering the potential challenges associated with mobility in your senior years. Even if you’re fully mobile right now, as you age, the physical demands of life on a ship might become more taxing.
To overcome these issues, most cruise lines offer accommodations designed for senior living and those with mobility concerns, but it’s important to research these options carefully.
Before you make any long-term decisions, contact a few different cruise lines and ask about accessibility for senior passengers on their ships. It is definitely worth taking the time to do so, even if it doesn’t seem like the most pressing concern right now.
Staying Connected with Family and Friends
Staying connected with family is another potential hurdle many retirees face, not just those at sea.
With that said, the constant travel related to cruise ship retirement might make it harder for you to keep in touch with friends and loved ones, so plan to have some reliable way to communicate with them, like traveling on a ship equipped with high-speed Internet and having an Internet package that covers full access.
Worth Reading: Do Cruise Ships Have Wi-Fi – 5 Things to Know
With apps like FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, and others making video communication easier than ever before, all you really need is Internet access and a reliable computer or smartphone to stay connected. Still, it is something you will want to take into consideration.
You may also want to budget for flights to spend a few weeks a year visiting family. While video chatting is great, it can’t fully replace seeing loved ones face-to-face.
Who knows, your family might even be into the idea of coming to you, as visiting Grandma and Grandpa on a cruise ship is a lot more enticing than visiting them at a boring retirement community.
Logistical Concerns
Beyond the basic logistical concerns, many people overlook other things, such as storing their personal belongings. This can be tricky on cruise ships, as luggage allotments are strictly regulated.
You might have to downsize significantly, as even a dedicated residential ship isn’t going to have the same level of space you get with a traditional home.
It’s always a good idea to focus on multifunctional items that can suit a life at sea, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw away all of your furniture and treasured personal belongings.
If you don’t have family and friends willing to care for your belongings, renting space at a storage facility is actually a lot less expensive than you may think, especially if you sign up for a long-term rental. These climate-controlled spaces can keep your items safe while you enjoy your retirement.
Budgeting
We have already gone over budgeting, but it’s probably the most pressing concern faced by all retirees, especially those planning to retire on a cruise ship, where fees are typically measured in weeks rather than years.
While the all-inclusive model simplifies things, unexpected fees can occur. Many cruisers find it helpful to set aside an emergency fund and regularly review their onboard spending to ensure they remain within their means.
You can also cut down on annual costs by planning to spend periods on land visiting family and friends when cruise costs are at their highest. Even Super Mario avoids sailing during Christmas and New Year’s, as costs are at their absolute highest.
One experienced cruiser on Reddit also recommended choosing a cruise line that offers a loyalty program that provides cost-cutting incentives for regular passengers, posting, “Loyalty programs you stick with can lower your prices and you’ll earn free stuff after a few years.”
See You There!
It may seem like a distant dream, but retiring on a cruise ship doesn’t have to be a far-off fantasy reserved only for the rich. It can be a practical option, evidenced by the fact that it is becoming increasingly popular.
With careful planning, budgeting, and a keen eye on the practicalities of daily living at sea, many retirees have found that a cruise ship retirement offers a unique blend of adventure, comfort, and community.
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From enjoying the luxury of the ship itself to exploring and seeing new destinations almost every single day of the year, this lifestyle is all about embracing endless horizons and writing your own storylines at sea.
So, if you’re ready to leave conventional living behind and dive into a life of adventure, consider this your invitation to explore the many possibilities of cruise ship retirement. Here’s to spending your golden years living a life filled with freedom, adventure, and the beauty of the open sea!
