Can You Make A Cruise Ship Your Permanent Home? There Are Some Things To Consider

In recent years, many adults have started thinking about non-traditional forms of "home," whether this involves charming tiny houses, living abroad, or even taking multiple sailings on cruise ships. The latter option may appeal to retired adults and those who work remotely for several reasons. In some cases, you can live on cruise ships over the long term, whether it's through back-to-back cruises on the same ship or a months-long itinerary. Before you literally jump on board with this idea, though, there are several considerations you need to make in terms of budget, disrupted itineraries, medical access, stored belongings, and more.

If you truly love going on cruises and are at a point where you're wondering if you should downsize your home, then life on a cruise ship could certainly be enticing. Not only would you not have to worry about cooking meals, but both your rent and utilities would be included in the cruise fare. Depending on where you live, a month's worth of cruise fares could conceivably be cheaper than your current rent or mortgage, utilities, and food costs. On top of the potential money saved, there's the bonus of being able to travel and go to new places while you're still at "home." Some specialty cruise lines are even launching "residential ships" in which you can buy rather expensive apartments aboard and go on extended cruises. Nevertheless, even some of the most ardent cruisers could find that making a ship their permanent home may not be worth some of these benefits.

While the idea of living on a cruise ship can seem appealing in theory, the reality of being a permanent resident is much different. Most people who attempt this lifestyle don't technically accomplish it on a year-round basis. Instead, they are most likely to book several back-to-back cruises while taking short breaks on land in between. One factor to consider is that cruise itineraries are subject to change at any time due to weather events, medical emergencies, and maintenance requirements. If you have any chronic medical conditions, a cruise ship also would not be able to offer you the specialized care you might require. Plus, medical care on board is covered by optional travel insurance only. Otherwise, you will have to pay out of pocket.

The idea of saving money while living on a cruise ship is also highly subjective, as this is largely based on the cabin you book, the ship, and the time of the year you're cruising. You would also still need to pay for any extras outside of the basic fare, such as internet, shore excursions, and specialty meals and beverages. While you don't have to cook or clean while on a cruise, there's also the matter of space to consider. Everything you'd want to have on board would need to fit in your cabin, which would require finding creative ways to organize your small bedroom. Instead of truly feeling like "home," the constant shuffling around could end up feeling like you're on a never-ending trip away from home. This full-time cruise ship lifestyle is possible, but it isn't right for everyone.