A retired couple from Charlottesville, Virginia, made a bold life change: they sold nearly everything they owned and committed to living full-time on cruise ships. They kept only a small condominium in Florida — as a backup if cruising ever became too challenging.
Their decision was driven by a simple but powerful calculation: the cost of cruise-ship living turned out to be far lower than the monthly fees for a nursing home or assisted-living facility. On the ship, they no longer needed to handle cooking, cleaning or home maintenance. “We just walked away from everything,” one of them said.
With a monthly budget that once was around US$4,000 (and now slightly higher due to inflation), the couple covers food, room, gratuities and other essential expenses. They no longer pay for a car or household upkeep, and they adopt a strategy of booking consecutive voyages to avoid paying for hotel stays in between.
During their time at sea, they celebrated their 1,000th day aboard one cruise line and continue to seek the best deals rather than focusing solely on destinations. For them, the lifestyle isn’t just cheaper—it’s liberating. They believe many others might benefit from reconsidering what retirement looks like today.
