When one reaches retirement age, it’s time to kick back, enjoy life, and maybe even go out on a never-ending journey. One of these exciting opportunities is to spend one’s golden years aboard a ship. This one-of-a-kind retirement plan allows participants to see the world, get to know interesting new people, and take advantage of a wide range of luxuries and pursuits. Having said that, it does come with its own unique set of difficulties and things to think about. This article offers a detailed guide to retiring on a cruise ship, covering topics such as the associated costs, perks, and downsides, as well as the processes required in the planning process.
The Financial Impact of Retiring Cruise Ships
Surprisingly low costs can be associated with retiring on a cruise ship. For instance, if you wanted to book 52 consecutive seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami on Carnival Cruise Lines, you could do it for approximately $43,000 per person in an inside stateroom. These cruises would depart from Miami. That works out to approximately USD 118 per person, per night. However, the fare is not the only cost you need to consider. You will need to set aside money in your budget for flights between ports, unscheduled stays in hotels, gratuities for the hotel employees, and possible single supplement fees if you are traveling by yourself.
According to SmartAsset, the average cost of living aboard a cruise ship year-round would equal a little bit more than $77,000 for retirees who took a nomadic approach to their lifestyle during their golden years. Therefore, if you intend to spend the next 20 years of your life in retirement, you would need to save aside $1.54 million to live aboard a cruise ship.
The Allure of a Retirement Career on a Cruise Ship
The opportunity to see the world without breaking a sweat is the primary draw of a retirement lifestyle aboard a cruise ship. Altering your surroundings daily can be an invigorating way to live. In addition, the majority of people’s priorities for their golden years include not having to stress about going grocery shopping, preparing meals, or maintaining their homes. The environment on board a cruise ship is another advantage of taking one. It is not at all like the atmosphere you would expect from a typical senior care community. You’ll find yourself surrounded by people who are thrilled to be on board, and the positive energy they exude can rub off on you.
The Difficulties Associated with Retiring Cruise Ships
Even while it would seem like a fun way to spend retirement, living on a cruise ship comes with its fair share of difficulties. For one, it may be challenging to cultivate long-lasting friendships, maintain contact with relatives, and care for pets. In addition to this, you would need to be able to handle the administration of prescribed drugs while at a significant distance for extended periods and organize time away from the ship for routine checks. If you experience a medical emergency, you may be transferred to a nearby hospital via helicopter, as the distance between the ship and the nearest hospital may be rather great.
Retirement Preparation for the Cruise Ship Industry
It is essential to get the planning process started as soon as possible if you are thinking about spending your retirement on a cruise ship. You should consider going on a longer cruise as the first step toward determining whether or not you want to make cruising a more permanent choice for retirement. You can also consider working toward increasing your loyalty status with a cruise company. The highest loyalty levels provide access to incentives that may help retirees save money, and you should strive to achieve this level so that you can take advantage of these rewards.
A Way to Spend Your Golden Years Aboard a Cruise Ship
Several different cruise lines provide opportunities for long-term living. For example, the Utopia is a projected luxury ship that will have 190 full-time apartments by 2021. Floor plans typically incorporate private kitchens, numerous bathrooms, walk-in closets, and living spaces. There is a wide range of available square footage, from 1,439 to 6,143 square feet. The price of an apartment with one bedroom begins at $4 million aboard this luxury cruise liner.
According to [CNBC], Holland America Line also provides “grand” cruises that can continue for several months at a time. Retirees can live aboard a cruise ship for longer periods if they sign up for one of these long-term voyages.
Here are a few individuals who have chosen to spend their retirement years living aboard a cruise ship:
- One such example is Mario Salcedo, who prefers to be known as “Super Mario.” He has spent over 23 years residing on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, operating his own business right from his cabin. Mario spends approximately $70,000 annually on his cruising lifestyle and boasts of having visited over 120 countries.
- Lee Wachtstetter, often referred to as “Mama Lee,” is another example. For over 13 years, she has made Crystal Cruises ships her home. She leads an active social life, often seen dancing, engaging in conversations, and even writing. Following her husband’s passing, she sold her house and possessions, allocating about $164,000 a year for her cruise expenses.
- Beatrice Muller lived aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) for an impressive nine years until its retirement in 2008. Recognized as one of the ship’s most well-known residents, Beatrice enjoyed her own suite equipped with a piano, and she spent roughly $5,000 monthly on her accommodation and meals.
If the idea of retiring on a cruise ship piques your interest, you may wish to explore the best cruise ship deals available online. Comparing different cruise lines and destinations will help you find the optimal match for your preferred lifestyle and budget.
Thorough research and a careful comparison of options are crucial before embarking on this unique retirement journey. Numerous cruise lines exist, each offering a unique blend of services, destinations, and pricing to match different tastes, budgets, and expectations. When selecting a cruise line, here are some factors to consider:
- The ship’s size and class. Larger vessels offer a wider array of facilities and entertainment, while smaller ones provide a more intimate, personalized experience.
- The cruise itinerary and duration. Some cruises offer short, region-specific trips, while others may journey across several continents or even circle the globe.
- The cruise’s cost and the value it offers. More expensive cruises typically provide inclusive services like meals, drinks, gratuities, shore excursions, and internet, while budget options may include extra fees.
- The atmosphere and culture onboard. Some cruises offer a formal, upscale experience, while others foster a casual, laid-back environment. Certain cruises are tailored toward families or couples, while others focus on single travelers or senior citizens.
- The reputation and service quality of the cruise line. Positive reviews and ratings from previous passengers and experts can indicate superior service, while a high number of complaints may signal issues.
To assist you in your decision-making process, here are some top-rated cruise lines for retirees:
- Viking River Cruises: These adult-only cruises traverse several rivers globally, offering an upscale, classical cruise experience with roomy cabins, gourmet meals, cultural enrichment programs, and included shore excursions.
- Crystal Cruises: As a luxury cruise line, Crystal Cruises sails on oceans and rivers alike. It offers various amenities and activities for seniors, like wellness programs, lectures, classes, shows, casinos, and spas.
- Holland America Line: This traditional cruise line voyages to a variety of global destinations, providing a comfortable and elegant experience with spacious cabins, fine dining, live music, art galleries, libraries, and cooking demonstrations.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Sailing to exotic and remote locations, these all-inclusive cruises offer a luxurious, personalized experience with spacious suites, premium beverages, gourmet dining, unlimited shore excursions, and pre- or post-cruise hotel stays.
- Cunard Line: Known for its iconic ships like the Queen Mary 2, Cunard Line offers a sophisticated and nostalgic experience with stylish cabins, afternoon tea, ballroom dancing, Broadway shows, planetariums, and transatlantic crossings.
To summarize, spending one’s golden years aboard a cruise ship is an appealing career option. It involves careful planning with the guidance of knowledgeable professionals, and it comes with both positive and negative aspects. The most effective strategy is to make extensive preparations in advance, beginning with several extended voyages to test the vessel and ensure that it is comfortable. As soon as you are certain that you have what it takes to sail nonstop for an extended period, such as a decade or more, you can start making plans to replace your existence on land with one on the water.
Enjoy planning your cruise ship retirement! 😊
Source:
(1) 5 Best Cruise Lines for Senior Citizens – Cruise Radio. https://cruiseradio.net/5-best-cruise-lines-for-senior-citizens/.
(2) How to retire on a cruise ship – The Points Guy. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/how-to-retire-on-a-cruise-ship/.
(3) How to Retire on a Cruise Ship – U.S. News. https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/articles/how-to-retire-on-a-cruise-ship.
(4) 10 Best Cruises for Seniors to Take As Soon As You Retire – Travel. https://www.travelandleisure.com/cruises/cruises-for-seniors.
(5) Best Cruise Lines in 2023 | Best Cruises for Seniors – The Senior List. https://www.theseniorlist.com/travel/best/cruise/.
(6) Your new ‘retirement’ home could be a cruise ship – CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/08/your-new-retirement-home-could-be-a-cruise-ship.html.
