Cruise ships are large ocean-going vessels that typically offer passenger accommodation for anywhere between 100 and 5,000 people. Cruises are available for all age groups but retirees can find cruises particularly appealing because of their many amenities. The largest cruise ships have spas, fitness centers, casinos, children's programs, enrichment classes (i.e. dance, cooking, language), and more. The cost of a cruise varies depending on the length of the cruise, the time of year, and the level of luxury. A seven-night cruise in a standard cabin on a mid-sized ship typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000 per person. Some cruise lines offer all-inclusive pricing which includes meals, house beverages, most activities, gratuities, and medical insurance. Others allow passengers to purchase add-on packages for premium features such as massage treatments and access to specialty dining venues. Cruise lines typically place a hold on the credit card for the full amount of the cruise which can be paid off before or after embarkation. Some lines offer discounts if you book multiple cruises at once and most require payment in full within 24 hours of booking. Other cruise lines offer upgrades such as meal plans, better staterooms, and more. In 2018, the average person spent about $212 per day aboard a cruise ship, according to Cruise Market Watch, a website that keeps track of the ocean cruise business. This price already includes the ticket cost and all other spendings done on-board including food, entertainment, and other purchases. On the other side, when retirees decide to purchase a cabin, the cost may be lower for seniors who become permanent residents on a cruise ship. There are several cruise lines that provide retirees the opportunity to acquire an apartment or condo on board, with all of the amenities and food included. For example, a newer cruise line offers seniors and other passengers the option to purchase onboard apartments for around $352,000 for 172 square feet. For higher-end accommodations, some cruise ships offer permanent homes starting at $3.2 million for up to 1,690 square feet. This already includes all sorts of services and amenities including meals and beverages, onboard gratuities, laundry service, and more. The line also has an onboard fresh foods market for people who want to cook their own meals. The best option for those who want to take more than two cruises in a row is to book long-term cruises. There are cruises that depart every 180 days and go all around the world, with prices starting at $35,899. This already includes daily food and beverage consumption, airfare to ship ports, and other amenities available. Given there are Assuming two cruises per year at that price, the total annual cost of retiring on a cruise ship would be $71,798. That, indeed, looks like a cost-saving option over a traditional retirement – assuming you have no problem with having a lesser space to yourself than you would on a traditional home. The benefits of retiring in a cruise ship includes: Retirees who live on cruise ships have access to all sorts of transportation options including car rentals, taxis, shuttles, local buses, or trains in port cities when they want to explore the destination. The drawbacks of retiring in a cruise ship include: Cruise ships offer a wide range of onboard activities including meals and beverages, onboard gratuities, laundry service, and more. The initial cruise ship fee is the cost of a long-term lease arrangement with time considered as a payment. A typical lease agreement allows at least three years and up to five years of continuous residence. Cruise ships are docked in port cities around the world, and the facilities and services on board are available for passengers who embark or disembark during their stay. The cruise ship company may collect a fee for each day of the cruise at the beginning or end of your stay. Most cruise ships offer transportation to and from the ships, as well as buses and taxis in port cities where they are docked. A few companies will provide business-class flight arrangements and ground transfers to and from the airports. The decision to retire on a cruise ship should not be taken lightly, and retirees should weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. For some retirees, the advantages of living on a cruise ship outweigh the disadvantages, while others may prefer to stay in one place and enjoy all that the local community has to offer. What Is a Cruise Ship and What Do They Offer Retirees?
How Much Does It Cost?
Booking a Cruise vs Buying a Cabin
Benefits and Drawbacks of Retiring in a Cruise Ship
The Bottom Line
Retiring on a Cruise Ship FAQs
How much does it cost to live on a cruise ship?
It typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000 per month to live on a cruise ship. This includes the cost of your cruise fare, as well as all of your meals and beverages.
What is included in the price?
Your cruise fare typically includes all of your meals and beverages, as well as onboard gratuities for the crew. You will also have access to laundry facilities, fitness centers, and other onboard amenities.
What is the minimum lease agreement?
Most cruise ship companies require a lease agreement of at least three years, but some will offer shorter agreements if space is available.
How many ports are the cruise ships docked in?
Cruise ships are docked in port cities all around the world. This includes popular destinations like New York City, Miami, and Barcelona, as well as more remote locations like the Galápagos Islands and Tahiti.
Can I disembark the cruise ship if I don't want to stay on board?
You can disembark at any port where you have docked, but the cruise ship company will charge you for every day that you're gone. So, you'll need to plan your trips carefully before departing from a new location.
True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.
True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.
To learn more about True, visit his personal website, view his author profile on Amazon, or check out his speaker profile on the CFA Institute website.