We Tried Living on a Cruise Ship — Here’s What Nobody Tells You

Editorial Summary

Tim and Kathy, full-time travelers who retired in 2023, discuss the practical realities of living on a cruise ship versus taking a standard vacation. Drawing from their experience of spending nearly six and a half months at sea across ten different ships, they highlight the significant differences in lifestyle, budgeting, and mental energy. They explain that while vacations are about escaping regular life, living on a ship requires managing daily responsibilities like banking, medical needs, and taxes during port days. The creators address several logistical challenges, including the repetitive nature of food and entertainment, the difficulty of maintaining social energy, and the limitations of shipboard Wi-Fi. They also provide advice on cost-saving measures, such as using eSIM cards for data, managing tipping through guest services, and utilizing loyalty perks. Ultimately, the creators conclude that while they enjoy the lifestyle, they prefer a mix of sea and land travel to maintain independence, access fresh food, and avoid losing their land legs. They recommend that anyone considering this lifestyle try long-term cruises first to experience the potential monotony before committing.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.