Have you ever dreamed of living on a cruise ship and traveling the world? For most people, this might seem like an unrealistic fantasy, but for Ryan Gutridge, it’s a reality. Ryan is an IT professional who works remotely from his laptop, and he has been living on Royal Caribbean cruise ships for more than two years. He claims that living on a cruise ship is cheaper than renting an apartment in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he used to live. He also enjoys the benefits of free drinks, free internet, and access to exotic destinations.
In this article, we will explore how Ryan manages to live on a cruise ship for 300 days a year, and what are the pros and cons of this lifestyle. We will also share some tips on how you can do the same if you are interested in following his footsteps.
But first, let’s take a look at how Ryan got started with this unconventional way of living.
How Ryan Got Started with Living on a Cruise Ship
Ryan has always loved traveling and cruising. He started working from home as a cloud-solution engineer in 2012, and he would often take short cruises as vacations. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, he realized that he could work from anywhere as long as he had internet access. He decided to try working from a cruise ship for a week to see how it would go.
He booked two four-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas in September 2020, and he was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked out. He was able to access his work data securely, and he enjoyed the amenities and entertainment on board. He also met other cruisers who were doing the same thing as him.
He was hooked. He decided to book more cruises and extend his stay on the ship. He found out that by booking in advance and using his loyalty points, he could get great deals on the fares. He also discovered that by living on a cruise ship, he could save money on rent, utilities, food, drinks, and transportation. He calculated that his base fare budget for 300 nights on a cruise ship was about $30,000, which was similar to what he paid for rent and trash service for an apartment in Fort Lauderdale.
How Ryan Lives on a Cruise Ship
Ryan has a simple routine for living on a cruise ship. He wakes up early in the morning and works from his cabin or from the lounge area until noon. He usually has lunch at the buffet or at one of the specialty restaurants. He then spends the afternoon relaxing by the pool, playing trivia games, watching movies, or going to the gym. He sometimes goes ashore when the ship docks at different ports, but he prefers to stay on board and enjoy the less crowded facilities.
He has dinner at the main dining room or at another restaurant, depending on his mood. He then joins other cruisers for drinks at the bar or attends one of the shows or parties on board. He goes to bed around midnight and repeats the cycle the next day.
Ryan says that living on a cruise ship is like living in a small town with different neighborhoods. He has made many friends with other cruisers and crew members who share his passion for cruising. He says that he feels like part of a community and that he never gets lonely or bored.
The Pros and Cons of Living on a Cruise Ship
Living on a cruise ship may sound like a dream come true for some people, but it also comes with some challenges and drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of living on a cruise ship that Ryan has experienced:
The Pros
- You get to travel the world and see different places without having to pack and unpack your bags.
- You get to enjoy free food, drinks, internet, entertainment, and activities on board.
- You get to meet new people and make friends with other cruisers and crew members.
- You get to save money on rent, utilities, taxes, insurance, and other expenses.
- You get to have flexibility and freedom with your schedule and itinerary.
The Cons
- You have to deal with limited space and privacy in your cabin.
- You have to deal with potential seasickness, bad weather, or mechanical issues.
- You have to deal with strict rules and regulations on board, such as dress codes, curfews, or health protocols.
- You have to deal with the risk of contracting COVID-19 or other illnesses on board or at the ports.
- You have to deal with the lack of stability and security in your living situation.
How You Can Live on a Cruise Ship
If you are interested in living on a cruise ship like Ryan, you will need to consider some factors and prepare some things before you embark on your adventure. Here are some tips on how you can live on a cruise ship:
Choose the Right Cruise Line and Ship
Not all cruise lines and ships are suitable for living on board. You will want to choose a cruise line that offers long-term or back-to-back cruises, as well as discounts and perks for repeat cruisers. You will also want to choose a ship that has reliable internet service, comfortable cabins, diverse dining options, and varied entertainment and activities. Some of the cruise lines that Ryan recommends are Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess.
Choose the Right Cabin
Your cabin will be your home for the duration of your stay on the ship, so you will want to choose one that meets your needs and preferences. You will want to consider the size, location, view, amenities, and price of your cabin. You may want to splurge on a balcony or suite cabin if you value space and privacy, or you may want to save money on an inside or oceanview cabin if you don’t mind the lack of natural light. You may also want to avoid cabins that are near noisy areas, such as the elevators, stairs, engines, or entertainment venues.
Book in Advance and Use Loyalty Programs
One of the ways to save money on living on a cruise ship is to book your cruises in advance and use loyalty programs. By booking in advance, you can take advantage of early-bird discounts, promotions, and deals that can lower your fares significantly. By using loyalty programs, you can earn points and rewards that can give you free upgrades, drinks, internet, laundry, and other benefits. You can also use credit cards or travel agencies that offer cashback or rebates for booking cruises.
Pack Lightly and Wisely
Another way to save money and hassle on living on a cruise ship is to pack lightly and wisely. You don’t need to bring a lot of clothes or belongings with you, as you can use the laundry service or buy things on board or at the ports. You should also pack according to the climate and culture of your destinations, as well as the dress code and theme nights of your ship. You should also bring some essentials, such as medications, toiletries, electronics, documents, and valuables.
Work Remotely and Manage Your Finances
If you want to live on a cruise ship for a long time, you will need to have a source of income and a way to manage your finances. You will need to have a job that allows you to work remotely from your laptop or phone, such as freelancing, consulting, blogging, or teaching online. You will also need to have a bank account that offers online banking and low fees for international transactions. You will also need to have a budget and a plan for paying your taxes, bills, insurance, and other expenses.
FAQs About Living on a Cruise Ship
Is living on a cruise ship cheaper than living on land?
It depends on where you live and how you live. Living on a cruise ship can be cheaper than living on land if you live in an expensive city or country, or if you have a lavish lifestyle. However, living on a cruise ship can also be more expensive than living on land if you live in a cheap area or country, or if you have a frugal lifestyle. You will need to compare the costs of living on a cruise ship versus living on land based on your personal situation.
What are the benefits of living on a cruise ship?
Some of the benefits of living on a cruise ship are:
- You get to travel the world and see different places without having to pack and unpack your bags.
- You get to enjoy free food, drinks, internet, entertainment, and activities on board.
- You get to meet new people and make friends with other cruisers and crew members.
- You get to save money on rent, utilities, taxes, insurance, and other expenses.
- You get to have flexibility and freedom with your schedule and itinerary.
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