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Travel the World Aboard Your

Luxury Residential Community at Sea

Global Travel from the Comfort of Home

March 15, 2022 00:00:00

• 20 Restaurants & Bars
• 10,000 Book Library
• 800L Micro Brewery

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Live on an all-inclusive

Cruise Ship

Travel the World from the Comfort of Home

Averaging three days in each port, you have ample time and options to explore the cultures and customs beyond our ports-of-call. Or simply enjoy the most beautiful scenery on the planet from the comfort of your new home aboard Storylines exclusive around the world cruise ship .

Living an all-inclusive life aboard Storylines means exactly that. Our living fees start from just $2,152 per person per month - lower than living costs in most major cities worldwide.

Chart your day the way you want, with activities to keep you as active or relaxed as you choose to be. Yoga on deck? A deck chair and a book? Dine in or out under the stars and dance, or dream the night away. That’s the beauty of writing your own story.

Friends and Family

Friends and family of Storylines residents are welcome! Invite a friend for a month, your children for a week, or make eternal memories with your grandchildren for a whole summer. Should you wish, Storylines will even manage renting your residence for you while you are away.

Travel the World

Circumnavigating around the world every three-and-a-half years means you have time to savor the sights and sounds of UNESCO world heritage sites, off-the-beaten-path destinations and all the wonders of the world.

The Ultimate Travel Lifestyle

You can now travel the globe from the comfort of home, experiencing the ultimate travel lifestyle. Unpack once. You're home...and you're traveling around the world. You can have it all. Work onboard and discover offshore tax benefits. Learn in a truly global classroom. Enjoy the adventure - it's all part of the Storylines luxury global lifestyle.

Living on a Mega-Yacht

Living on a megayacht means never having to cook or clean again. It means exotic destinations are your afternoon strolls. When you live on a circumnavigating yacht, you wake to ever-changing views of the most beautiful places in the world and you travel the world with like-minded adventurers in an ultra-exclusive global community.

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You Could Permanently Live at Sea on This Residential Cruise Ship

The vessel will navigate the globe indefinitely, and residences start at $1 million..

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The 547-room ship will set sail in 2024.

Courtesy of Storylines

After a few days of living the high (seas) life aboard a luxury cruise ship, spending time exploring exciting port towns and sampling the all-inclusive restaurants and amenities onboard, you might consider what it would be like to stay on the ship forever.

Sure, you could book a room on a round-the-world sailing , but even then, you’re not really living on a cruise ship.

One residential cruising company, however, is working toward making a permanent seafaring life a viable option. In late 2024, the Croatia-based cruise company Storylines is slated to launch a new residential ship, dubbed MV Narrative , where people can purchase an apartment onboard and sail indefinitely.

The floating community will feature 547 residences, including fully furnished studios with Murphy beds (at 237 square feet), one- to four-bedroom apartments, and two-story penthouses (that range between 1,378 and 1,970 square feet each). The outright purchase price for one of the accommodations starts just shy of $1 million and will go up to $8 million. Like any other home, the residences can be rented out or sold in whatever manner the owner chooses. A select few abodes are also listed for 24-year leases (starting at $600,000, or roughly $25,000 per year). After the initial purchase or lease price, each unit will also be charged a yearly fee, ranging from $65,000 to $200,000, to cover meals, amenities, and maintenance. But once onboard, residents would only need to open their wallets for food, experiences, and trinkets during their time ashore—most everything onboard will be covered by the fees (with the exception of things like premium alcohol, certain medical and veterinary services, childcare, and items from the onboard store).

A one-bedroom cabin aboard MV Narrative

While it’s not an entirely new idea— The World residences at sea has been sailing since 2002, and Somnio , a residential yacht liner, is expected to set sail in spring 2024—it’s currently the least expsensive option for those who wish to live at sea. ( The World and Somnio ’s smallest accommodations have an estimated starting price of $3 million and $11 million , respectively.)

Storylines was founded in 2016 and is run by Alister Punton and Shannon Lee, two men who previously worked in land-based real estate and construction projects. Per the website, MV Narrative is intended to be more a lifestyle choice and less of an extended vacation. As such, Storylines notes that it will interview potential residents to determine whether they’re a fit for the community.

The plans for the MV Narrative include 20 restaurants across 18 decks, a 10,000-book library, three pools, a garden, a bowling alley, a fitness area with a running track, and a microbrewery. The ship will also house some services not commonly found on other cruise ships due to the nature of its offering, such as a post office, hospital, school (for grades up through 12), bank, and office spaces, to make it feel more like an actual city, just at sea. There will also be outdoor pet exercise areas in case residents want to bring their four-legged friends along for the ride.

The vessel is slated to begin its 1,000-night maiden voyage in late 2024. During that initial nearly three-year-long sailing, the ship will visit six continents and will stop at various ports for one to five days at a time.

One 88-day sample itinerary shows the cruise slowly working its way around most of Italy’s coast over the course of a month, including three days in Rome, four days in Palermo (Sicily’s capital city), and single days in San Leone, Sciacca, and Marsala, among other ports. From there, the ship would spend a few days each in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania, before doing a 24-day deep dive into Greece, and then heading to Turkey. Along the way, there would be “Residents Choice” days, where those aboard could vote on where they’d like to go by using a special phone app for residents.

The slow travel schedule, the company states on its website, is part of its sustainable travel initiative, as being in the harbor for days at a time and going shorter distances between stops burns fewer fossil fuels. Other elements include waste-to-energy tech, growing vegetables in the hydroponic garden, and committing to only using biodegradable or reusable items instead of single-use plastics.

Travel the world without leaving Home ®

With only 165 Residences aboard The World , each has its own unique story. Residences range from elegant Studios to spacious Three-Bedroom Homes – each of which may be customized to suit your specific preferences and tastes. Regardless of the layout you choose, your Home aboard The World will be unlike any other on the planet. It is your comfortable haven providing everchanging views, and your launching point for unforgettable daily adventures as you explore every corner of the globe.

Travel to your Home aboard The World is defined by unparalleled simplicity and ease.  Leave your suitcase behind as you return to your private Residence, complete with your personal art, your clothes, and even your wine collection. Once on board, you can expect the highest standards of anticipatory service, from housekeeping and personalized concierge services to tailored wellness programs and bespoke dining experiences. Welcome to the most extraordinary Home you will ever own.

• Three-Bedroom Residences

Your expansive Three-Bedroom Residence welcomes you, your Guests, and any Resident neighbors you entertain with an inviting foyer that opens into vast living spaces awash in fresh ocean air and natural light. With a state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen, three full bathrooms, and a vast private veranda, there is no better place to begin and end each day of your incomparable adventure.

Three-Bedroom Residences range from 1,666 – 3,242 square feet / 154.8 – 301.2 square meters.

• Two-Bedroom Residences

Your spacious Home at sea has a configuration and an interior design aesthetic all your own. The World’s Two-Bedroom Residences match and surpass the comfort and style you would expect from any landbound luxury vacation house. Enjoy a full-sized kitchen, spacious living and dining areas, en-suite full bathrooms, and ample veranda space.

Two-Bedroom Residences range from 1,106 – 1,391 square feet / 102.8 – 129.2 square meters.

– Resident

Ocean Studio Residences – One and Two Bedroom

In The World’s  One- and Two-Bedroom Ocean Studio Residences you’ll enjoy the intimacy of a studio with added space for relaxation or for Guests to join you on the Journey. Share breathtaking views from your private veranda or meals made with fresh local ingredients in your kitchenette.

Ocean Studio Residences range from 580 – 888 square feet /53.9 – 82.5 square meters.

• Ocean Studios

When you choose Ocean Studio ownership aboard The World , you enjoy elegant simplicity without compromising on the sophistication of beautiful contemporary design and sumptuous comfort. Each of these single-room Homes is a stylish sanctum at sea, defined by flawless service and boasting a stunning ocean view from a private veranda.

Ocean Studios range from 290 – 846 square feet / 26.9 – 78.6 square meters.

Ready to learn more?

Determine whether life aboard The World is the right fit for you. Talk to one of our Residential Advisors today to learn more about this unique lifestyle, details of upcoming Journeys and Expeditions, and ownership opportunities.

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Cruise Lines With Ships You Can Live On

Yes, you can actually live on any cruise ship that you want, but it would require booking a cruise on every single voyage on that ship. You also would not be able to decorate the cabin as you would not own it.  A better solution?  Buy a cabin on one of the following cruise lines and explore the world from the comfort of your home.

The world’s first cruise ship that offered cabins you can buy and live in full time.  There are 135 residences laid out on the 12 decks on the ship. 106 of them are apartments with the rest being studios.

The cruise ship was launched in 2002 and at 644 feet long, the ship’s website actually refers to itself as the largest private yacht in the world and the “most exclusive floating city on the planet”. The residents vote on the ports and itinerary that the ship will visit in the upcoming season.

Many of the apartments aboard the ship have been designed by the cruise ship residents, but they are not cheap. To enjoy this mobile and adventurous lifestyle, it will cost you between $2-15 million. But for a view that is always changing from one spectacular sight to another, and to be able to enjoy stress-free traveling to exotic locations, the families aboard the World have decided that the price is well worth it.

Blue World Voyages

Former Starbucks President John B. Richards is serving as the CEO of this new cruise line.  Blue World Voyages is promising to create a ship that is unlike any other cruise ship at sea. Blue World Voyages’ first 350 passenger cruise ship will debut in 2019 and will have 26 cabins you can purchase as a home, a lap pool in the ocean, beds by the pool deck so you can sleep under the stars, and staterooms for solo travelers. For photo renderings of their first cruise ship, click here .

Not only will their first ship will have a sea water lap pool, but the ship will have the first full spa deck at sea and first full sports deck at sea.  Blue World Voyages will begin sailing in the Mediterranean in May 2019 and will be a “gouge-free price zone”. Visit BlueWorldVoyages.com .

The world’s first affordable cruise ship that you can live on with condo/cabins starting at just $155,000.  The average entry price will be less than $355,000 with monthly fees similar to the cost of living in a major city. Named My Home At Sea, this signature ownership and travel experience is offering cabin/condos aboard a cruise ship that travels the world. For photo renderings,  click here.

Their first 24,000 gross ton cruise ship is bringing the beauty of classic ocean travel into the 21st century. The vessel will offer 450 cabins broken into five tiers that will range from $155,000 to $1.4 million. The ship will first set sail in February 2020 after receiving a $40 million renovation.

The itinerary is set only from point-to-point every 2 weeks to allow for provisioning and safe running of the vessel. The ship will say in most ports for 3-5 days, giving you the proper time to explore each port of call.

All other ports and locations in between those dates are voted on by you, as a cabin-condo owner, via their app. This innovative approach allows the on-board community to choose destinations just a few days in advance.  Visit Storylines.com for more information.

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You can live at sea from $38,500 a year on this cruise ship that will circle the globe for three years — see inside

• Life at Sea Cruises will operate a three-year cruise around the world starting in November.
• The cruise starts at a little over $38,500 per person per year for a 145-square-foot interior stateroom.
• See what life will be like aboard the roughly 30-year-old MV Gemini.

Travelers who have dreamt of living at sea can finally do so this November.

Life at Sea Cruises will give travelers the opportunity to spend three years on a cruise ship while sailing around the world. Pricing starts at a little over $231,000 per person for the full three-year itinerary.

The vessel will begin its globetrotting affair in Istanbul on November 1, but will also pick up guests in Barcelona and Miami.

The ship has 627 cabins to accommodate up to 1,074 travelers. Throughout the three years, these seafarers will travel over 130,000 miles to 375 ports in 135 countries.

Along the way, they'll see all seven continents while visiting destinations like several of the Wonders of the World; Half Moon Island, Antarctica; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Seoul, South Korea.

Most around-the-world cruises spend several hours or up to two nights at ports of call.

But industry veteran Mike Petterson, the managing director of Life at Sea Cruises and the brainpower behind the new brand, said this isn't enough time to explore larger destinations like Beijing, China.

So instead, the Gemini will dock for up to seven nights in one destination.

This includes one week each in Shanghai and Singapore, which will also double as wet docks. If the ship has to head into a dry dock for repairs, Life at Sea passengers will be put up in a hotel.

Petterson conceived of Life at Sea before the COVID-19 pandemic and partnered with Miray International's Miray Cruises in late 2022 to turn this concept into a reality.

The new company will use Miray's cruise ship workers and the Gemini, one of its three ships.

Throughout the three years at sea, the Gemini will spend 288 overnights at different ports, averaging about two nights per destination.

A trip to any of these locations could cost the typical globetrotter hundreds or thousands of dollars in travel and accommodation fees.

However, passage on Life at Sea's Gemini will alleviate upfront costs for travelers by giving them the option to spread payments out over the course of three years.

But don't expect a glittering new hotel at sea with all the bells and whistles of a novel mega ship.

The upper-premium, 30-year-old vessel was refurbished last year. And the team is now spending an additional $10 million renovating the interior.

Think of the Gemini as a floating city with its own security, medical center, and offices with Starlink WiFi.

Source: Life at Sea Cruises

No city would be complete without a jail and a morgue. Luckily (or unluckily) the Gemini has both.

Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have seen record-breaking demand for giant cruise ships that can accommodate thousands of travelers.

Source: Insider

But Life at Sea is taking a more scaled-down approach to the floating hotel.

Seafarers will have access to typical cruise ship amenities, which include four lounges, a golf simulator, and a sundeck with a pool.

For meals at sea, passengers can dine at one of the two primary dining rooms, the restaurant on the pool deck, or order food anywhere on the ship using its app.

But unlike the average cruise vessel, the Gemini will also have amenities like a robust business center and a hospital with a pharmacy and dentist.

Like any all-inclusive cruise, these extras — including hospital visits — won't come at an additional cost.

These around-the-world cruises are often booked by retirees.

But Petterson says Life at Sea is targeting an incrementally younger demographic: pre-retirees, generally people between 55 to 65 years of age.

To accommodate the remote workers, the business center — which will replace the ship's casino — will have meeting rooms, offices, and a library.

Days at sea with no land in sight is inevitable for transoceanic itineraries: Travelers on the Gemini will have at least 300 of these sailing days.

To stave off boredom, travelers can spend their days around the ship's lounges, attending seminars and shows, or resting in their cabins.

Source: Life at Sea

The cheapest and smallest stateroom measures 130 square feet and starts at $90,000 per person for the three-year trip.

Like any cruise ship, interior staterooms can feel dingy.

To prevent this, these cabins will come with screens that will display a live view of the ocean, creating a virtual "window."

For those looking to spend more cash, the most expensive cabin — a suite with a balcony — will run travelers nearly $330,000 in total.

Source: Life At Sea Cruises

These staterooms pale in comparison to the over 1,000-square-foot suites on several modern cruise ships.

But according to Petterson, at least they're more affordable: "It's meant more for the mass market and retirees as opposed to doctors with trophy wives."

Travelers can either pay monthly or pay the entire three years upfront with the option to finance the payment.

However, they can't book shorter legs of the trip. It's all three years or nothing.

For those with commitment issues, there's also the option to divide travel with another passenger, taking turns spending time on the ship.

Three years without seeing friends and family can be a long time. Luckily, they're welcome as well.

They can either crash on a roll-in bed in a resident's stateroom, stay in a guest cabin, or stay in a passenger's stateroom while they are off the ship.

Reservations for Life at Sea's Gemini open on March 1.

Petterson says the company already has about 20 people who are ready to book.

Launching sales seven months ahead of the journey may seem risky for an industry that often relies on bookings a year in advance.

Source: Insider  

However, Petterson, a self-described "optimist," expects the ship will sail at an over 55% occupancy rate at any given time as world cruises have skyrocketed in popularity over the last two years.

Over the last few years, around-the-world sailings have been booking well despite the long-term commitment.

For travelers like retirees and remote workers, this extended life at sea promises peaceful afternoons and the opportunity to slowly travel the world with minimal planning.

Monthslong around-the-world cruises have been selling in record time in 2021 and 2022.

Source: Insider , Insider

But for travelers who'd rather spend years vacationing at sea, there's also Storylines, Victoria Cruises Line, and now Life at Sea.

Source: Insider , Insider  

Victoria Cruises Line's Victoria Majestic, a former Holland America Line vessel, will begin sailing around the world indefinitely in May…

…while Storylines' residential cruise ship, the MV Narrative, will begin its own nonstop circumnavigation in 2025.

Some floor plans on the Narrative are already sold out, a testament to the rising success of these floating condominiums.

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How Much It Costs to Live on a Cruise Ship For a Year

Who hasn’t gone on a cruise and thought, “I could do this forever”?

The idea of retiring from the rat race and living out your days on a cruise has great appeal for some people.

There’s no cleaning, no cooking, and no lawn to mow. You don’t have to worry about doing the dishes or paying an electric bill. There’s always something going on, new people to meet, and every day you wake up to some of the most beautiful views in the world.

Add to that the fact that Internet access allows many to work remotely from anywhere, and wi-fi is widely available on any major cruise ship. That means even if you don’t want to completely retire, but instead work from the cruise ship, it’s technically possible.

Of course, not everyone can run off and live on a cruise ship, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dream.

And the first question that comes to mind when you think about escaping is how much it would cost to live aboard a cruise ship?

So how much would you have to pay? Is the total cost even realistic? We recently priced out the cost of living on a cruise ship for an entire year.

The result? Just know that you’ll definitely need to open your wallet to live full-time in paradise.

Where You’ll Spend Money on Your Cruise

Head to any cruise website and you’ll see plenty of cheap headline prices. Cruises starting at a few hundred dollars for a week are common. At first glance, it seems like living on a cruise ship would be amazingly affordable. ( One cruise line advertises the ability to live aboard for just around $33,000 per person, per year .)

After all, a cruise for $500 a week would cost only $26,000 to sail for a year. For many people, that would be cheaper than living on land! 

But anyone who has been on a cruise knows those headline prices are just the start of what you pay. In fact, in our opinion it’s a bit disingenuous of the cruise lines to advertise those prices. After all, what you’ll actually pay is much, much more.

Double Occupancy Cruise Fare: Apart from a few sailings that offer solo cabins, any headline price you find is actually only half of what you will pay for cruise fare. That’s because cabins are typically sold based on double occupancy, but prices are shown per person.

So for a fare that’s $599, it will actually cost $1,198 based on double occupancy. Even if you are sailing solo (unless in a solo cabin), you will still have to pay this “double” charge.

In other words, whenever you see a cruise price, double it right away for what you’ll really pay in fare.

Port Fees & Taxes: We all expect to pay taxes on things that we buy. It’s no different for a cruise. However, the taxes aren’t included in the headline cruise fare. As well, cruise fares will also have port fees tacked on. These are per-passenger fees paid to ports of call for the privilege of docking.

These fees vary, but in general, expect about $100-$200 per person for a seven-day cruise.

Gratuities: Sure, at the end of the day gratuities aren’t a required cost (you can adjust them as necessary), but in practice they are usually considered a charge that you’ll have to pay. They also add up quickly.

At around $16 per person, per day, a couple traveling on a week cruise will pay about $200 in gratuities. Over the course of a year on a cruise ship, that amount comes out to more than $10,000!

Onboard Spending: Anyone who has taken a cruise knows that what you pay in cruise fare is the start of what you’ll spend during your time on the ship.

From drinks to wi-fi to specialty restaurants, there are plenty of extra to spend on the ship . And even if you are a frugal sailor, you won’t go any lengthy time without having a few drinks or signing up for the Internet package to check in back on shore.

We Priced a Year’s Worth of Cruises to Get a True Cost

With all of these expenses in mind, we dove into what it would cost to live on a cruise ship for an entire year.

Of course, when it comes to cruising for twelve months, you have an amazing number of options. From different cruise lines to routes, departure ports, ships, and even cabin types, there are a number of things that will have a big impact on what you spend.

That’s why we aimed to keep everything simple. To price what it costs to live aboard the ship, we took a look at sailings aboard a single ship from Carnival, which is known for being affordable. In this case, we priced a year’s worth of sailing for Carnival Horizon in 2024.

Carnival Horizon is a newer ship from the cruise line that sails six and eight-day itineraries year-round from Miami in 2024. That means you could sail the entire year without having to change ships and always coming back to a homeport in the United States.

The routes that the Horizon sails would take you all across the Caribbean, from Cozumel to Aruba, from Curacao to Grand Cayman. Because it is a bigger and (relatively) newer ship in the Carnival fleet, you’d also have tons of amenities and activities on board, as well as a many restaurant options — including Guy’s Burger Joint .

As for the cabin, in our search we opted for a balcony cabin. Yes, you would be able to sail for cheaper in an oceanview or interior cabin, however, we assume that if you are aboard the ship for an extended period of time, having your own balcony is a must.

As well, we assume a couple is sailing with two people to the room. 

Summing up, here’s what we searched for our prices used in this estimate:

• Cruise Line: Carnival
• Ship: Carnival Horizon
• Time Period: January-December 2024
• Homeport: Miami
• Room Type: Balcony
• Number of People: 2

Here’s How Much It Costs to Live on a Cruise Ship

So how much does it cost to sail on the Carnival Horizon for a year? We estimate it to cost around $199,000 for two people , although that number can vary from person to person, depending on their spending habits .

Here’s an overview of where you’ll spend, and we breakdown each expense below:

Cruise Fare: The largest expense by far is cruise fare. Pricing a balcony room for each of the dozens of cruises the ship sails in 2024, it totaled $99,766 . Factored out, that's about $1,900 a week or $6,150 per month. Keep in mind this is for two passengers on the ship and includes the bulk of what you'll spend on a cruise, including your cabin, entertainment, and food.

Port Fees & Taxes: There's no escaping taxes, even on a cruise out at sea. Pricing out our cruises, the taxes and port fees for two people totaled up to $15,395 for the year. That comes out to a little less than $1,300 a month.

Gratuities: One of the perks of being on a cruise is that you are waited on hand and foot. But it doesn't come free. Carnival charges $16.00 per person, per day for automatic gratuities. Over the course of a year, that adds up to $11,648 in tips paid to staff.

Onboard Spending: How can you know what you'll spend on the ship over the course of a year? It's impossible to know for sure, and different people will spend different amounts. For example, do you need to have a drink package every day of the year? Or are you fine drinking water or juice? Are you a gambler? How often do you want to eat at specialty restaurants?

While you can't pinpoint exactly what you'll spend, you can get a good estimate. As a public company, Carnival Corporation (the parent of Carnival Cruise Line) publishes detailed numbers about their business. For instance, in 2022 the company took in $7 billion in ticket revenue and $5.1 billion in onboard spending.

So onboard spending across all of its lines was 73% of ticket revenue. For every $1,000 in cruise fare, the average person would spend about $730 on the ship. (Note: Onboard spending has increased since cruises returned, but bundling of offers like drink packages and wi-fi have also changed the amount. Before the pandemic, it was usually around 45% of ticket revenue.)

Using this metric, with a total cruise fare of $99,766, the average couple would spend $72,829 onboard during the course of the year. However, it's likely that the figure would be drastically lower as average spending on the ship will likely be less if staying full-time versus splurging for a short vacation.

Total Cost: Adding up tickets, port fees, taxes, gratuities, and onboard spending, the total estimated cost of living on a cruise ship for a year is $199,638 for a couple -- or about $100,000 per person. Without onboard spending, it comes out to $126,809 or $63,404 per person.

Notably, this figure is about 35-40% higher than the roughly $145,000 we calculated for the same ship when we last ran the numbers in 2023. The main difference between then and now? Cruise fares in 2024 for Carnival Horizon come out about $18,000 higher (for two people) during the course of the year and onboard spending estimates increased sharply based on the latest figures provided in financial reports.

Too Expensive? Here's How to Lower the Cost

There's no doubt that it's expensive to live on a cruise ship, but there are ways that you can trim that amount. If you're interested in cutting down the price, here are a few ideas.

Limit Onboard Spending: In our estimate, we used the average spending Carnival Corporation sees across all its cruise lines, which is 73% of the cruise fare.

You don't have to spend near that much. After all, when people cruise they are on vacation and likely willing to spend more freely than they would normally. By limiting the amount spent on board, you can cut thousands off this estimated total.

It's doubtful you can get by without spending at least some money, but our estimate comes out to about $700 per person, per week. Being able to spend less than that should be relatively easy.

Older Ships: Our estimate is aboard the Carnival Horizon. We chose this ship because it is relatively new (meaning you'll have the most amenities for a long-term stay), but it also runs a regular schedule from Miami.

That said, in general newer ships like the Horizon are more expensive to sail aboard. If you look for older ships, you should be able to cut the price down.

Be Flexible for Cheaper Trips: For this estimate, we priced out a year's worth of cruises on a single ship. This makes it easy if you're sailing long-term; you simply stay on the ship and don't have to worry about changing ships, or ports.

If you want cheaper options, however, you might find them by being more flexible with changing ships and/or cruise lines when you find a deal. That's where sailing from a port like Miami -- which offers a lot of options -- can be beneficial to your pocketbook.

Avoid Expensive Times of Year: In our search, the sailing aboard the ship varied dramatically due to the time of year. For example, the most expensive cruise aboard Horizon during the year was during the Christmas holidays and ran $1,399 per person. The least expensive 8-day cruise ran $869 per person -- or about 60% as much.

If you have the ability to take a few weeks off here and there during the expensive times of year, it can lead to big savings.

What do you think about the cost of living full-time on a cruise ship for a year? Let us know in the comments below.

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What about the VCL Victoria Cruises Majestic ship? Set to sail this fall, it’s a true long term residential ship that will circumnavigate the globe in 27 months from Fort Lauderdale. There is still space available! Price points and discounts vary based on how long you lease your cabin -ranging from 6 month’s minimum up to 37 months and beyond. About 500 cabins have been sold so far- adults only. And it’s all inclusive of internet, most drinks, laundry service, housekeeping of course, room service, etc.. All the standard things you’d find on a cruise ship. See this article that was posted today by one of the future residents! https://www.allwaystraveller.com/continents/worldwide/circumnavigating-the-globe-for-two-years-on-a-residential-cruise-ship

I would love to see the cruise lines cater to single seniors, they would be surprised how many would travel all the time….I personally would like to do three months, but the cost is just too high! Maybe there is a singles travel cruise group that I can join. Any suggestions out there?

Someone young wrote this article. Carnival is not the line most people would choose to cruise for a long period of time. On the Oceania Marina we met a couple cruising for several months and a charming older man who was cruising for 180 days. The couple had sold their house & were having a new house built, so homeless for a period of time. The older man was single &, I think, rather lonely so the ship life provided him nice social opportunities to talk to people. Here’s more info; “After record demand for its 2023 world cruise, Oceania Cruises has unveiled the itinerary for its epic global voyage for 2024. The cruise line’s 180-day journey around the world will set sail on January 14, 2024, and visit more than 96 destinations in 34 different countries.

“Incredibly, last year our 2023 world cruise sold out in just one day, so for 2024 we are providing guests more extended voyage options to deeply and meaningfully rediscover the world,” Howard Sherman, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises, said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure.

Oceania’s “Around the World in 180 Days” cruise will depart from Los Angeles and cross more than three oceans and 15 seas as it makes its way around the globe to New York. The journey, on the Oceania Insignia, stops at more than 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites with 24 overnight stays.

Passengers will journey across the Pacific, through French Polynesia and Australia before continuing onto destinations like Japan and Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay. The voyage continues along the shores of India and the Arabian Peninsula before sailing across Europe and completing its route across the Atlantic in New York.

The 2024 “Around the World” journey starts at $48,499 per person and includes roundtrip first-class airfare and amenities like prepaid gratuities, laundry, and luggage delivery. During your days at sea, you can keep yourself busy with spa appointments, art workshops, the casino, cabaret, and four open-seating restaurants — not to mention the daily afternoon tea service accompanied by a four-string quartet. There is also a fitness center and sports deck, and of course, a saltwater pool with two hot tubs.

As usual, catering mostly to people who have the means to do this without blinking. It is time for older single seniors on a fixed income to be able to be able to cruise on a non party boat. A tranquil, voyage, letting go and actually hearing the sounds of Mother Nature, not a floating amusement park. That would be amazing.

It would only be me living on the ship, cant i spilt that cost that I would have if i had a spouse? so would that be about 60k ?

I think this is not taking into consideration the rewards systems that most cruise operators have which would reduce the fare, even in a balcony cabin. I could never do it since the state of cruiseline wifi is still pathetic!

Another way to do it vs estimated$175k year is to buy in to a condo cabin on the new state of the art Narrative from Storylines.com. Sails around world in 3 1/2 years starting at $5000 a month 2 people all inclusive , starting 2024!

😂😂😂 with prices starting at $400,000 and rising to $8 million

What about when someone needs care/hospitalisation etc….. Surely you would need a private medical insurance policy, which would get progressively more expensive as you aged?

I’m sure. This article only focuses on the costs of sailing for the year. Other costs aren’t considered.

Good information but why does long term stay/full time cost is so high. you would think there be discount especially for seniors. Also price for solo why double? I think it sounds like fun how about travel for 3 months first to try out. Sea sick is that a common element to consider for most? People with restricted diet such as vegetarians do they get the meals prepared? Are some classes offered for free? classes such as dancing or crafts part of the activities? Thanks

the price for double occupancy is basic international hotel rates. The cruise ship is basically a floating/mobile resort hotel. All cruise lines came onboard with the double occupancy in 2010. before it was fare and half to cruise solo. If you get a good cruise line that you like, most have a loyalty program that after so many cruise points you will be charged fare and a half for solo travel. 3 months would be a good trial to see if you like it, sea sickness is not really a problem as these ship travel well. you can put in for restricted diet before going on a cruise so should not be a problem long term – might be you have to request every week. Main Dinning has a veggie meal every night and the buffet style cafe onboard allows you to select what you want. You can even get Kosher meals. most Classes are free as well as activities. buy the drink package that is suitable to your habits. your excursions will cost you but after a few weeks you may be done with excursions and it is all about enjoying the ship.

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How To Live On A Cruise Ship – Top Tips For Life At Sea

By: Author Mona Marks

Posted on Last updated: October 14, 2023

Categories CRUISE PLANNING , LEARN , ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

Most humans never experience what it’s like to live at sea, as 99% of us are land dwellers to the core. A few trendsetters have altered the reality of normal living by packing up their life on land and moving it to a cruise ship on the sea. Cruise ship living is a concept that’s picking up momentum. How to live on a cruise ship starts with proper financial planning, additional health insurance, and awesome deals from cruise liners. Keep reading to learn how your ocean-living dreams can become a reality.

How To Live On A Cruise Ship – Take A Cruise Ship Test Run

Permanently living on a cruise ship might sound glamorous and exciting. And it could be the best decision you’ve ever made but also the wrong one. You should take a trial run at extended cruise ship living before making a decision so that you can confirm if your “living on a cruise ship” dream is for you.

Book long trips (more than 3 months at a time) on different cruise liners, mix them up with different cruise itineraries and immerse yourself in life at sea. 

Rope In The Help Of A Cruise Specialist

When you have decided that you want to spend large amounts of a year cruising the world, it’s time to rope in the experts. A cruise specialist can add some value to your experience regarding the following: 

• One-on-one personal customer service
• Assisting in finding the right accommodation
• Helping to choose the perfect cruise ship
• Access to discounted bookings regarding extended cruise travel
• Added amenities such as onboard credit, free specialty dinners and drinks vouchers, airport transfers, and complimentary shore excursions
• Ensuring that special promotions during your trip are applied to your fare

Cruise companies such as The Cruise Web offer innovative packaged plans (Seniors at Sea) tailor-made for active and independent seniors looking to retire on a cruise ship. After a cruise specialist has assisted you in finding the best cruise liner option with the best price package available, it’s time to draw up your budget with the help of a financial planner.

Brainstorm With A Financial Planner

You will need to get your financial ducks in a row. Brainstorm with a financial planner about what you can afford to spend per day, week, or month, and see how those numbers fit with your cruise specialist’s quotes. If you’re looking to retire on a cruise ship, a full retirement income plan that includes taxes should be implemented.

Cost Of Permanently Living On A Cruise Ship

The most important factor when living on a cruise ship is the cost. The overall cost of living on a cruise ship is determined by many factors, such as the following:

• The cruises you book (Caribbean cruises work out the cheapest, whereas European and Alaskan cruises are the most expensive)
• Which cruise ship line do you choose to live on (Mass, premium, or luxury lines)
• Type of accommodation (Inside cabins are cheap but small, whereas balcony rooms are expensive but come with a view)
• Cruise Line loyalty program and perks
• Taxes, port fees, and gratuities (inescapable expenses)
• Cost of shore excursions

The average person spends approximately $212 per day on a cruise ship, which includes boarding, food, and entertainment. Your available daily budget should be close to this amount if you want to live successfully on a cruise ship. 

Purchase A Permanent Residence On A Cruise Ship

One method of living on a cruise ship is to book multiple cruises on one specific ship or move from ship to ship within a cruise line, using different itineraries. For example, there’s a Royal Caribbean Super Cruiser who has essentially sailed for the past 20 years on various Royal Caribbean ships and spends only about two weeks a year on land!

If your finances allow it, another option is to buy property on a residential ship or an available cabin on a cruise ship.

Storylines is a private residential ship selling 547 at-sea residences (1-bedroom to 4-bedroom residences, 2-story penthouses, and studios) ranging from $400,000 to $8 million, which excludes yearly maintenance fees. Living fees start at $2,152 per month, depending on the residential unit, which is lower than what you would pay in most major cities and comes with a host of all-inclusive living perks.  

The world is a residential cruise ship that offers 165 private residencies with prices ranging from $2 million to $16 million, excluding annual ship fees. This luxurious residential cruise ship offers residents culinary delights prepared by Michelin-star chefs, an enrichment program featuring world-renowned experts, a spa and gym facility , and a host of sporting activities.

Utopia 

Utopia is a luxury cruise ship that sells permanent residencies totaling 190 units, which range from 1,400 to 6,500 square feet. The prices range from $4 million to $36 million per unit. Luxury retail shops, spas and salons, and all sorts of luxury amenities are expected on board.

Work While Cruising

Today, many people have the opportunity to work remotely from their homes. Technology has changed how we work in the last couple of decades. With access to WI-FI aboard cruise ships, nothing stops you from working online, making cruise ship living a reality for most digital nomads.

One of Royal Caribbean International’s most famous long-term cruisers, Mario Salcedo , works from the top deck of all the ships he sails on. Nicknamed “Super Mario,” Salcedo has been living on various Royal Caribbean International cruise ships for over 20 years.  

Mario budgets between $60,000 to $70,000 per year to maintain his life at sea. Booking consecutive yearly tours in advance, staying in cheaper indoor cabins, and not leaving the ship when stopping at a port help him to stay within this budget. Salcedo manages investments for his private clients to fund his stay.

Protect Yourself With Private Health Insurance

Medical facilities found on most cruise ships feature basic medical equipment used for treating basic medical emergencies in the short term, such as defibrillators, x-ray machines, and all sorts of medicine. A medical team consisting of at least one doctor and two nurses is on call 24/7. However, they typically are not set up to provide chronic medical care.

If you’re on chronic medication, you will need to get the prescriptions filled by your doctor before you board the ship. Suppose you have serious health ailments that often require a trip to the hospital for check-ups and treatment. It would be best if you run the scenario of permanently living on a cruise ship by your regular physician.

Full-service hospitals are found at ports only, which can be few and far between when cruising. Retirees using Medicare health insurance are often not adequately covered in a medical emergency and unforeseen medical expenses. Typically, Medicare’s coverage dwindles when members are out at sea or more than 6-hours from the US. 

The smartest option, even if it’s more expensive than standard US insurance plans, is to invest in private health insurance, which includes evacuation insurance. Most cruise line offer insurance that is inclusive of medical coverage. You may also have options through a variety of private insurance carriers.

If you’re paying with a credit card, remember to call your credit card company to inquire about the travel insurance they offer and what it covers in a scenario where you live on a cruise ship. Ask your travel specialist for recommendations and put the question to your financial planner.

Pros And Cons Of Living On A Cruise Ship

All life decisions come with pros and cons. Living on a cruise ship has both, and we need to highlight a few of them before you sell your land home, say emotional goodbyes to the family, and put the pets up for adoption. 

Pros Of Living On A Cruise Ship

Traveling the world

Can be cost-effective compared to other retirement options 

Exciting shore excursions

No utility, gas, or grocery bills

No monthly home or car payments

Constant menu of activities and entertainment steps away

Opportunity to meet new people

Attentive staff available to serve you daily 

Renting out your property to receive passive income

Cons Of Living On A Cruise Ship

Leaving friends & family behind

Additional private health insurance required (including evacuation insurance) or cruise liner insurance that includes emergency medical coverage  

Gaps between cruises lead to additional costs (hotel, flights, transfers)

Cruise liners not equipped for assisted living (you need to be heal

Have to monitor your diet as food on cruise ships often include fine dining and rich foods

Potential loneliness

You will have to store or sell extra possessions 

Shore excursions can be costly

Closing Thoughts

How to live on a cruise ship may seem like a fantasy, but with a little planning, insurance, and guidance from a financial planner and cruise specialist, you can make it your reality!

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Home » Cruise » Cruise Features » How Much Does It Cost to Live on a Cruise Ship?

How Much Does It Cost to Live on a Cruise Ship?

If you've ever dreamed of life on a cruise ship, we outline how much it would actually cost to live on a cruise ship for a year.

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Have you ever dreamed of life on a cruise ship, spending your days coasting with the motion of the ocean and watching the sun set on the horizon each evening? Some people are actually living that life. They take up residence on cruise ships by booking consecutive cruises for months and years on end. In this article, we’ll outline how much it actually costs to live on a cruise ship.

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Is it even possible to live on a cruise ship?

Believe it or not, some people actually do take up residence on cruise ships. And we’re not referring to the officers and crew members! Some notable present and former examples include Mario “Super Mario” Salcedo (Royal Caribbean), Lee “Mama Lee” Wachtstetter (Crystal Serenity), and Beatrice Muller (Queen Elizabeth 2).

THE TRUE COSTS OF LIVING ON A CRUISE SHIP

How do they do it? To live on a cruise ship that’s not residential (more on those later), you essentially have to book consecutive individual cruises on a ship for as long as you’d like to live onboard.

If possible, those who are taking up a floating residence try to book the same cabin for most or all of their time onboard. Thus, they won’t have to move their belongings around from cabin to cabin. This means they’re usually booking their cruises as soon as the booking windows open. This ensures they have their choice in cabins (and a better shot at being able to select the same one).

Some people only live on one ship for their entire “life at sea” career. Others, like Super Mario, have experienced living on several vessels — in his case, Royal Caribbean ships.

How much does it cost to live on a cruise ship?

Now that you know it’s possible to live aboard a cruise vessel, let’s get to the main reason you’re reading this article. What does it actually cost to live on a cruise ship? The cost of living on a modern passenger ship varies greatly depending on many factors. These include the cruise line you choose, the region the ship is sailing (many itineraries demand a premium!), and the type of accommodation you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the main costs associated with living a life at sea (the cruise way!).

Cruise Line

The cruise line you choose has a big impact on how much it will cost to live at sea. You could choose a mainstream family line such as Carnival or Royal Caribbean. Or, you could upgrade to a premium line like Celebrity or a luxury or ultra-luxury brand such as Viking or Regent Seven Seas. Depending on which type of cruise line you choose, your per-day cost of living on board will differ dramatically.

In the cruise line decision-making process, looking over different lines’ loyalty programs is imperative. You’ll quickly reach the highest tiers (if you haven’t already reached them) by living on board. Depending on the cruise line, loyalty programs can include perks that will save you massive amounts of money in the long run. Some of these perks can include free laundry service, wifi, drinks, and specialty dining nights.

“Super Mario,” for example, has spent over 20 years living on Royal Caribbean ships in interior cabins, mostly on itineraries in the Caribbean. Through the line’s loyalty program, he only pays 150 percent of the cruise fare for a single traveler . Often a solo guest has to pay 200% of the fare to account for the lack of a second passenger. Before any taxes, fees, or other add-ons, he pays around $150 a day to live onboard.

In an article for the Washington Post back in 2016, “Mama Lee” Wachtstetter said she spent around $450 per day living on Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity. Accounting for inflation, this would be around $580 in 2023.

Super Mario and Mama Lee are great examples of the vastly different costs of living on a cruise ship depending on whether you go for a mainstream or luxury cruise line.

For the purposes of this article, we’re going to assume that you choose a mainstream line like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian. We’ll also assume that you’re going to live on board with one other person, such as your spouse.

Ship & Sailing Region

Once you’ve settled on a cruise line, the ship (or ships) you’re going to live on are the next piece of the puzzle. Thinking about what’s important to you when it comes to a place to live day-to-day is imperative.

Consider how you want to utilize public spaces like lounges and outdoor decks. Think about the amenities you place a lot of value on as well. If you want a quiet, smaller ship, you’ll probably go for an older vessel with fewer bells and whistles. If you want an environment buzzing with energy and lots of fun things to do, you’ll probably go for a larger, newer ship.

You’ll also need to pick a ship that’s sailing in a region you want to “live,” both in terms of the cost and the climate that you desire. For example, voyages in Alaska are generally more expensive than sailings in the Caribbean. They offer a shorter cruise season and cooler weather. The Caribbean is a more affordable year-round cruise region with hot and humid weather.

Here, for cost average purposes, we’re going to assume that you’re sailing in the Caribbean .

Once you choose a ship, it’s time to think about what type of accommodation you want to make your home. Picking a stateroom is important — especially when booking lots of consecutive cruises where you’re going to be stuck with your choice for months (or more) on end.

Many cruise ship “residents” choose interior cabins because, despite their lack of a window or balcony, they are significantly cheaper and most time is spent out on the open decks and in other public areas anyway. However, if natural light is extremely important to you or you don’t think you’ll do well without fresh air on your own private balcony, those are options to consider.

Here’s an idea of what you might pay for a voyage on a mainstream cruise ship in the Caribbean. As a starting guide, expect to pay around $100 to $150 per person, per night for an interior cabin. At $125 per night, that’s $91,250 per year for a couple, or $250 per night. This does not include taxes, port fees, daily gratuities, or add-ons. For a balcony cabin , our estimation goes up to around $175 per person, per night, or $350 for a couple. That’s $127,750 per year, again not counting taxes, fees, or gratuities, nor other add-ons.

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Other Costs

On top of the published cruise fare, there are other associated fees not included in the price of a cruise .

Taxes and fees

There are additional taxes and fees listed in the costs before you hit the ‘book my cruise’ button. For example, for a seven-night cruise in the Caribbean you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 in taxes and port fees per person. This, of course, is a fluid number that’s dependent upon how many cruise ports your itinerary includes and the specific destinations themselves.

Take the average ($125), multiply it times two for two people ($250), and multiply that times 52 for weeks in a year. You can expect to pay around $13,000 in taxes and port fees for a year on a ship for two people in the Caribbean.

Mainstream cruise lines charge guests daily gratuities , or a daily “service charge.” On Carnival and Royal Caribbean, this daily charge is $16 per person, per day for regular non-suite cabins (interiors, oceanviews, and balconies). It’s $20 per person, per day on Norwegian Cruise Line. The daily gratuity charges for an entire year on a cruise ship for a couple would be $11,680 on Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Or, $14,600 on Norwegian Cruise Line.

Note: While daily gratuities are automatically charged to your bill at the end of a cruise, it’s an optional fee on most cruise lines. Even though you’re able to remove or modify the amount, we recommend you keep the charge on your bill as-is.

If you’re going to live on a cruise ship, chances are you’re going to want internet access. Most mainstream cruise lines provide wifi access in the form of various internet packages with a per-day price. For basic packages that include messaging and social media, expect to pay around $13 to $15 per day. Internet packages that include the ability to surf the internet, email, stream music and movies, and download and upload files cost around $18 to $25 per day. Other cruise lines, especially luxury brands, provide internet access to guests for free.

If we were to assume it costs $13 per day for basic wifi access for one device, that would cost $4,745 per year. If we assume it’s $20 per day for wifi access that includes additional abilities (which many guests would need to work remotely), that’s $7,300 per year.

Keep in mind that wifi is another reason to research cruise line loyalty programs. Once you reach the higher levels in the program, internet access may become free or will be offered at a discount — depending on the cruise line.

Drinks, Specialty dining, Spa, etc.

Once all of the other costs are taken care of, account for any additional spending you might want to do on or off the ship.

Most people who live on cruise ships rarely pay for extras like specialty dining and shore excursions . As mentioned before, reaching the highest tiers of cruise line loyalty programs can help with this. Some include a set amount of alcoholic beverages or a specialty dining meal per cruise as loyalty program perks.

But if you might want to indulge in a spa day or take a shore excursion here and there, be sure to factor those into your overall ‘living on a cruise ship’ budget.

What’s the cost to live on a cruise ship for a year?

Now that we’ve gone over the basic expenses for taking up a life on a cruise ship at sea, let’s see what the average cost to live on a mainstream cruise ship in the Caribbean would be with a high-tier wifi package and no extra expenses like specialty dining or shore excursions.

For an interior cabin, our estimate for two people is around $124,550. For a balcony, it’s $161,050 .

World Cruises

A great option to consider if you’re looking to live on a cruise ship is a world cruise itinerary. World cruises are months long, with some reaching durations of six months across many continents. It gives you a chance to make a temporary home onboard with lots of like-minded travelers doing the same thing.

Usually, it also means that you’ll receive additional inclusions in the cruise fare that otherwise might not be included on that particular cruise line. This can be a huge benefit for someone looking to live on board regardless. These can include things like flights to and from the cruise homeport, onboard gratuities, laundry service, wifi, and alcoholic beverages.

World cruises are also convenient for cruise ship “residents” because it means they can book a large chunk of time on a ship without having to make lots of individual reservations. Further, they’re guaranteed to have the same cabin for the entire duration of the sailing.

Residential Cruise Ships

Arguably, the best way to live on a cruise ship is to purchase a residence on an actual residential cruise vessel. Here are some current and future examples of such ships.

Currently, there’s only one residential cruise ship operating called The World. It runs like a condo building. Residents purchase their apartments as they would a condo or house, plus annual ownership costs.

The benefit is that everyone is onboard for the same reason: to live at sea, whether full-time or part-time. Depending on the size, each apartment has its own kitchen or kitchenette which allows residents to make their own meals when they wish. Or they can dine in one of the ship’s six restaurants.

Residents also have a say in where the ship goes. The path the vessel takes around the globe is determined about three years in advance through a resident voting process.

When a residence on The World goes on the market, you probably won’t find one for less than a million dollars. The largest accommodations reach prices close to $8 million.

In 2026, a company called Storylines is set to launch its first residential cruise ship called MV Narrative. It will set off on a leisurely three-year journey around the globe. Like on The World, residents purchase their accommodations. Prices currently start at $875,000 and going up to $8 million, plus annual living fees. Guests can also purchase seasonal residency, splitting their apartment with others at different times of the year.

Living on MV Narrative includes laundry service, access to hobby areas, access to watercraft, 20 bars and restaurants, wifi, select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and access to a private kitchen to cook meals.

Semester at Sea

If you truly want to live out your Suite Life on Deck dreams and you’re still in high school or just starting college, consider looking into Semester at Sea.

College students can spend a semester literally living at sea aboard the program’s ship MV World Odyssey. They can take classes onboard while simultaneously exploring the world. This is done through a partnership with Colorado State University, where students sailing with Semester at Sea are officially enrolled for that semester.

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How To Live On A Cruise Ship For A Year

Published: December 11, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Brina Porter

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Introduction

Imagine waking up to the gentle sway of the ocean, your only responsibility for the day being to explore new destinations and enjoy the luxuries of a floating paradise. Living on a cruise ship for a year may sound like a dream come true, but for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a unique travel experience, it can become a reality.

Embarking on a long-term cruise offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of endless possibilities. From exploring exotic ports of call to indulging in delicious cuisine, enjoying onboard entertainment, and meeting fascinating people from around the globe, a year-long voyage promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Choosing to live on a cruise ship for an extended period requires careful planning and consideration. From selecting the right cruise ship to budgeting, packing, and managing your day-to-day life at sea, there are several important factors to keep in mind. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about living on a cruise ship for a year and make your journey a smooth and enjoyable one.

Whether you are a retiree looking to embark on a fulfilling adventure, a digital nomad opting for a unique work-life balance, or simply a travel enthusiast longing for an extraordinary experience, living on a cruise ship can be the answer to your dreams. So prepare to set sail on the ultimate voyage and let’s discover the secrets to living a year on a cruise ship!

In the following sections, we will delve into the different aspects of choosing and booking the right cruise, preparing for life onboard, packing essentials, finding your routine, staying healthy and fit, socializing, exploring ports of call, dealing with homesickness, and managing finances. By the end of our journey, you will have all the information you need to embark on your year-long adventure at sea.

Choosing the Right Cruise Ship

When it comes to living on a cruise ship for a year, selecting the right vessel is crucial. With countless options available, it’s essential to consider your preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Here are some factors to help you make an informed decision:

Booking Your Long-Term Cruise

Once you’ve chosen the right cruise ship for your year-long adventure, it’s time to book your long-term cruise. Here are some tips to make the booking process as smooth as possible:

Preparing for Life on Board

As you prepare to embark on your year-long cruise, it’s essential to make the necessary preparations to ensure a smooth transition into life on board. Here are some key steps to take before setting sail:

Packing Essentials for a Year at Sea

When preparing for a year-long cruise, packing the right essentials is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some items to consider when packing for your adventure at sea:

Navigating the Ship’s Amenities

Living on a cruise ship for a year means having access to a wide range of amenities and facilities. Here are some tips to help you navigate and make the most of the ship’s offerings:

Finding Your Routine

Living on a cruise ship for a year offers a unique opportunity to establish a routine that suits your preferences and lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you find your rhythm and make the most of your time on board:

Staying Healthy and Fit

When living on a cruise ship for a year, maintaining your health and fitness is essential for enjoying the journey to the fullest. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and fit during your time at sea:

Socializing and Making Friends

One of the greatest joys of living on a cruise ship for a year is the opportunity to meet fascinating people from around the world and develop new friendships. Here are some tips to help you socialize and make friends during your time at sea:

Exploring Ports of Call

One of the most exciting aspects of living on a cruise ship for a year is the opportunity to explore a variety of ports of call. Here are some tips to make the most of your time ashore and create memorable experiences:

Dealing with Homesickness

Living on a cruise ship for a year can be an incredible experience, but it’s natural to feel homesick at times. Here are some tips to help you cope with homesickness and make the most of your journey:

Budgeting and Managing Finances

When living on a cruise ship for a year, it’s important to establish a budget and effectively manage your finances. Here are some tips to help you stay on track financially during your journey:

Living on a cruise ship for a year is an extraordinary adventure filled with endless possibilities and memories. By choosing the right cruise ship, booking your long-term voyage, and preparing for life onboard, you are embarking on a journey like no other. Throughout your cruise, you can enjoy the ship’s amenities, explore new ports of call, and engage in social activities while prioritizing your health, managing homesickness, and budgeting your finances.

By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can make the most of your year-long cruise experience. Embrace the opportunity to meet new people, immerse yourself in different cultures, and create lasting memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, a year on a cruise ship offers a unique blend of both.

From dining on delectable cuisine to indulging in spa treatments, participating in enriching activities, and exploring vibrant destinations, every aspect of your year-long voyage is designed to provide an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you may face challenges such as homesickness, but by staying connected with loved ones and seeking support from fellow passengers and crew members, you can navigate these emotions and find comfort in your incredible journey.

As you set sail on your year-long adventure at sea, remember to stay open-minded, flexible, and embrace the unexpected joys that come with living on a cruise ship. Explore the ship’s amenities, make new friends, try new activities, and immerse yourself in the wonders of each port of call.

So, get ready to embark on an incredible journey of a lifetime. Pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and let the year-long adventure on a cruise ship unfold as you create memories, discover new horizons, and experience the joy of living in the lap of luxury on the open seas!

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Recent projections, delegate tracker, recent election news, how these cruise passengers missed boarding, got stranded in africa.

Both Americans and Australians were left at port after an excursion ran long.

After what seemed like a dream trip, several American travelers were left stranded at port in West Africa mid-cruise while traveling from Cape Town, South Africa, to Barcelona, Spain.

Jay and Jill Campbell told ABC News Myrtle Beach affiliate WPDE that they were in the first week of a three week voyage aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines when they stopped just off the coast of West Africa.

The couple and others opted to tour the nearby island of São Tomé and Príncipe on the afternoon of March 27, and when the excursion ran late, they said they brought it to the guides' attention.

"We were like, 'our time is getting short,'" Jay Campbell recalled, at which point he said the guide let them know, "'No problem we can get you back in an hour.'"

Upon their return, the passengers said cruise officials refused to let them aboard the ship, even as the local Coast Guard had ferried the group to the anchored vessel.

"The harbormaster tried to call the ship. The captain refused the call. We sent emails to NCL the customer service emergency number," Jay Campbell said. "They said the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is via email. They're not responding to our emails."

The Campbells say they were left stranded along with four other Americans and two Australians -- of whom one is a paraplegic, one has a heart condition and one is pregnant. Some did not have credit cards or medication that was left on board.

Cruise expert Stewart Chiron, known as The Cruise Guy, told ABC News that "the bottom line was, they were hours late, the ship was ready to go."

MORE: Norwegian Cruise Line passengers claim Antarctica voyage was rerouted mid-trip

"More than likely that the anchor was already up, and the ship was already possibly moving," he said.

He continued, "Any operation at that point to get these passengers back on the ship would have caused tremendous delays, and safety would have been a major concern."

In a statement to ABC News, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said, "On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time."

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They continued, "While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship's intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel."

The spokesperson added that the passports for the passengers who did not return at the all aboard time "were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol."

"Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call," they said.

The Campbells said that their eight person group spent 15 hours traveling through six countries in an attempt to rejoin the Norwegian Dawn ship in Banjul, Gambia, on April 1. However, the ship couldn't dock due to low tide, so they are now trying to get to Senegal where the ship is meant to dock on Tuesday.

The Norwegian spokesperson said, "Unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage. While we share in our guests' disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority."

The cruise line contacted the guests "regarding this itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorization to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024."

In light of the "series of unfortunate events outside of our control," the spokesperson said Norwegian Cruise Lines "will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal" and are still in communication with the guests to provide additional information as it becomes available.

MORE: Meet the cruise couple who have spent over 450 days at sea so far

In a separate, unrelated situation that took place coincidentally on the same day of the voyage, the spokesperson said, "An 80-year-old woman was medically disembarked after being evaluated by our onboard medical team, who thought it best that she receive further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital."

"In instances such as these, as the guest was released from the hospital and in a coherent state, our protocol is to contact the guest directly, as we would not have the authority to share any medical details with anyone else without their expressed consent," the spokesperson added, saying they worked with the port agent to receive updates.

"The guest has since been escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and then put in the care of airport staff to continue her journey to the United States, where she has now made a safe return," they said.

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How to retire on a cruise ship

As I approach retirement age, the thought of retiring on a cruise ship has crossed my mind. Okay, who am I kidding? It's a daily obsession.

Retirement living is generally broken into three phases: the active healthy phase where you are fully independent, the phase where you need some assistance with meals and household chores, and the phase where you need a far greater level of care. Cruise retirement life obviously suits the independent phase, but it also closely resembles the assisted living option most people consider on land.

Both cruise ships and retirement communities include food, lodging, utilities, housekeeping and social gatherings, plus enrichment activities like guest lecturers, movies and art, computer or dance classes. Add to that the ability to travel the world without bothering with airplanes and hotels, and it makes sense that many people view living on a cruise ship as an ideal retirement plan.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

But how do you go about it? Clearly, you can live on a cruise ship — any good travel agent will happily book you on a year's worth of cruises at a time. But there's no "How to Retire on a Cruise Ship" guidebook to help you make informed decisions about the cost and feasibility of living out your golden years at sea.

What is the best way to go about full-time cruise ship travel? What other considerations should be taken into account? I dug in with some good old-fashioned research to see where that led me. Here's what I learned about how to retire on a cruise ship – and whether it's a good idea.

What does it cost to retire on a cruise ship?

When it comes to a retirement budget, commercial independent and assisted living facilities that provide extras like meal plans, housekeeping services, activities and transportation start on average around $60,000 per year per person, or $164 per night. (Obviously, this pricing will vary based on where you live, inclusions and luxury levels.) I set out to determine if retiring onboard a cruise ship could match (or beat) what's available on land, so I compared facilities with amenities and payment structures closest to what you could get on a cruise ship.

Retiring on a traditional cruise ship

While negotiating with cruise lines for a lower fare on a long-term arrangement is possible in many cases, I found that even without any special deals with the cruise line, I could book 52 back-to-back seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami on Carnival Cruise Line 's newest ship, Carnival Celebration , for around $43,000 per person in an inside cabin. That's around $118 per person per night. (Think carefully whether you can stand to live year-round in a windowless room.)

Shopping for Carnival's cheapest cruises on older ships, I could get the average below $50 per person per night in inside cabins and around $110 in balcony cabins, including port taxes and fees. That means your cruise fare could be as little as $18,250 per person per year. Unfortunately, the fare is not your only cost to consider.

You would need to budget for flights between ports and occasional hotel stays if you decide to return home or swap ships. Plus, there are tips for staff to consider, which can total thousands per person during the course of a year.

All that puts the minimum for a couple or a single traveling alone (which requires single supplement charges in double occupancy cabins) just over the $50,000 per year mark.

Related: Best cruises for seniors who love to travel by sea

Obviously, there's no upper limit to how much you could spend on retirement on either land or sea, but here are some examples of what I found: A year on Cunard 's Queen Elizabeth in a balcony stateroom would run about $64,000 or $175 per night per person. A year onboard P&O Cruises' Britannia in a balcony cabin could be arranged for roughly $53,000 or $145 per night per person. Both options would allow you to see a great deal of the world.

By contrast, a year onboard a luxury cruise line like Silversea, Seabourn or Regent Seven Seas will cost a minimum of $200,000 per person ($548 per person per night). The good news about that price is that cruising on those lines includes things like tours, gratuities, alcoholic beverages and most specialty dining, as well as laundry.

Retiring on a residential ship

An alternative to sailing on a traditional cruise line through your retirement years is to buy or lease a cruise ship cabin on a luxury residence ship. The most well-known of these is The World, but there's been recent buzz about startup company Storylines and its residence ship, MV Narrative, which is set to launch in 2025. Victoria Cruises Line is also planning to turn two refurbished vessels into residential ships for long-term living, with a proposed launch in spring 2023.

Ownership simplifies a few things logistically, and your only additional costs are likely to be port expenditures and/or travel when you opt to leave the ship. You might also be able to rent out your cabin when you aren't using it, helping offset the cost of your cabin.

Storylines, for example, is selling staterooms either for the life of the ship or for quarterly seasonal shared ownership. Twenty-four-year lease options are also available. In addition to the initial purchase or lease cost, residents will pay an all-inclusive living fee per person per month that covers food and beverages, housekeeping, laundry, Wi-Fi, and, of course, fuel for the ship.

How does this option compare, pricewise? To purchase a 237-square-foot inside cabin with a virtual window for the life of the ship costs $1 million on average. A twenty-four-year lease is around $650K. Storylines also charges an additional all-inclusive living fee to cover onboard services (food, housekeeping, Wi-Fi, etc.); for an interior stateroom, this mandatory charge is $2,586 per person per month, based on double occupancy, or $62,064 annually for two people living together. Purchase prices for a one-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom unit averaged $2.7 million, with $111,000 in living fees.

For purposes of comparing the costs to traditional cruise ships, the living fee in the inside cabin on MV Narrative is $85 per person per night and the one-bedroom suite is $152 per person per night. These figures are in addition to the upfront costs of buying or leasing.

If you can invest in ownership or lease of a stateroom, your cost per night (beyond your purchase or rental price) can be lower than cruising traditionally. However, as MV Narrative is not yet under construction and is not slated to be built at one of the main cruise ship-building yards, you'll definitely want to talk to an advisor about investing your retirement savings in a startup company that has not yet brought a product to market.

What's so desirable about retiring on a cruise ship?

We talked about what's included on the ship and the potential of retiring for the same or even less than what you'd expect to pay for land-based retirement accommodations. That may be enough incentive for some, but what else makes retiring on a cruise ship an attractive choice?

For many, it's travel itself. Changing scenery every day can be an inspiring way to live. Even an option that visits the same ports over and over might be more appealing than staying at home for some people.

Simply not having to worry about grocery shopping, meal preparation or home maintenance tops most people's lists of retirement goals, and all of those would fit into a cruise ship retirement. Avoiding weather extremes is another retirement priority. It's possible to plan your retirement cruise itinerary to ensure you are always headed away from cold and snow.

The atmosphere on board a cruise ship is another plus. It's a whole other vibe from your average senior living facility. Whichever ship you choose is likely to be filled with people excited to be on board. That attitude can be infectious. Being surrounded by young people, not just folks of retirement age, can also make cruise ship life more appealing.

Related: Which cruise brand is right for you? A guide to the most popular lines

Living on a cruise ship presents the opportunity to meet new people. In some cases, it would be a shipload of new faces every week or two. Imagine how many new friends you could make in a year. Some cruisers make friends with crew members on every cruise they take. The opportunity to stay onboard and foster those relationships for long stretches might be irresistible.

Then there are people who enjoy being in the company of others, while maintaining nothing but passing interactions with them. Even an introvert might find the social scene of a cruise ship a better arrangement than a more solitary retirement scenario.

What might make you think twice about living full-time on a cruise ship?

For some, the best part of retirement is spending time with family — especially the grandkids. Cruise retirement doesn't rule that out, but it does make it a bit more complicated. It's hard to be the type of granny who can frequently babysit when you live on a cruise ship, potentially thousands of miles away from where the grands live. If your family wants to visit you, they'd have to pay for cruise fare for everyone.

The same holds true for developing lasting relationships. Passengers and crew come and go on ships, so your relationships will be fleeting. Retired singles may find it difficult to find the next love of their life floating around the Caribbean on a ship full-time. For introverts, it can be exhausting to continually make the effort to meet people.

If you prefer the company of animals to people, you're out of luck. In most cases, you can't take pets with you on a cruise, so that can be a drawback for many retirees.

Related: Are dogs allowed on cruise ships? These are the cruises that allow pets

A feeling of confinement is tops on the list of reasons people I talked to said they couldn't retire on a cruise ship. Even on a large ship, you can only go where it goes, plus the room you call your own is likely to be far smaller than what you are used to. There's a certain loss of freedom, but that's common with many forms of retirement living.

Plus, the cabin you book might not be designed for senior living, the way apartments at a retirement home or senior living community would be. You'll also have fewer options for cable TV plans and phone calls and Wi-Fi costs will be pricier than on land.

Though cruise ships have a medical staff, they aren't equipped to handle serious health issues. You'd have to manage prescription medications from a distance for long periods of time, and schedule time off the ship for routine checkups. Any medical emergencies might require you to be airlifted from the ship, and the distance to the nearest hospital could be quite far.

Related: Do cruise ships have doctors, nurses, medical centers or hospitals?

And in most cases, you won't be able to rely on Medicare for your health coverage while out of the country. For that, you'll need a travel or ex-pat health insurance plan, with costs ranging from around a hundred per month to thousands, depending on your coverage specifics. Plus, your cruise retirement could be cut short at any point by health issues. They won't hesitate to kick you off the ship if you need more appropriate care on land – and then you'd need to quickly find a new place to live while suffering from medical concerns.

Besides the health aspect, you'll always need to have a solid backup plan. Things like mechanical breakdowns, disaster-related shutdowns and cruise line business decisions can drastically affect your plans — more so than in most land-based living situations. You would need annual travel insurance as well as enough available money to cover hotels and transportation from almost anywhere on the globe.

How to start planning for a cruise ship retirement

Taking an extended cruise is a good first step toward deciding if you want to make cruising a more permanent retirement option. I met a woman last year when I cruised on Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas who was in the planning stages for the cruise line's 274-night world cruise. This woman was testing out several storage products she hoped would make life easier on her extended cruise. From drawer organizers to under-bed rolling plastic bins, she was traveling with things most weeklong cruisers would never think of.

She was also working on boosting her loyalty status with Royal Caribbean . There are perks available to the highest loyalty levels that would save money when retirement time arrives. Complimentary laundry tops the list of valuable perks at the top levels on the mainstream lines, along with spa treatments and specialty restaurant meals, Wi-Fi discounts and free or discounted cruise nights. Even luxury lines like Silversea and Seabourn offer top loyalty members discounts and free nights.

The higher your status when you retire, the more perks you start out with – though you'll quickly climb through the loyalty ranks if you sail on the same line for an entire year.

The woman I met was using low-cost solo cruises (which earn double points) on Royal Caribbean's smallest ship to boost her status point total. Status is shared with domestic partners or spouses living in the same household, regardless of whether they went on the same number of cruises. Other ways to boost status would include taking advantage of double points offers like the one Celebrity Cruises is running this year on European cruises or by cruising in upper-level suites.

Related: A beginner's guide to cruise line loyalty programs

Initial steps toward cruise ship retirement might also include selling one's home (or preparing it for becoming a rental), disposing of excess possessions and re-homing pets. You will also want to consult with a financial advisor to help with residency laws and money management that might allow you to cruise even longer into retirement.

Bottom line

Retiring on a cruise is an intriguing possibility, whether you book a year's worth of back-to-back cruises on a traditional cruise ship or purchase a floating apartment on a residential ship. Either way, retirement at sea comes with both advantages and disadvantages. While you will have the opportunity to explore the world and meet lots of new people, you may find yourself missing the people you left behind.

The financial aspects, particularly when it comes to health insurance, are likely to be tricky, requiring careful planning with expert advice. And you'll need a backup plan should your health at some point prevent you from remaining on board.

The best plan is to plan well ahead, starting with a few long cruises to make sure it's a good fit. Many of the steps you would take in planning for a world cruise would be the same things you would do to pave the way for a full cruise ship retirement. Once you're convinced you're cut out to cruise year-round for years on end, you can begin to make the arrangements to dismantle your old life on land and build a new one at sea.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them

A dream cruise vacation has turned into a nightmare for eight passengers left stranded on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe after their ship left without them because they were late to return from a private tour.

The tourists — six from the U.S. and two from Australia — were aboard the Norwegian Dawn, a Norwegian cruise line ship , which departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on March 20 for a 21-day voyage up the coast of Africa set to end in Barcelona, Spain, on April 10.

But on Wednesday, the group of eight tourists was late to return to the ship for the all-aboard time of 3 p.m. from a private excursion on the island, which was not organized by the cruise line.

Jay and Jill Campbell of South Carolina were part of the group that was left behind.

They said that their tour’s operator notified the cruise captain that they were going to be late to rejoin the ship and that the local Coast Guard tried to get them on the vessel but that they weren’t allowed to board.

As a result, the couple and the rest of the group have been stranded for days on the island off Nigeria, grappling with language, currency issues and complicated travel to catch up with the ship.

“The lovely people of São Tomé were very gracious, very hospitable. They had reached out as much as they could to help us find hotels,” Jay Campbell said on NBC's "TODAY" show Tuesday morning.

“We were able to get to a tour agency there to arrange flights to the next port of call. ... Very difficult process — you’re dealing with multiple languages, language barriers, you’re dealing with different currencies ... finding someone that even has dollars ... trying to get an agent to understand where we need to get to.

"It’s one of those ‘You can’t get there from here,’" he added.

A Norwegian spokesperson called the incident a “very unfortunate situation” and said, “Guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time.”

The cruise line said that after the guests failed to return, their passports were delivered to local port agents, in line with protocol. The company said it was working with local authorities to understand “the requirements and visas needed for the guests to reboard the ship at the next available port of call.”

On Monday, the guests had made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia, but the ship was unable to safely dock there because of “adverse weather conditions” and “tidal restrictions,” Norwegian said. The guests were then contacted and provided with information to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal, on Tuesday. 

Jill Campbell said they traveled through seven countries in 48 hours to arrive in Senegal on Monday night.

But now they're reconsidering whether they even want to return to the cruise.

"We are considering whether or not we are going to board the ship. It is in dock here in Senegal," she said. "We believe there was a basic duty of care that they had forgotten about, so it does concern us."

"After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly. I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and really the safety and well-being of the customers should be their first priority," she added.

Norwegian said the passengers were responsible for making their own travel arrangements to rejoin the ship.

"Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal," a cruise line spokesperson said in a statement. "We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available."

A silver lining of the catastrophe was that the Campbells were able to connect with another Norwegian Dawn passenger — Julia Lenkoff, 80 — who was also left on the island, but for a medical reason.

Lenkoff was on a different day tour Wednesday. She had "medically disembarked" from the cruise to seek local treatment on that day, Norwegian said.

Norwegian said that its care team tried to call Lenkoff several times and was unable to reach her and that it worked with its port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe for updates on her health.

The Campbells met Lenkoff and were able to put her in contact with her family in California, who flew her home — a move Lenkoff's daughter said "saved her life."

"She's a world traveler. She travels all the time. So this was going to be one of her bucket list trips, because she's been to 120 countries so far, and she wanted to get to 130," her daughter, Lana Lenkoff Geis, said in an interview that aired Tuesday on "TODAY."

Norwegian said Lenkoff was escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, then put in the care of airport staff members to continue her journey back to the U.S., where she has safely returned.

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March 27, 2024 - Baltimore Key Bridge collapse

By Kathleen Magramo , Antoinette Radford, Alisha Ebrahimji , Maureen Chowdhury , Elise Hammond , Tori B. Powell and Aditi Sangal , CNN

Our live coverage of the Baltimore bridge collapse has moved here .

Here's what you should know about the Key Bridge collapse

From CNN staff

Officials recovered the bodies of two construction workers who were on Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge when it collapsed early Tuesday morning after a 984-foot-long cargo ship collided into a pillar.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the collapse Wednesday " a global crisis ."

"The national economy and the world's economy depends on the Port of Baltimore. The port handles more cars and more farm equipment than any other port in the country," Moore said.

Here's what you should know:

• The victims: The six people who are presumed dead were from Mexico Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, according to Col. Roland L. Butler Jr, the superintendent of Maryland State Police. Two bodies were recovered and have been identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes from Mexico and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera from Guatemala. The two workers were filling potholes on the bridge and were later found trapped in a red pickup truck in about 25 feet of water, Butler said. The FBI is handling notifying the victims' families, Butler said.
• Recovery efforts: Authorities are pausing search efforts for the four other workers who are presumed dead, because additional vehicles are encased in concrete and other debris, making it unsafe for divers, Butler said. Once salvage operations clear the debris, divers will search for more remains, he said.
• The investigation: The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the fatal incident, according to the agency's chair Jennifer Homendy. During a Wednesday news conference, Homendy said there were 21 crew members and two pilots on board the Dali cargo ship when it crashed into the bridge. She also said a senior NTSB hazmat investigator identified 56 containers of hazardous material, and that some containers are in the water. The agency received six hours of voyage data from the ship and the investigation could take 12 to 24 months to complete, Homendy said. She emphasized that NTSB will not analyze information collected or provide conclusions while on scene of the collapse.
• Looking forward: Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said rebuilding the bridge will not be "quick or easy" but that it will get done. He said there are four main focus points ahead: reopening the port, dealing with supply chain issues until its reopening, rebuilding the bridge and dealing with traffic issues until the bridge is rebuilt. Biden  pledged the full support  of the federal government in the response and recovery efforts. His administration has already conveyed a sense of urgency to open up federal funding to remove debris and ultimately rebuild the bridge. Maryland has submitted a request to the Biden administration for emergency relief funds "to assist in our work going forward," Moore said Wednesday.

It's almost impossible to place people on the bow of ship due to the unstable structure, fire official says

 From CNN's Sarah Engel

Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said Wednesday that the cargo ship's bridge structure and containers at the bow remain unstable.

"It's going to be very difficult, if not impossible, and very dangerous, to place people on the bow of that boat right now," Wallace told CNN's Kaitlan Collins.

"Naturally, we're still very cognizant of the fact that there are hazardous materials on board the vessel itself," Wallace said, alluding to the National Transportation Safety Board saying earlier that 56 containers were carrying hazardous materials.

Wallace said his team is relying heavily on aerial recognizance, including drones. "That's the only way we're able to see in," he said.  

He added that the aerial surveillance has "been able to really assure us right now we have no [chemical] reactions on board." 

"It's just utter devastation," NTSB chief says of the bridge collapse site

From CNN's Aditi Sangal

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, called the site of the Key Bridge collapse "devastating."

"It's pretty devastating, certainly, seeing not just what's going on with the cargo containers, but just looking at what was a bridge span — three bridge spans that is pretty much gone. It's just utter devastation," she said at Wednesday evening's news briefing.

She added that she is thinking of families who lost loved ones and those who are waiting to reunite with their lived ones.

NTSB interviewed the Dali's captain and some other crew members today, agency chief says

The National Transportation Safety Board has interviewed the ship's captain, his mate, the chief engineer and one other engineer today, according to Chair Jennifer Homendy.

The two pilots on board the Dali at the time of collision will be interviewed tomorrow, she added.

Cargo ship's voyage data recorder is basic when compared to an airplane's, NTSB chair says

From CNN's Tori B. Powell

The voyage data recorder on the cargo ship Dali was a "newer model" but is considered basic when compared to that on an airplane, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

"But it is very basic compared to say, a flight data recorder, where we would have 1,000 parameters," she said at a news conference on Wednesday.

The NTSB chief investigator Marcel Muise added:

"It's not a ship-wide system recorder, so most of the sensors that are being recorded are from the bridge. So things like GPS, the audio, rudder feedback, rudder commands are recorded on there. But not engineering, the temperature of each cylinder, power distribution sensors."

There were no tug boats with Dali at the time of the collision. That's normal, NTSB chief says

There were no tugs with Dali when the cargo vessel collided with Baltimore's Key Bridge, which is normal protocol, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

Remember: At 01:26:39 on Tuesday, Dali's pilot made a general very high frequency (VHF) radio call for tugs in the vicinity to assist, the NTSB investigator Marcel Muise had said.

"The tugs help the vessel leave the dock, leave the port and get into the main ship channel. And then they leave. Once it's on its way, it's a straight shot through the channel. So there are no tugs with the vessel at the time. So they were calling for tugs," she said.

NTSB chair says she saw some containers that were carrying hazardous materials in the water

National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said she did see some of the 56 containers that were carrying hazardous materials in the water.

When asked how many

When asked how many containers of hazardous materials were in the water, Homendy said:

"I did see some containers in the water, and some breached significantly on the vessel itself," she said. "I don't have an exact number, but it's something that we can provide in an update."

Homendy said that a preliminary report should be out in two to four weeks.

This post has been updated with more quotes from Homendy.

Bridge did not have any redundancy, unlike the preferred method for building bridges today, NTSB chair says

Baltimore's Key Bridge did not have any redundancy, which is included in the preferred method of building bridges in the present day, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

"The bridge is a fracture critical," she explained. "What that means is if a member fails that would likely cause a portion of, or the entire bridge, to collapse, there's no redundancy. The preferred method for building bridges today is that there is redundancy built in, whether that's transmitting loads to another member or some sort of structural redundancy. This bridge did not have redundancy," Homendy said.

There are 17,468 fracture critical bridges in the United States out of 615,000 bridges total, she said, citing the Federal Highway Administration.

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Passengers set to rejoin cruise after reportedly being left behind on African island

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. ( WMBF /Gray News) - A group of passengers who were reportedly left on an African island by their cruise liner is planning to return to the ship on Tuesday.

In a statement, Norwegian Cruise Line said the group is set to rejoin the cruise in Dakar, Senegal.

The passengers were originally supposed to reboard on Monday in Banjul, Gambia, but the ship could not dock safely due to the weather.

Norwegian Cruise Line said its protocol means guests are typically responsible for any travel costs to rejoin the ship at the next port of call, but Norwegian will reimburse the group because of the weather issues.

The guests, which include a Garden City couple Jill and Jay Campbell, haven’t been back on the ship since March 27, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Norwegian Cruise Line said the guests were on a private tour and did not make it back in time.

“We were waiting for the tender boats to come back and get us because our boat was anchored off the harbor, but they didn’t come back to get us,” Jay Campbell previously shared.

According to the cruise line, all guests were told about an all-aboard 3 p.m. call time that day, but the guests missed it by more than an hour. It added that their passports were left with the local port agents for retrieval.

Norwegian Cruise Line explained that it works closely with local tour operators to ensure excursions are planned to the cruise line’s schedule to guarantee timely arrivals back to port. However, since the group was on a private tour, it was not in communication with the tour operator.

The Campbells were eight days into the 21-day cruise, which started in South Africa.

Norwegian Cruise Line claimed that once the guests did not make it back to the ship, it worked with them and the local port agent to help with obtaining the necessary visas for them.

Over the weekend, the passengers shared that they tried reaching out to Norwegian Cruise Line but they did not hear back from the company promptly regarding reembarking the ship.

“We paid a lot for this trip to Africa, so we hope to make it through the rest of this trip and end in Spain,” Jay Campbell previously shared.

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