This Is How Much It Costs To Retire on a Cruise Ship

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Looking forward to retirement so you can travel the world? Thinking about downsizing to do so? Some retirees are thinking about doing both — by retiring on a cruise ship. But can you do it? And how much does it cost?

Here’s what you need to know about how much it costs to retire on a cruise ship.

Also, read about a real couple who are spending their 60s on a cruise and how much they’re saving.

All-Inclusive Pricing

One of the big appeals of cruising is that everything is included. Cruise ships are floating hotels, with meals and entertainment included in the price you pay. You can even pay for extras ahead of time, like unlimited drinks and upgraded dining. So, you know how much you’ll pay ahead of time, which is a big advantage when you’re on a fixed income.

Factors That Influence Your Cruise Price

Cruise pricing varies wildly, and there are several factors that influence how much you will pay. These include:

• The duration of the cruise. Shorter cruises may cost more per night, so those looking to live aboard may want to look for longer-duration trips.
• The cabin. Cruise ships have many different types of cabins, each at its own price. An interior cabin, with no ocean view, is the least expensive, and a cabin on a high deck with a balcony will set you back the most.
• The cruise line. As with any service offering, there are lower-cost, mass market options and higher-end, elite options.
• The destination(s). Some destinations are in higher demand than others, so they cost more.
• The travel dates. Another factor that is driven by supply and demand, some times of year are better for cruising than others, but it depends on your destination.

The Cost To Retire on a Cruise Ship

According to U.S. News and World Report, you’ll pay between $250 and $1,700 per person for a seven-night cruise in Alaska in May. To go to the Mediterranean in June for seven nights will set you back between $620 and $1,700 per person. You’ll pay between $470 and $700 per person for seven nights spent cruising in Mexico. These prices assume double occupancy, and the range is due to different cabin types.

With careful planning, you should be able to find a seven-day cruise for $700 per person, or $100 per person per day. This means you would pay $36,500 per person, or $73,000 per couple, per year, to retire on a cruise ship.

You could pay less if you find a sale or opt for a smaller, inside cabin, or you could pay more. For example, Viking has a 180-day around the world cruise that costs $68,995 per person for double occupancy in a Deluxe Veranda Stateroom.

The Logistics of Permanent Cruising

There are some logistical considerations around “moving” to a cruise ship in retirement. You’ll need to manage your itineraries so that you can move directly from one cruise to another or make arrangements for accommodations in between. This may mean choosing cruises that are pricier than what you would otherwise pay, as your options may be limited.

You won’t have a permanent address, but you’ll need to have a physical address to do things like vote and receive mail.

Medical care aboard a cruise ship is available but limited. If you need surgery, for example, or even an annual checkup, you’ll need to visit a doctor on land.

A Cruise Ship Designed for Permanent Residence

There is one cruise ship that is designed for permanent residents. The ship travels to various places around the world — for example, the 2025 itinerary includes the Sea of Cortez, South America and the Caribbean Sea, the Mediterranean and Madagascar. Residents can disembark and re-board at any destination.

The World sells studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom “residences” aboard the ship. Prices range from $2,500,000 to $15,000,000.

With all the options available for cruises, ranging from low-priced itineraries to opulent voyages, retirement on a cruise ship may be possible for many.

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