Thinking About Retiring on a Cruise Ship? Here’s What You Need to Know
Retiring on a cruise ship sounds like a dream—endless ocean views, daily entertainment, and no yard work. But is it actually possible? The short answer: yes. The longer answer? It depends on your budget, lifestyle, and health needs. Let’s break it down.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of retiring at sea depends on how you choose to live. Some retirees opt for back-to-back cruises, while others invest in permanent onboard residences. Here’s a closer look at your options:
Budget Cruising
Living on a mass-market cruise ship full-time starts at around $35,000 per year for basic room and board. However, this does not include extra expenses like:
Medical care: Cruise ships have onboard medical facilities, but serious conditions require treatment on land, which can be costly.
Laundry services: Most ships do not have self-service laundry, so you’ll need to pay per item or bundle.
Alcohol and specialty drinks: Basic beverages (water, tea, coffee) are often included, but alcohol packages can add $79–$100 per day.
Internet and phone service: While connectivity is improving, cruise Wi-Fi is still slow and expensive, typically $20 per day per device.
Some retirees use credit card points and cruise loyalty programs to lower costs, but this takes effort and planning.
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Luxury Cruising
If you want a more upscale experience, retiring on a luxury cruise ship will cost between $150,000 and $200,000 per year. These ships offer:
More diverse itineraries (fewer repeated routes).
Higher-end amenities, including fine dining, private lounges, and concierge services.
Larger, more comfortable accommodations.
Exclusive excursions and activities.
Luxury cruising is ideal for retirees who want an ever-changing travel experience without sacrificing comfort.
Buying a Cabin
Rather than booking cruises continuously, some retirees purchase a permanent residence aboard a cruise ship. Companies like Storylines and The World sell private condos at sea.
Prices start at $352,000 for a 172-square-foot unit and go up to $3.2 million for a 1,690-square-foot suite.
Annual fees range from $25,550 to $74,825 and cover food, maintenance, and staff salaries.
Amenities include meals, laundry, housekeeping, and access to a fresh food market for cooking in your cabin.
This option offers stability and a true “home at sea,” but it requires a large upfront investment and annual maintenance fees. You would also want to do extensive due diligence on the financial strength of the seller given the amount of money involved and the longer term nature of this type of arrangement.
Hopping Between Ships
Some retirees prefer to book cruises back-to-back, traveling from one ship to another rather than settling on a single vessel.
The average per-day cost of a cruise in 2024 is $295 (including ticket price and onboard spending).
That brings the total annual cost to about $94,000.
While this approach provides flexibility, it also requires constant planning—securing deals, coordinating departures, and managing travel logistics.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond your room and food, there are a few extras to factor into your budget:
Gratuities: Expect to pay about $18.50 per day per person in tips. If you’re in a suite, it’s closer to $21 per day.
Beverage packages: Alcohol packages range from $79 to $100 per day, and even soda costs extra.
Wi-Fi: Staying connected will cost you around $20 per day per device.
Laundry: Most ships don’t have guest laundry rooms, so you’ll pay extra to have your clothes cleaned.
Excursions: Want to explore when the ship docks? That’ll cost extra.
What About Medical Care?
Medical care is one of the biggest challenges of retiring on a cruise ship. While most ships have onboard medical centers, they are designed to handle minor illnesses and injuries—not chronic conditions or major medical emergencies. If you need specialized treatment, you’ll likely have to disembark and seek care on land, which can be costly and logistically complicated.
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Does Medicare Cover Medical Costs on a Cruise?
If you’re a U.S. citizen relying on Medicare, there’s an important catch—Medicare does not typically cover treatment received outside of the U.S. There are only a few exceptions:
If the cruise ship is within six hours of a U.S. port when you receive treatment.
If the doctor is legally permitted to provide services aboard the ship under U.S. law.
Once you’re beyond six hours from a U.S. port, Medicare won’t help with medical bills. This makes it essential to have private health insurance or travel medical insurance that covers international care.
Managing Prescription Medications at Sea
If you take regular medication, you’ll need a plan for refills. Since cruise ships don’t have full-service pharmacies, you’ll have to:
Stock up before your trip by working with your doctor to get extended prescriptions.
Arrange for medication deliveries at specific ports where you can pick them up.
Carry extra doses in case of delays or unexpected itinerary changes.
Some medications may be difficult to access in certain regions, so it’s crucial to plan ahead.
Emergency Evacuations Can Be Costly
If you experience a serious medical emergency, you may need to be airlifted from the ship to the nearest hospital. This is known as a medical evacuation, and it can cost tens of thousands of dollars—sometimes more than $100,000—depending on your location.
To protect yourself financially, consider:
Cruise travel medical insurance: Many third-party insurers offer policies that include emergency medical evacuation coverage. These typically cost 5% to 7% of your trip cost.
Cruise line insurance plans: Some cruise lines offer their own medical insurance, but coverage levels vary.
Supplemental international health insurance: If you plan to retire on a cruise long-term, look for a policy that covers both routine medical care and emergency transport.
The Quality of Onboard Medical Care
Cruise ships must have at least one doctor and medical staff available 24/7, but they are not equipped for major procedures. If you need ongoing treatment, dialysis, or advanced medical care, a cruise ship may not be the best retirement option.
Before deciding to retire at sea, evaluate your health risks and medical needs. If you have a serious condition that requires regular care, staying near major medical facilities on land may be a safer choice.
Can You Handle the Lifestyle?
Retiring on a cruise ship means giving up a traditional home. Some people love the adventure, while others get tired of living out of a suitcase. Consider these factors before committing:
Do you need a home base? Some retirees keep a house or apartment on land as a backup.
How much do you value routine? Cruise itineraries can be repetitive, especially on mass-market ships.
Can you manage your finances remotely? If you need to handle real estate, investments, or bills, you’ll need reliable internet access.
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Staying in Touch with Family
Internet at sea has improved, but it’s still slower and more expensive than what you get at home. Some ships now offer Wi-Fi and cell service, but don’t expect the same quality as on land.
If you plan to retire on a ship, think about how you’ll stay in touch with loved ones. Video calls, emails, and text messages are easy options, but big life events—weddings, birthdays, grandkids’ first steps—may be harder to attend in person.
Is It Worth It?
Retiring on a cruise ship isn’t for everyone, but it’s doable. If you’re financially comfortable, in good health, and love to travel, it could be an exciting alternative to traditional retirement. Just make sure you budget for hidden costs, medical care, and staying connected with family.
Bottom Line
Cruise ship retirement offers adventure, convenience, and a unique lifestyle, but it also comes with financial complexities. From healthcare to long-term budgeting, planning ahead is key to making it work.
If you're considering this unconventional retirement path, ONE Advisory Partners can help you evaluate the financial impact, manage your assets, and ensure long-term security—so you can retire on your terms, stress-free.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call with our team today.
References
Investopedia. (n.d.). How to Retire on a Cruise Ship. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/how-to-retire-on-a-cruise-ship-8760358.
U.S. News & World Report. (n.d.). How to Retire on a Cruise Ship. Retrieved from https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/articles/how-to-retire-on-a-cruise-ship.