# Would you consider living on a cruise ship for three years? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Tags:** vacation-travel\ **Created:** [March 3, 2023, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649 "2023-03-03T13:23:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/41 "2023-03-03T15:28:49Z")
It’s not stated that excursions are included, so that’s a consideration. A surprising number of people functionally live on cruise ships. There are options with much lower rates than this one. ---
**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/42 "2023-03-03T15:44:13Z")
Not only lower rates, but better conditions - if I want to cruise three weeks a month and spend one week a month with my daughter and fit all my routine medical appts into that week, I can do it without committing to and having to pay for three years of cruising in advance. Which is my biggest problem - even if I share the cabin with another couple , that will have to be worked out in advance, and what if we both have family weddings for the same week in June 2025? ---
**Author:** ![Heracles](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heracles/32/487_2.png) [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/43 "2023-03-03T16:09:03Z")
Before the pandemic, I enjoyed a few week-long cruises in the Caribbean. I really liked the experience overall… because it lasted a week. I could do 2 weeks for a transatlantic crossing, etc. But would I repeat that same thing for 150 weeks? Same food, same entertainment, same tiny shower, etc.? Not at this point in my life. But I like to keep in mind that many seniors are basically living a similar experience, with wildly varying levels of luxury, at retirement homes everywhere, and they don’t necessarily have an ocean view. I remember hearing of an older lady who spent basically the entire year doing back-to-back cruises on regular cruise ships like mine, and thinking at least she got several choices of breakfast and nice changes of scenery, compared to some retirees I’ve known. One aspect that I would fear on this 3-year adventure would be the sense of entitlement. On a 1-week cruise, most passengers act as guests. On a 3-year cruise, I think some passengers would start acting as if they owned the place. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/44 "2023-03-03T16:10:08Z")
I agree that 3 years is a huge commitment! For fun, my wife and I just set up a fantasy cruise itinerary using last-minute fares and could probably get ourselves all over the world, cruise to cruise with a hotel/bathtub/laundry day or so in between for less than mortgage payments and much less than a hotel, even in an upgraded room. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/45 "2023-03-03T16:16:56Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > > [@fordgt100](#): > > > > Trapped on a ship w/ yuppies and wealthy people. > > No, trapped on a ship with middle class wrinkly people. Yeah. I knew a couple that took a one year round-the-world cruise on Holland America Line, (with daughter and nanny) They had one of two Penthouse suites. It was about $1 million. If you’re going to do it, do it right. No way I’d take an interior windowless cabin. ---
**Author:** ![Dead\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Dead\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dead_Cat)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/46 "2023-03-03T16:21:10Z")
A few years ago, just before we had our first child, my wife and I went on a 5-day ‘mini-cruise’ and really enjoyed it. It’s definitely something we’d like to do again, but right now it’s not really affordable, especially with the kids. In principle, if it were just me, I think I could see myself doing this - it does look good value. I don’t care about tiny living quarters - I’m only going to be spending about a third of my time in them, almost all of which will involve sleeping. Others have correctly pointed out there is a risk of the experience not being as good as it looks - so maybe it’s only a sensible choice if it’s with a company you have enjoyed cruising with before. In reality, I’d probably miss my friends and family too much to go the whole hog - I’d probably rather spend a much smaller amount on a more typical ‘round the world’ cruise, for say 3 months max. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/47 "2023-03-03T16:32:39Z")
Three years of someone else deciding where you go, where you sleep, and what you eat? Just join the navy. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/48 "2023-03-03T16:36:35Z")
If I had not a friend or family I care for. Or a house to live in. Say living under a bridge but wealthy. I’d think about it. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/49 "2023-03-03T16:37:26Z")
Hard pass, I’m afraid, as boats tend to sink from under me. I’d likely not even get out of the first port before the damn thing went to the bottom. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/50 "2023-03-03T16:38:15Z")
> [@susan](#): > > Even small cruise ships have public areas and services, which may include multiple dining areas, a shop, exercise equipment, dancing and stretching on deck, open walking areas, a small pool, hot tubs, a sauna, bars, ice cream, coffee, a library, a computer center, lectures, shows, movies, basic medical, laundry. etc. as well as televisions in the cabins. The bird watching is often quite good, and you can join or avoid people. Can I touch grass? Watch leaves unfurl on trees? dig in the soil? Watch TV by myself after my husband goes to bed? Go to a square dance with my friends? plan my own meals? Wake up to the morning sun? > [@Heracles](#): > > But I like to keep in mind that many seniors are basically living a similar experience, with wildly varying levels of luxury, at retirement homes everywhere, and they don’t necessarily have an ocean view. Yes, if I couldn’t live on my own, and needed that kind of support, the cruise option would be more appealing. But most retirement homes include exterior windows for residents, and many have outdoor areas with growing plants. And…very few people look forward to being trapped in a retirement home. It’s certainly not something I would pay for at this point in my life. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/51 "2023-03-03T16:38:49Z")
I could posibly do this for one month out of the year, assuming the ports were interesting. But no way for an extended trip like this. And I’d spring for an outside cabin with a balcony. I’ve been on one cruise and it was acceptable, but not huge amounts of fun. We are however looking at small sailing boat cruises (think 20-30 passengers) for a week or so. That seems more our speed. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/52 "2023-03-03T16:43:08Z")
If you think about the “vanlife” demographic who are making a _shit-ton_ of money as content creators … I could – in another life – see myself taking this one on as a job for three years. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/53 "2023-03-03T16:45:27Z")
Reading, the article linked in the OP, I gather this is tailored for people who miss the lockdown. It’s more geared for remote workers than for retirees or people who want to take three years off work. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/54 "2023-03-03T16:52:06Z")
Variety isn’t a big issue. Here’s most of the seafood buffet night options on the small-ship cruise I just did. [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKcUj3BZL-JH147qv3NFH0N1LMtLW60ThbLZhdFQOkNdBIpurSmIsbHqvLOmx-c3EXjMwrThyrSSQsVlUlBx3GyWqSax4ZJuar4rodhCKsJeWW3NBSpIzoaMs43wFsYS7whfg9q6b3YGyjm6S4bU3FmIwzoR8Hmm-MCvXi1FvlEW-bA8sagF04BQV/s4032/20230301_182532.jpg) ](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKcUj3BZL-JH147qv3NFH0N1LMtLW60ThbLZhdFQOkNdBIpurSmIsbHqvLOmx-c3EXjMwrThyrSSQsVlUlBx3GyWqSax4ZJuar4rodhCKsJeWW3NBSpIzoaMs43wFsYS7whfg9q6b3YGyjm6S4bU3FmIwzoR8Hmm-MCvXi1FvlEW-bA8sagF04BQV/s4032/20230301_182532.jpg) [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HRThikGhXmcQrMY8AvjuuHHTyDn3MAo23XnFD_RJLPMjhc1QfvVGMGvTqO0bi0zf_7TWA3kSdRIsVp4D6iXkSZ-_Xzh5ektM5QLxJuHpniyu9rtspG1jci_z6Q9hLPjOzah4k4qPLrvWsqkk0F22nKlTVd_9_dkUtIYgeWCeeYqe9uJ_HoBT4umV/s4032/20230301_182539.jpg) ](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HRThikGhXmcQrMY8AvjuuHHTyDn3MAo23XnFD_RJLPMjhc1QfvVGMGvTqO0bi0zf_7TWA3kSdRIsVp4D6iXkSZ-_Xzh5ektM5QLxJuHpniyu9rtspG1jci_z6Q9hLPjOzah4k4qPLrvWsqkk0F22nKlTVd_9_dkUtIYgeWCeeYqe9uJ_HoBT4umV/s4032/20230301_182539.jpg) [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1sepMf-w6D2pKLIidNBu9Gb5L29nYuUoUEx8pRyOHd1aRl-3AcTuPK3RQtSKOG2mkCE_DQH9MttMMbVVQO0HtL4GLMqJNIH8dJCTqSrBzv630_GXoNRujfPnOriu2ixGKFYbY1k6nAaVNfjrFXTDKfDs3HPwlposbZxs_7GkmamDGN0q736AQL3l/s4032/20230301_182549.jpg) ](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1sepMf-w6D2pKLIidNBu9Gb5L29nYuUoUEx8pRyOHd1aRl-3AcTuPK3RQtSKOG2mkCE_DQH9MttMMbVVQO0HtL4GLMqJNIH8dJCTqSrBzv630_GXoNRujfPnOriu2ixGKFYbY1k6nAaVNfjrFXTDKfDs3HPwlposbZxs_7GkmamDGN0q736AQL3l/s4032/20230301_182549.jpg) [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrh-FtobCTgJcRyf6LxJgp_VmCEOOhniEE_IQa0OodyA-CLzHLcod1ngMu4IoRKrvp-lIx5DGDfckw6b-RY0zyjqVOafgRDPQXKfcTImasXo_AQAFq66dVEe1QZ-ovx23X1Pp3BpTESJhR1iP8t-jhfwrJs8jaFWGUKhhI_-2fMRQBRJBDMi5BOvv/s4032/20230301_182555.jpg) ](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrh-FtobCTgJcRyf6LxJgp_VmCEOOhniEE_IQa0OodyA-CLzHLcod1ngMu4IoRKrvp-lIx5DGDfckw6b-RY0zyjqVOafgRDPQXKfcTImasXo_AQAFq66dVEe1QZ-ovx23X1Pp3BpTESJhR1iP8t-jhfwrJs8jaFWGUKhhI_-2fMRQBRJBDMi5BOvv/s4032/20230301_182555.jpg) [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRzh39mafi0GM9HZ5XdzpOHWCg6HI3Ozl4q81bxORphNXeuLMrkH22iUky4GkGMqDsV6Rt6901S-7MY4L0MNzIkvTqP67brTbt_rQIPeW_4b7d9CFst3InQXVcGy9poipUadATvYWTZLwyNV0-lPQeSqcQtgB8BIfTQmUGprnfJAAuZqdNQa3MJ8/s4032/20230301_182619.jpg) ](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRzh39mafi0GM9HZ5XdzpOHWCg6HI3Ozl4q81bxORphNXeuLMrkH22iUky4GkGMqDsV6Rt6901S-7MY4L0MNzIkvTqP67brTbt_rQIPeW_4b7d9CFst3InQXVcGy9poipUadATvYWTZLwyNV0-lPQeSqcQtgB8BIfTQmUGprnfJAAuZqdNQa3MJ8/s4032/20230301_182619.jpg) [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEO7OkfbTS6hYc1xeFUN9WURbJs8-IeebZMfZ6B5lfPcA-fPgEm9-eyjGgxccTOqmVY6bYTXzMhhwuxlygftWzwWgaGgklJduTB_JDzEECYYa8n-FCIuqnObcJwu53l3fOhU6SbsPyBfqOB461e_QPqXduqWE0mSTpFdWhEVPK3WolTdS08k3WEAG/s4032/20230301_182625.jpg) ](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEO7OkfbTS6hYc1xeFUN9WURbJs8-IeebZMfZ6B5lfPcA-fPgEm9-eyjGgxccTOqmVY6bYTXzMhhwuxlygftWzwWgaGgklJduTB_JDzEECYYa8n-FCIuqnObcJwu53l3fOhU6SbsPyBfqOB461e_QPqXduqWE0mSTpFdWhEVPK3WolTdS08k3WEAG/s4032/20230301_182625.jpg) As to grass and nature, it was winter, but we enjoyed plenty of snow, Northern Lights, birds on waterways, and the occasional reindeer. Cruising isn’t to everyone’s taste, and that’s great. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/55 "2023-03-03T16:57:01Z")
> [@susan](#): > > Variety isn’t a big issue. Not for a 7 or 14 day cruise. But 1000 days? Sure, I can handle tacos every Tuesday, but not the _same_ tacos made by the same people, the same way, week after week. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/56 "2023-03-03T17:00:52Z")
> [@susan](#): > > As to grass and nature, it was winter, but we enjoyed plenty of snow, Northern Lights, birds on waterways, and the occasional reindeer. Cruising isn’t to everyone’s taste, and that’s great. Oh, I think it might be fun for a week or three. But I would spring for a cabin with a window. I really would be sad if I spent too much time waking up in the dark every day. If I can’t afford a cabin with a window, I can’t afford the cruise. I know some people like to sleep in total darkness, but waking up to sunlight makes an enormous difference to my health and happiness. I have an eastern window in my bedroom at home, and make sure the blinds are up before I go to bed. And I’ve arranged my schedule so I almost never have to wake up before dawn. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/57 "2023-03-03T17:09:04Z")
I wonder how many folks who mourn the lack of variety in the food choices really vary their diets all that much as it is. I know I tend to eat the same foods over and over and over again. mmm ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/58 "2023-03-03T17:13:05Z")
Sounds good to me! Granted, my longest period underwater was only seven and a half weeks, but I often go several days at a time without even getting dressed, let alone going outside. And as I sit here at my computer, or lie in bed reading, my back is to the window, so daylight isn’t all that important to me. (I’m seldom up before ten o’clock anyway.) ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/59 "2023-03-03T17:16:19Z")
Pre-pandemic, friends of ours were going on a cruise, then coming home to take care of paying bills, getting the mail, laundry, etc. Then after two weeks at home they’d go on another cruise. Rinse/repeat. They’d accumulated “points” with the cruise line so for them it was affordable. COVID ruined their fun. ---
**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2023, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649/60 "2023-03-03T17:24:51Z")
I don’t know about that - the last cruise I was on had six “classic” entrees on the main dining room menu every night and another five or six that changed each night - I think it’s a 14 night rotation so that’s 75 or so main courses - add another 5 for the pub restaurant and we are up to 80. I don’t think my at-home dinners include 80 entrees even over the course of a year. And that 80 doesn’t include the buffet [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-living-on-a-cruise-ship-for-three-years/980649.md?page=4)