How about this for a retirement.
By Gary Marsh
@garymarsh6 (23393)
United Kingdom
June 28, 2016 2:21pm CST
Following the discussion about the cruise I just went on and someone who had done 64 cruises. I thought that they must practically live on board. Well never a truer word spoken.
There are some people who do actually live on cruise ships. There is one man who has been cruising for 20 years booking cruises back to back so that he is constantly on a cruise. There are some rich widows who have lived on cruise ships for years on end. So lets have a think about what it would be like.
1. You get your own room.
2. You get to meet new people as people join the cruise every week or two!
3. You get to see the world visiting different ports around the world.
4. All your food is prepared for you as many times as you wish each day and the bonus is no washing up!
5. No beds to make or household chores these are taken care of by the crew.
6. There is on board entertainment every day from bingo to bridge from competitions to cabaret acts. Classical concerts and the casino.
7. There is usually a library on board and a gym and spa, hairdresser.
8. Learn ballroom dancing, listen to enrichment lectures about ports, history learn new skills like cooking, cake decorating etc etc
9. No energy bills you can turn the heating up or aircon up as you feel the need. 10. Feel sick no problem there is a doctor and nurses on board and on call all day 24 hours a day with a fully equipped medical centre.
11. You get discounts for each cruise you are on either on board spending or reductions in future cruising.
12. If you happen to die on board well how do you fancy a burial at sea? (Not really
as you would be off loaded at the next port.
You have to be fit and require no nursing assistance of course.
So would you rather live the high life or live in a nursing home surrounded by other elderly people some of whom may be old moaners and right misery guts. Forgotten by your relatives who have busy lives themselves and may deam to visit you once a month if you are lucky?
Cost wise It seems that it is marginally more expensive to cruise than live on land by around $200.
Of course if you were mega rich you could live aboard in your own apartment on board 'The World' a specially built ship with apartments with one two or more bedrooms that constantly sail around the world stopping at ports the occupants have voted for. It has its own helipad to whisk you off as and when you needed to.
One company is building a medical ship that will take you around the world even if you need nursing care so all is not lost.
So would you like that? Could you live the rest of your days like this? Although it sounds great I am not sure that I could but you never know!
as you would be off loaded at the next port.
You have to be fit and require no nursing assistance of course.
So would you rather live the high life or live in a nursing home surrounded by other elderly people some of whom may be old moaners and right misery guts. Forgotten by your relatives who have busy lives themselves and may deam to visit you once a month if you are lucky?
Cost wise It seems that it is marginally more expensive to cruise than live on land by around $200.
Of course if you were mega rich you could live aboard in your own apartment on board 'The World' a specially built ship with apartments with one two or more bedrooms that constantly sail around the world stopping at ports the occupants have voted for. It has its own helipad to whisk you off as and when you needed to.
One company is building a medical ship that will take you around the world even if you need nursing care so all is not lost.
So would you like that? Could you live the rest of your days like this? Although it sounds great I am not sure that I could but you never know!32 people like this
33 responses
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
28 Jun 16
@garymarsh6 I would get homesick if I was aware for more than a few hours.
5 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 16
I am sure they do so get yourself booked on the Queen Mary and nab one for yourself. You could be on an eternal holiday. Just think how much time you would save on packing and re packing!
6 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 16
@Asylum Blimey did you see that pink elephant just pass my window?
6 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 16
It wouldnt be too long before none of your clothes fitted unless you spent all your free time in the gym!
8 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
1 Jul 16
@garymarsh6 This depends upon the individual. I went on a cruise with another teacher once. She gained twenty pounds. I gained nothing. She ate three times as much as I did. I stopped when i was no longer hungry.
3 people like this
@Inlemay (17714)
• South Africa
30 Jun 16
@garymarsh6 imagine the Pensioners Party of all us Oldies - who says growing older is not FUN - how is the Pound to my Rand looking? Any light at the end of the tunnel?
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
29 Jun 16
Come one and join Princess mylot cruisers ! Haha lets party on down!
2 people like this
@xFiacre (12613)
• Ireland
28 Jun 16
@garymarsh6 I have a friend who has just retired from his job as minister of a Church and he is now employed as chaplin by a cruise company. Its great because although some people like to have such a character to hand they don't really want him hanging around all the time so he rarely has anything to do and he and his wife just swan about smiling and chatting for weeks on end.
5 people like this
@moffittjc (118365)
• Gainesville, Florida
29 Jun 16
Living on a cruise ship wouldn't be that expensive at all. It is very easy to get great cruise deals where you are paying no more than $75 USD per day (if you search hard enough for deals). I'm currently paying about $50 USD per day for my house, but that doesn't include utilities, food, taxes, social activities, etc. So, when you truly factor in everything you are paying to live on land (and don't forget a car payment and fuel for your car), it is almost cheaper to live on a cruise ship! It's such a great idea!
5 people like this
@moffittjc (118365)
• Gainesville, Florida
29 Jun 16
@ElizabethWallace Yeah, as you think about it more, it's not quite as simple as it seems, unless you can work out some special arrangements with the cruise line to help make it easier. I also read recently about a woman who retired and moved into one of those extended stay hotels. In the article, she was talking about how it was cheaper than living in a retirement home, yet still had many of the same amenities. I guess if you get creative enough, there are some interesting things you can do to live in your retirement years. I think these options work well for someone who is in very good health, has good financial resources, and can maintain a certain amount of flexibility.
3 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
29 Jun 16
Short term this looks feasible, but the trips end at some point. You have to have a way to live until the next one starts. I also wonder about prescription medication. It walls be a logistical nightmare.
5 people like this
@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 16
I watched the fairly recent itv program called the cruise.
I saw people on there that were more or less constantly cruising.
Don't think it'd be for me as cruise ships are getting too big and if something bad happens I don't think the crew are adequately trained to deal with it.
Watched quite a few documentaries about cruise ship staffing policy and it doesn't fill me with confidence...I'd like to go on at least one cruise though.
6 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 16
I hope you get the chance one day Mike. It really is quite amazing. The nice thing is to go to Southampton and back far easier than flying I must say!
5 people like this
@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 16
@garymarsh6 my ex was a nurse and she went on a sailing ship with a load of disabled people on a cruise around the UK and Ireland.
I'd like to go on a smaller boat around the whole British Isles calling in at places of interest.
5 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
30 Jun 16
You are a home girl so a bit of both is good!
2 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
1 Jul 16
This is not the life for people who have a group of relatives around. It is, however, an option for those who do not.
2 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
28 Jun 16
Oh yes I would love that Gary!
It is dreaming I am now of that kind of retirement.
A life at sea for me
4 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 16
Haha ok you are on! Where shall we go first? Hawaii, Fiji, Bora bora, Hong Kong, Rio? The world is your oyster!
2 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
29 Jun 16
@garymarsh6 You have to find cruises that let you land near where the next one starts, or pay for a flight.
4 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79571)
• United States
29 Jun 16
It certainly sounds like it would be a fun way to spend retirement and I wonder how much different the cost would be compared to a nursing home.
3 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
29 Jun 16
They compared 13 weeks on a cruise ship compared to renting an apartment, council tax, heating bills and food etc and it worked out about $200 more over the 13 week period! Just think though much nicer food all cooked and served for you and NO WASHING UP!! Woopie!
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
1 Jul 16
@ElizabethWallace Here is a little trick my aunt told me. They always book an inside room because they are much much cheaper than a room with a balcony. They put the television on when they are in the room of the webcam from the bridge which shows a front view of the ship and where it is heading.
To be honest you do not spend that much time in your cabin. You get up take your shower and go off for breakfast only returning to your cabin in the evening to dress for dinner. We usually book a balcony suite but to be honest we rarely spend time on the balcony as we are out and about on the ship.
To be honest I am seriously thinking in future of booking inside cabins as you can save up to £500 ($655 at todays very poor rate) per cabin per cruise.
2 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
1 Jul 16
@garymarsh6 I like the idea of the continued stimulation of visiting new places and meeting new people. I also would enjoy not paying a bunch of different bills, but only paying for the cruise. Where I live is so expensive, living on a cruise ship might even end up less expensive.
When you cruise, do you get an inside room, or one with a window. If inside, did it bother you not to see sunlight when in the room?
2 people like this
@MALUSE (69416)
• Germany
28 Jun 16
I love big ships and take a tour through the harbour of Hamburg whenever I'm there. But I've never felt the urge to go on a cruise.Your list looks enticing but I'm sure you could also compile one with negative items. No 3 and 7 wil soon l become boring. There are only so and so many ports to see or books in a library you haven't read yet.
4 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 16
I might miss the internet too much! It is incredibly expensive to pay for internet on a ship. Each time we were in port we found the nearest restaurant to catch up on emails etc.
5 people like this
@sallypup (57717)
• Centralia, Washington
1 Jul 16
@ElizabethWallace True and this is why we are thinking about moving to another state when hubby retires.
2 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
1 Jul 16
@sallypup I spent a year doing research when I first retired. I thought Hawaii would work for me, but I found the lack of energy of the people to be off-putting. South Orange County in SoCal seems to fit me, but after being here three years, I am a little bored. Not with the weather or the beauty, but I think living on a cruise ship would be more interesting.
You live in a lovely state, but the weather is a challenge. Do lots of research. The website citydata dot com is very informative. Good luck.
3 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
1 Jul 16
You really need to fit the lifestyle you pick, or you would be miserable.
2 people like this
@Fleura (29097)
• United Kingdom
29 Jun 16
I'm not keen on the idea of a cruise, but then I've never been and friends who have been have loved it (like you). And of course it also depends on the alternative - in comparison to an old people's home I would be off like a shot!
I'm afraid I would be a bit claustrophobic though on such a big ship with so many people, if they all started panicking that would be it I think.
4 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
29 Jun 16
Surprisingly despite so many people on the ship all doing their own thing it does not really feel that crowded as there are so many activities going on all day long. Yes there are a lot of people but no more than you would find in a hotel I guess.
3 people like this
@Fleura (29097)
• United Kingdom
29 Jun 16
@garymarsh6 That's true but there's less chance of a hotel sinking! Although of course it could be hit by some other disaster and that would be just as bad.
3 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
29 Jun 16
@Fleura Haha yes I guess that is true but hey stop worrying you would be surprised how nice it is!
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
29 Jun 16
Good idea Judy the continual world cruise.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325333)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 Jun 16
@garymarsh6 Sounds good to me. When I think of those meals.....
1 person likes this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
11 Jul 16
But then someone would lose his job.
2 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
11 Jul 16
@paigea But there isn't always an up side to things. The self checkout at a store is a case in point. You do the job of an employee. He/she get fired. Do they lower the prices for doing this work? No. No upside (except for the greedy store owners, of course.)
1 person likes this
@paigea (35632)
• Canada
11 Jul 16
@ElizabethWallace There is always a down side.
There is always a down side.2 people like this
@celticeagle (158680)
• Boise, Idaho
28 Jun 16
I wonder if in some cases this becomes an addiction. Some facet of it a person becomes addicted to and so the rest is just a plus.
3 people like this
@celticeagle (158680)
• Boise, Idaho
30 Jun 16
@garymarsh6 ....Yes, indeed it is. What a way to live.
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
30 Jun 16
Yes I am sure that for some it is an addiction but a very nice one!
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
30 Jun 16
I have become a bit fed up with flying although I do love travelling. Its the stupid waste of time at the airport although we keep our check in to a minimum these days by only flying business class.
1 person likes this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
1 Jul 16
@garymarsh6 I found it very simple when I had a foot injury, wore a boot on it, and the airlines sent someone with a wheelchair to help me.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
29 Jun 16
There is plenty of variety on the ship these days and it is quite fun. I would love to do a world cruise one day! These last anywhere from 3-4 months!
1 person likes this
@CRK109 (14558)
• United States
29 Jun 16
@garymarsh6 Don't get me wrong, I do love cruises. I've been on quite a few. And I guess after a while I'd forget I was even on the ship. The world cruise does sound interesting. The one I always wanted to do was an Alaska cruise. Everyone who has gone has come back raving about how wonderful it is.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
30 Jun 16
Yes you need to be fit and capable. They do not provide care if you can not look after yourself.
2 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
1 Jul 16
@garymarsh6 So it would be good for the next twenty years or so, then perhaps something on land. Sounds like a good way to spend twenty years.
3 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
1 Jul 16
@ElizabethWallace
And a good way to spend your hard earned money faster than you know.
3 people like this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
1 Jul 16
The amenities you mentioned on board cruise ships are very tempting and everyone would wish to have a taste of it but as you said, it's for those who have much money to spare. So, for us, ordinary, it's only a wish upon a star LOL!
2 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12074)
• United States
1 Jul 16
Maybe yes, and maybe no. I'm going to check this out. I have read a couple of articles, and if they are true, then it would cost me less and be more interesting than living where I do now.
2 people like this
@ModernDayWriter (3319)
• New Delhi, India
28 Jun 16
& one day you will become a hero of "titanic" cruise 
3 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 16
Hope not. That was a terrible disaster in fact any ship sinking is a terrible disaster.
3 people like this
