The Cruise Ship Nation

I can't imagine doing that.

If they can afford it....

I don't know about people that LIVE on a cruise ship but there are a lot of people that spend most of their time cruising... there was one woman (not old) that had been on 27 Royal Carribean cruises that I can vividly remember. There are also world cruises (that cost as much as a house itself) that can take up to 1/2 a year to complete. I love cruising but like all good things too much of a good thing..... Thanks Zelo

Uh, I could imagine that. Actually when we went on cruises (we've been on about 4 or 5)...we medical care is NOT cheap. From what I remember they charged 100 USD for the consultation I believe they took your insurance info but you had to get the money back when they filed the insurance. I thought it was crazy. So, no it's not cheap at all. I think it would be really cool to travel so long like months, why not? Especially if you get the money. The only thing I would be worried about? Perhaps the bills! How are they going to get paid? (like such as credit card, etc). I guess you let someone handle that at your house? I can't imagine what you need..like a visa or something if you keep staying on the cruise ship? Who knows? Perhaps someone on here can add more information to the discussion because it's interesting in knowing. Cheers! Pablo

I have heard of this, but don't know anyone personally who has done it. If it is cheaper insurance wise, living expenses, I can understand why someone might do it. Some people live in poor neighborhoods and have not so nice surroundings. To them it is like being on vacation everyday...and you never have to cook..to some that is a blessing. You meet new people.

I would not want to live on a cruise ship! Besides, aren't cruises very expensive? I would want a home on land of some sort, I can't imagine living on a ship. I've also heard stories about people who have been kicked off a ship when they become ill, taken to a hospital on land because the cruise ship company didn't want to be liable for any complications that might occur.

Wow, now that much become very expensive to be able to live on a cruise ship permanently. I know some can be around $700 a passenger for a week but for 4 weeks a month..whew that can ride into some serious money, but then again I guess it wouldn't be any different then paying rent somewhere,electric,water,heat,taxi or car maintaince/insurance,maid service and your monthly food. That in itself can add up to a major penny spending..and they are not alone..they have thousands of people and get out and are able to explore the world. I wouldn't know of a better way to pass on..to be happy..

I have heard of people like that as well. It seems to me they still have to have a mailing address though in order to be able to look after their affairs. Canadians also cannot stay out of the country for more than 6 months of the year, otherwise they loose their health care. One of my former neighbours seems to be fairly well off and goes from one cruise to another. She always travels solo, so that means she is paying the single supplement which costs a fortune and her cat goes to a cat hotel which is not cheap either. Nice life if you can afford it.

They love the sea! but I havent heard of it but what an idea!

Not just for health reasons I have read that some seniors find they get more for their money cruising than in a retirement home.

I'm not really sure. I have never been on a crusie ship before. I would be sea sick from being out on the water all of the time.

I have never heard of that..I think it might be fun for awhile, but i cannot imagine being on a ship all of the time..If they like that its fine,but i do not think it would be the life for me...

I've seen a documentary (or one of those show like Dateline, 20/20 etc...) about health care, nursing home fees and cruise ships. The only thing I remember is the narrator saying it would cost less to live on a cruise ship full time, than it would to live in a nursing home. I hope if it gets to that point in my life, someone chooses to place me on a cruise ship and not in a nursing home.

I have heard of this and it is true. People without family and in rasonable health fiond that it is CHEAPER to liver permanently on a cruyise ship than in an apartment. Think of it for a moment. They get all their meals, use of washing machine, doctor on board and they get to meet new people all of the time. They are waited on hand and foot plus they get a HUGE discount by living all the time on board. They have the use of a gym and pool and a personal trainer on hand. They get a discount with hair being done etc - so many perks. Passports? I don;t think that is a problem as it is a ten year one and they can probably apply on line etc.This is excellent for retired people who do not want to face the daily hassles of life. I know this cruise ship as it docks near to where I work sometimes twice weekly. Excellent post. Blessings

Yes I have heard of people like that. It is mostly single or widowed people with no families and a very good income. They have someone on land in their home town who looks after their affairs, pays their bills, forwards their mail etc. Sometimes they keep an apartment, sometimes not, but they have a permanent address somewhere. I have an aquaintance who spends a good portion of the year on various cruises. All you need is that service to look after your financial affairs, make sure you have a valid passport and enough money and off you go. Also in Canada you have to be back within 6 months for a time, at least in Ontario, so your health insurance stays valid. You need that in case you get tired of cruising or you have health issues that require surgery and or long term care or rehab. You don't get that on a cruise ship. What would compel someone to live on a cruise ship you ask? Well, you meet interesting people all the time, you don't have to feel lonely, if it is the same ship all the time the crew and captain will become your friends. If you have no relatives to leave your money to what a good way to spend it.

I think it would be a wonderful way to retire in such style and see places. I believe that living on the cruise ship is such fun since one get to meet interesting people everyday and never boring because of the activities. The crew are trained to practically roll the red carpet for the passengers so I guess those elderly do get to have the attention that they need.