Living permanently on a cruise ship might seem like an extravagant fantasy reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Envision days spent lounging by the pool or exploring exotic locales, and nights filled with dancing and live entertainment—all without the hassle of cooking, cleaning, or navigating traffic.
However, some have found a way to make this dream a reality at a cost comparable to renting on land. Upworthy has previously highlighted individuals who have managed to afford a permanent cruise lifestyle, and one standout story is that of Ryan Gutridge, who spends approximately 300 nights a year aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas.
Gutridge, an IT engineer for a cloud solutions provider, has managed to seamlessly integrate his work with his life at sea. He handles meetings and projects from the ship, while also enjoying social activities and personal time. “I do my work in the mornings and afternoons but also have the freedom to enjoy lunch, socialize, and meet people at the gym,” he told Insider. “I’ve even formed lasting connections with other passengers and have had the pleasure of seeing some of them return for multiple cruises.”
The cruise ship lifestyle has had a positive impact on Gutridge’s mental well-being. “Working from home felt isolating. I don’t have children or pets, so it was easy to become withdrawn. Cruising has helped me become more social and engaged,” he shared.
So how does Gutridge manage the financial aspects of his unique lifestyle?
“I use a spreadsheet to track all my expenses and set a yearly budget,” he explained. “This year, my budget for the base fare is around $30,000. When I compared this to the rent and utility costs for an apartment in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, it was almost identical.”
Currently, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Fort Lauderdale costs around $2,088 per month, totaling approximately $25,000 annually. Gutridge has found that loyalty programs are crucial to maintaining his cruise lifestyle affordably. “By frequently cruising with Royal Caribbean, I’ve moved up in their loyalty program. This has earned me perks like free drinks and internet,” he said. He advises others interested in this lifestyle to choose a cruise line, stick with it to build loyalty rewards, and explore different brands to find the best fit.
When he’s not on the ship, Gutridge takes care of medical appointments and spends time with friends. Back on board, his routine includes working weekdays, maintaining a healthy diet, and working out at the gym. Weekends are reserved for relaxation and enjoying a few drinks. He also takes occasional days off to explore new destinations when the ship docks at appealing locations.
Gutridge hopes to eventually sell his apartment and car, making his primary residence the Royal Caribbean ship. “I’ve built strong relationships with the ship’s crew, who feel like family,” he said. “I joke that I have 1,300 roommates, but it’s true—I’ve grown close to the people here and don’t want to start over on another ship.”
Gutridge’s story illustrates how one can creatively balance work and leisure, living a life of adventure while managing costs effectively.