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Here's Your Chance to Buy a Retired Carnival Cruise Ship

One of Carnival's earliest cruise ships is going up for auction in the UK.

Why buy a dream home or a yacht when you can have an actual cruise ship?

According to The Points Guy , London-based ship auctioneer CW Kellock & Co. is listing one of Carnival Cruise Line ’s earliest vessels, the Holiday , next month. If you happen to have a couple million dollars lying around, it could be all yours.

The former Carnival vessel also sailed for Cruise & Maritime Voyages under the name Magellan since 2015, according to The Points Guy, though it still retained its signature winged funnel (also known as the “whale tail”) that Carnival is known for. The British company has since shut down due to the coronavirus, leaving the Holiday / Magellan without a crew.

The vessel originally set sail in 1985. It weighs 46,052 tons, can cater to 1,860 passengers, and generally had between 660 and 670 crew members on board, according to the listing on the CW Kellock and Co. website. Its length is between 727 and 733 feet and has 12 decks.

It’s currently the second oldest Carnival ship that still exists today. CW Kellock & Co. has a number of other vessels that are going up for auction in October, including the Vasco Da Gama , the Columbus , the Astor , and the Marco Polo , according to CruiseHive . All of these vessels other than the Marco Polo are docked in Port Tilbury in Essex, England.

Anyone who wishes to make a bid can also set up an inspection of the ship with CW Kellock & Co., The Points Guy reported. All bids must be submitted to the company by Oct. 19, 2020. There is currently no pre-auction price estimate for the ship, though The Points Guy estimates it will be for several million dollars.

Bidders should submit their offer in a sealed envelope with the vessel’s current name (Magellan) on it via mail to CW Kellock & Co Ltd, 5th Floor, 2 London Wall Buildings, London EC2M 5PP, U.K., or emailed to directly to kellock@eggarforrester.com, The Points Guy reported.

For more information, visit the CW Kellock & Co. website .

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Old Cruise Ships: Where Are They Now

Published: December 8, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Mamie Blais

• Sustainability

Introduction

Welcome to the fascinating world of retired cruise ships! These majestic vessels have sailed the seas, carrying thousands of passengers on unforgettable journeys. But what happens to these iconic ships once they reach the end of their sailing days? In this article, we will explore the different fates that await retired cruise ships and discover where they are now.

Retirement for a cruise ship is not as simple as docking at a harbor and being left to rust away. The process of retiring a cruise ship involves careful planning and consideration. The ship’s owner must decide whether to repurpose the vessel, sell it for scrap, or find a new role for it in the maritime industry.

Each retired cruise ship has its own unique story, bearing witness to years of oceanic adventures and memories. Some have found new life as floating hotels, while others have been transformed into entertainment venues or even museums. Let’s dive into the various post-retirement destinations that await these magnificent vessels.

But before we embark on this journey, it’s important to note that while some retired cruise ships enjoy a glamorous second life, others end up forgotten, abandoned in scrap yards, a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of maritime glory.

Join us as we unveil the captivating world of retired cruise ships and discover the diverse paths they take after their final voyage. From luxury hotels to training facilities, these retired vessels continue to make an impact, albeit in different ways. Let’s begin our exploration of old cruise ships and where they are now.

The Retirement Process

When a cruise ship reaches the end of its operational life, the retirement process begins. This involves a series of steps to ensure a smooth transition from active service to a new role or final resting place.

The first step in the retirement process is decommissioning the ship. This involves taking it out of service and preparing it for its next phase. The ship’s systems and equipment are thoroughly inspected, and any necessary repairs or upgrades are made. This ensures that the vessel is in a suitable condition for its future use, whether it be as a floating hotel or a museum.

Once decommissioned, the ship is often sold to a new owner. This can be another cruise line looking to expand its fleet or a company interested in repurposing the vessel for a different industry. The sale process typically involves negotiating the terms and conditions, including the purchase price and any additional agreements related to the ship’s future use.

If the retired cruise ship is to be repurposed, extensive modifications and renovations are often undertaken. This can include converting cabins into hotel rooms, adding new amenities and entertainment facilities, and redesigning the ship’s layout to suit its new purpose. These modifications breathe new life into the vessel, allowing it to continue serving a different clientele.

However, not all retired cruise ships find a second life. Some ships, especially those that are older or in poor condition, may be sold to scrap yards. In these cases, the ship is dismantled, and its materials are recycled or sold for scrap. It’s a bittersweet end for these vessels, as they are stripped of their former glory and reduced to their individual components.

The retirement process can be a lengthy and complex journey for a retired cruise ship. From decommissioning and sale to repurposing or scrapping, each vessel’s destiny is unique. The decision-makers involved must weigh various factors, such as market demand, historical significance, and the ship’s condition, to determine the best course of action.

Now that we understand the retirement process, let’s explore some of the fascinating paths that retired cruise ships can take. From luxury floating hotels to interactive museums, the possibilities are endless.

Repurposed as Floating Hotels

One popular fate for retired cruise ships is to be transformed into floating hotels. These captivating vessels offer a unique accommodation experience, allowing guests to stay onboard and enjoy the amenities and ambiance of a luxury cruise ship.

Repurposing a cruise ship into a floating hotel involves converting the cabins into guest rooms, refurbishing the public areas, and adapting the ship’s infrastructure to meet the needs of hotel guests. The result is a one-of-a-kind lodging option that combines the comforts of a hotel with the charm and allure of a maritime setting.

These floating hotels can be found in various locations across the globe, serving as iconic landmarks in bustling cities or serene waterfront destinations. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, indulge in onboard dining options, and even take part in activities such as spa treatments or swimming in onboard pools.

One notable example of a repurposed cruise ship is the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. This legendary ocean liner, which once sailed the transatlantic route, has been transformed into a stunning floating hotel. Visitors can explore the ship’s rich history, admire its Art Deco design, and enjoy luxurious accommodations.

Another renowned floating hotel is the Sunborn Yacht Hotel in London. This elegant vessel offers a lavish experience with its spacious suites, gourmet restaurants, and panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline. Guests can immerse themselves in the maritime atmosphere while enjoying the convenience and comfort of a modern hotel.

Repurposing retired cruise ships as floating hotels provides a new lease on life for these magnificent vessels. It allows them to continue providing exceptional experiences to guests, albeit in a different capacity. Guests can relish the nostalgia and grandeur of a bygone era while creating new memories within the luxurious confines of a floating hotel.

Next, let’s set sail to the world of entertainment as we explore how some retired cruise ships have been transformed into vibrant party venues and entertainment hubs.

Transformed into Party Ships

Some retired cruise ships have found new life as party ships, offering a thrilling and vibrant experience for those seeking a unique entertainment venue. These transformed vessels serve as the ultimate party destinations, hosting events, concerts, and themed parties that attract an energetic crowd.

When a cruise ship is repurposed into a party ship, it undergoes extensive renovations to create a dynamic and immersive party atmosphere. The ship’s interiors are transformed with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, vibrant decorations, and themed spaces designed to enhance the party experience.

These party ships offer an array of entertainment options, including live music performances, DJ sets, dance floors, and bars serving cocktails and refreshments. Guests can dance the night away under the stars on the ship’s deck or explore different themed zones within the vessel, each offering its own unique party ambiance.

One famous example of a party ship is the Ibiza Boat Party. This retired cruise ship sails the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, offering an electrifying party experience in one of the world’s most iconic party destinations. Guests can enjoy live DJ sets, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere as they cruise along the dazzling coastlines.

Another renowned party ship is the Groove Cruise. This floating festival takes place on a repurposed cruise ship, with multiple stages hosting world-class DJs and musicians. Passengers can mingle with like-minded partygoers, revel in the energetic performances, and enjoy the amenities and accommodations provided by the ship.

Transforming retired cruise ships into party ships breathes new life into these vessels and allows them to continue creating unforgettable experiences for party enthusiasts. The combination of a unique venue, thrilling entertainment, and the allure of sailing the high seas makes party ships a sought-after destination for those seeking a truly extraordinary party experience.

Next, let’s explore how some retired cruise ships have been transformed into captivating museums, preserving their history and allowing visitors to step back in time.

Converted into Museums

Retired cruise ships hold a wealth of historical significance, and many of them have been transformed into captivating museums, preserving their legacy and offering visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about the maritime history.

When a cruise ship is converted into a museum, it undergoes a meticulous restoration process to recreate the original interiors and preserve the ship’s architectural and design elements. Exhibits are curated to tell the story of the ship’s history, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that provide insights into the vessel’s voyages, passengers, and crew.

One iconic example of a transformed cruise ship museum is the SS United States, once proudly known as the fastest ocean liner in the world. This historic ship has been converted into a museum in Philadelphia, allowing visitors to explore the vessel’s luxurious cabins, grand ballrooms, and engine rooms. The exhibits shed light on the ship’s role in transatlantic travel and its significant place in maritime history.

Another renowned cruise ship turned museum is the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), which sailed the seas for nearly 40 years. This legendary ocean liner has been transformed into a floating museum in Dubai, offering visitors the opportunity to step aboard and immerse themselves in the grandeur of the ship’s past. The QE2 museum preserves the vessel’s history through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and captivating storytelling.

Converted cruise ship museums provide a unique and immersive experience for visitors, transporting them to a different era and allowing them to explore the maritime world. As they walk through the preserved cabins, dining halls, and observation decks, visitors gain a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and innovation of these iconic vessels.

By repurposing retired cruise ships into museums, their historical significance is safeguarded, and their stories are kept alive for future generations to appreciate and admire. These museums serve as important cultural landmarks, paying homage to the maritime heritage and the remarkable achievements of these magnificent ships.

Next, let’s discover how retired cruise ships are utilized as training facilities, providing invaluable opportunities for aspiring mariners and maritime professionals.

Used as Training Facilities

Retired cruise ships are often repurposed as training facilities, offering aspiring mariners and maritime professionals a unique learning environment to gain hands-on experience and practical skills.

Utilizing retired cruise ships as training facilities provides a realistic and immersive setting for students and trainees to understand the complexities of operating and managing a vessel. These facilities offer a wide range of training programs, including navigation and seamanship, engine maintenance, safety procedures, and more.

One prominent example of a retired cruise ship used as a training facility is the SS Rotterdam in the Netherlands. This historic ocean liner has been transformed into a maritime school, providing comprehensive training programs for future deck officers, engineers, and hospitality professionals. Students have the opportunity to navigate the ship’s simulated bridge, work in the engine rooms, and learn the intricacies of customer service in onboard restaurants and accommodations.

Another renowned training facility is the Training Ship Golden Bear, a former cruise ship converted into a maritime training vessel for the California Maritime Academy. This ship offers hands-on training in various disciplines, including navigation, engineering, and maritime operations. Students live and work onboard, simulating real-life scenarios and gaining valuable practical experience.

Using retired cruise ships as training facilities offers a unique advantage over traditional classrooms and simulators. Trainees can apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, learning from experienced professionals and simulating real-world scenarios. The authentic ship environment allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and responsibilities involved in maritime professions.

Additionally, these training facilities offer a glimpse into the operational procedures and inner workings of a cruise ship, offering valuable insights into the complexities of the maritime industry. They serve as a bridge between the academic and practical aspects of maritime education, preparing students for real-world challenges and ensuring they are well-equipped to embark on their careers.

Next, let’s explore what happens to retired cruise ships that have reached the end of their useful life and are destined for the scrap yard.

Relegated to Scrap Yards

For some retired cruise ships, the end of their operational life marks a somber journey to the scrap yard. These once majestic vessels, with their rich history and captivating stories, are dismantled and recycled, bringing an end to their maritime legacy.

When a cruise ship is deemed unfit for further use or repurposing, it may be sold to a scrap yard. The ship is then towed to a facility where it will undergo the process of breaking, also known as ship breaking. This involves disassembling the ship and recycling its components and materials.

The ship breaking process is labor-intensive and meticulous. Skilled workers meticulously dismantle the vessel, salvaging valuable materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper. These materials are then recycled and used in various industries, contributing to sustainability efforts and reducing the demand for new raw materials.

Ship breaking yards, located in various parts of the world, handle the dismantling process. These yards employ safety protocols and environmental measures to minimize the impact on the surrounding ecosystems. However, concerns have been raised about the environmental and human rights aspects of ship breaking, highlighting the need for responsible and ethical practices in this industry.

While it may be a solemn fate for retired cruise ships, their journey to the scrap yard serves as a reminder of the transient nature of maritime vessels. The ship’s end-of-life is an opportunity to reflect on its history, the memories created by passengers and crew, and the impact it had on the world of cruising.

It’s worth noting that efforts are being made to repurpose and recycle retired cruise ships in more sustainable and environmentally conscious ways. Initiatives are being explored to convert retired vessels into artificial reefs, providing habitats for marine life and promoting biodiversity. These innovative approaches aim to balance the preservation of maritime heritage with environmental stewardship.

As the years go by, more retired cruise ships will likely find their way to scrap yards. However, the memories and impact of these remarkable vessels will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who crossed their decks and experienced the wonders of a cruise.

With our exploration of the different post-retirement destinations of cruise ships coming to a close, we can reflect on the diverse paths these vessels take once their voyages come to an end. From floating hotels and party ships to museums and training facilities, each retired cruise ship finds its own unique purpose, leaving a lasting legacy in the maritime world.

The journey of a retired cruise ship goes beyond its final voyage. These magnificent vessels find new life in various forms, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. From repurposed floating hotels to vibrant party ships, captivating museums, and training facilities, each retired cruise ship takes on a unique role in its post-retirement phase.

Transformed into floating hotels, these retired ships offer guests the opportunity to indulge in the luxurious amenities and ambiance of a cruise ship while enjoying breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Party ships bring an energetic and vibrant atmosphere, hosting events and themed parties that create memories that last a lifetime.

Converted cruise ship museums preserve the history and legacy of these iconic vessels, allowing visitors to step back in time and learn about their maritime heritage. They serve as cultural landmarks, paying homage to the achievements and innovations of these majestic ships.

Utilized as training facilities, retired cruise ships provide invaluable opportunities for aspiring mariners and maritime professionals to gain practical experience in a realistic and immersive environment. These hands-on learning environments bridge the gap between theory and practice, shaping the next generation of skilled professionals in the maritime industry.

However, not all retired cruise ships find a new purpose. For some, their final destination is the scrap yard, where they are dismantled, and their materials are recycled. While this marks the end of their physical presence, their legacy lives on, reminding us of the transient nature of maritime glory.

The journey of a retired cruise ship is filled with a mix of emotions – from nostalgia to excitement, and sometimes even sadness. Yet, it serves as a testament to the lasting impact these vessels have on the world of cruising and the memories they create for passengers and crew alike.

As we bid farewell to the retired cruise ships and their post-retirement destinations, let us appreciate the beauty, history, and significance these vessels hold. Their stories continue to inspire maritime enthusiasts and remind us of the wonders of the sea.

Whether repurposed, reimagined, or relegated to the scrap yard, retired cruise ships leave an indelible mark on our collective memory and remain a symbol of adventure, luxury, and the timeless allure of the open ocean.

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Here’s What an Entire Cruise Fleet Sold for at Auction

• November 8, 2020

The Cruise & Maritime Voyages fleet auction is over, with five ships heading to new owners or to scrap, and the values have finally been revealed as buyers were able to get cruise ships for pennies on the dollar during the sealed bidding process.

The Results:

Vasco Da Gama Built: 1992 Tonnage: 55,451 Capacity: 1,258 Guests Buyer: Mystic Invest Sales Price: $10,187,000 History:  Originally operated by Holland America, the ship was built in 1992. The original S-Class ship, it sailed as the Statendam until 2015, when Carnival Corp. transferred it to P&O Australia where it sailed as the Pacific Eden, along with its sister ship, the Pacific Aria, the former Ryndam. Moving under the CMV umbrella in 2019, the Vasco da Gama operated for the TransOcean brand in the German-speaking market.

Columbus Built: 1988 Tonnage: 63,500 Capacity: 1,400 Guests Buyer: Seajets Sales Price: $5,321,000 History: Built in 1988, the Columbus was originally ordered by Sitmar Cruises as the Fair Majesty. While still under construction, the company was sold to Princess Cruises, who took over its operation, and the ship then became the Star Princess. After nearly a decade sailing for Princess, the vessel was transferred to P&O Cruises UK as the Arcadia in 1997. She then spent time with both Ocean Village and P&O Australia before joining CMV in 2017

Astor Built: 1987 Tonnage: 20,704 Capacity: 650 Guests Buyer: Projected to be scrapped Sales Price: $1,710,000 History:  In service since 1987, the Astor was built in Germany to offer a five-star luxury soft adventure product in the British market. A year later, the vessel was sold to Soviet owners, becoming the FedorDostoyevskiy. After years sailing chartered to European tour operators, the vessel got its original name back and in 1996 was acquired by TransOcean Tours. In 2013, it was chartered to CMV for a new operation in Australia. The British cruise line later acquired TransOcean Tours to focus on the German market.

Magellan   Built: 1985 Tonnage: 46,052 Capacity: 1,452 Guests Buyer: Seajets Sales Price: $3,431,000 History:  In service since 1985, the Magellan was built for Carnival Cruise Line as the Holiday. Following a major refit in 2009, the ship was transferred to IberoCruceros to begin operating in the Spanish market as the Grand Holiday. With the demise of the Ibero brand in 2014 the ship was sold to CMV.

Marco Polo Built: 1965 Tonnage: 22,000 Capacity: 820 Guests Buyer: Projected to be scrapped Sales Price: $2,770,000 History:  A former ocean liner, the Marco Polo was built in 1965 as the Aleksandr Pushkin for the Leningrad/Montreal route. After serving its original purpose until the 1970s, the vessel started to sail as a cruise ship under charter agreements. In 1991, it was sold to Orient Lines and renamed Marco Polo. In Greece, the vessel was rebuilt as a true cruise ship, also receiving new engines.

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How to Buy a Cruise Ship?

If you've got the urge to throw away some money to buy a cruise ship, you should have a banker on speed dial or pretty deep pockets. It's not often that you find a classified ad like "cruise ships for sale". However, it does happen from time to time.

Cruise ships range in price from USD 2 to 350 million and come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. It's rare to find a big cruise ship priced at less than a few million, although it's certainly not impossible. If you are seriously intending to buy a cruise ship, then you know how you will finance the purchase. Just find your price range.

How much does it cost to buy a cruise ship?

Do you wish to have your own cruise ship built? Naturally, the vessel's size will have an effect on the money. At the following links, you can compare building costs of cruise ships and also the world's top 50 mega-liners by size and capacity . The current world's largest passenger ship (228,081-ton Symphony Of The Seas ) costs the shipowner Royal Caribbean USD 1,35 billion. An average-sized newbuild liner costs USD 700-800 million.

There are shipbrokers who might be able to help you purchase a ship built in the 1980s or 1990s, which was popular in the time, but the cruise line that owned it moved on to better vessels. Such a classic ship might set you back as little as USD 10-20 million. Of course, like any used vessel, it is going to need a huge investment to get it into shape to carry passengers, and bring it up to current maritime safety standards and upgrade it with the latest amenities. For example, in 2013 the refit of Carnival Destiny (now Carnival Sunshine ) cost the shipowner Carnival Corporation about USD 155 million. When built new in 1996 the ship cost about USD 400 million.

Simply put, purchasing a cruise ship is an expensive proposition. But don't be upset – perhaps you'll be more than happy renting a cabin for a week as a cruise passenger.

Cruise Ships for Sale

There are various reasons why an individual owner or cruise line may put a cruise ship up for sale. The reasons may include the ship being outdated or the owner not being able to maintain it. Here are a few pointers to help you if in the market for cruise ships.

Determine the type of cruise ship that will best meet your needs:

• Five-star cruise ships; Three-star ships; Floating hotel ships;
• Ocean liners; River cruise boats;
• Luxury catamarans; Casino ships;
• 1,500-passenger ships; 100-passenger ships.

Do you need a 40-meter luxury catamaran, a 140-meter luxury cruise ship, or maybe a 240-meter classic cruise liner? Determine the size that will best suit your purposes.

Where to Find Cruise Ships for Sale?

Here is a list of places on the Internet that regularly advertise cruise ships for sale:

• Appolo Duck Commercial Listings (commercial.apolloduck.com)
• Homestead.com
• MegaYachtsOnline.com
• ShipTraders.com
• WorkBoatsInternational.com

Cruise ship construction is handled predominantly by European and Asian shipbuilding companies. The leading shipyards are owned by Fincantieri (Italy), Meyer Werft (Germany, Finland), STX France, and MHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan).

Refitting may be required as part of the transfer of the cruise ship. Each cruise line features its own livery (insignia, symbols, uniforms) which may be displayed throughout the vessel. Probably, you will be required to remove any branded materials or trademarked symbols and come up with your own original name and design.

Depending upon your dream, the ship you buy may be repurposed to meet your ideas. For example, many liners were repurposed as cruise ships when cruising became popular. There were also cruise ships that were repurposed as floating hotels. Floating casinos are very popular, as well. And since cruise ships often change hands multiple times, repurposing a vessel for its new role is very common.

The private cruise ship MS The World is a floating residential community owned by citizens of 19 countries. Navigating around the globe, it stays several days in each port, and its owners actually live on the ship. The itinerary is set by the residents.

The next photo shows in detail the Superyacht Streets of Monaco. The 152-m long ship is lined with scaled-down versions of Monte Carlo's ' most famous buildings. The Grand Prix course version on the yacht doubles as a go-kart course. The ship has swimming pools, cafes, spa, full-size sports court (doubles as a helipad for private helicopters), library, interior parking for smaller boats, mini-submarine. Staterooms (16x VIP Suites) are sized 3800 ft2 (350 m2) each. There are also cabins for the 70 crew and staff members. The Superyacht cost about USD 1 billion.

Homes at Sea

For anyone who has struggled with the idea of spending savings purchasing a home or using it to travel the world, condo voyages present the perfect solution. These floating communities are becoming increasingly popular modes of fulfilling cruise fantasies with no need to leave the comforts of home.

Permanent homes at sea offer all comforts of a studio or multi-bedroom apartment on land, plus unparalleled sea views. The idea is growing more and more popular.

In August 2015, Crystal Cruises announced that its three new cruise ships will have up to 48 residences for sale each, ranging in size from 600 sq.feet to the whopping 4,000. The prices have been quoted as being in the multi-millions, and the cruise ships compared to New York 's uber-luxe Baccarat hotel.

The oldest and largest residential ship on the water is named The World. It first set sail in 2002 and features 165 private residences. The World, which calls itself a "residential yacht", is the most famous ocean residence. Ship's studio apartments are selling for more than USD 1 million, while the top suites are priced at USD 13 million. Added costs can be quite steep. Residents pay annual fees to cover staff wages and maintenance, which can be another 10% of the purchase price. May be life at sea is an opportunity only for cashed-up retirees, not for struggling first-home buyers.

However, residents of such a "community-at-sea" collectively own the cruise ship, and can thus choose their itinerary along with the captain. Last year, The World stopped at 104 ports in 30 countries and covered around 41,000 nautical miles. Its itinerary included three in-depth expeditions: Namibia & Mid-Atlantic, which goes from Cape Town to the Canaries; Greenland Expedition, which explores the Faroe islands; and Antarctica Expedition, which passes through Panama Canal. Residents have visited native tribes in Papua New Guinea, gone scuba diving in St. Barths, kayaked among icebergs and tracked polar bears in the Russian Arctic. In 2012, The World became the biggest passenger ship to make it through Northwest Passage, a sea route through the Arctic.

Each unit on The World features a kitchen (there is even a grocery shop onboard, as well as a wealth of port calls in which to stock up), living and dining areas, multiple verandas depending on the apartment size and en-suite bathrooms for every bedroom. The luxury ship features a 7,000-sq. foot spa and gym, two pools, a jogging track, a tennis court, and golf facilities, as well as four restaurants, a grill, a deli, five bars, a tea room and private chefs for hire. Just like a true floating village, the vessel also has a movie theater, art gallery, library, chapel, medical center, florist and a constant stream of activities, such as classes in cooking, arts & crafts and dance, lectures and plays, and nightly entertainment. The concierge is able to organize access to exclusive events and all reservations around the world. The average age of the residents aboard The World is 64, with a solid 35% under 50. Most residents use the condos as second homes, and stay on board for a few months at a time, renting out their sea homes for the rest of the year.

Due to set sail in late 2016 or early 2017 is The Marquette, a 200-unit residential ship that will navigate inland waters in the United States. Planned features include theatres, hot tubs, a grocery store, and an 18-hole chip-and-putt golf course. The Marquette is already pre-sold, with prices ranging from the more affordable USD 327,000 up to 1,2 million.

Also making her maiden voyage soon is MS Utopia - the USD 1.5-billion liner is near twice the size of MS The World. The vessel has a total of 200 residential/condo units and 16 smaller cabins for tutors and nannies. The cruise apartments are on sale between USD 4-30 million. The annual maintenance fee for "ship residents" is ~4.5% of the list price. The American businessman Bill Powers shared his plans to buy a 3-bedroom suite on Utopia Residences:

“This satisfies my wanderlust desire without the inconvenience of packing, unpacking, going through customs, avoiding the wear and tear of travel.”

Living in a condo cruise ship helps to avoid common travel hassles like packing, unpacking, customs, lost luggage, etc. It also means traveling with an international set of neighbors. Resident families on The World come from 19 different countries, while the crew of 260 - from 40. Residents enjoy up to 5-day stops at each port and have the chance to join or leave the vessel at any point because itineraries are set two years in advance.

The sole alternative to such kind of lifestyle is purchasing a yacht, which makes buying a condo aboard a cruise vessel look like a steal.

Cruise ship retirement - cheaper than assisted living on land

Most cruises run from 3 days to 3 weeks, and prices average about USD 150 per day based on double occupancy, depending on the location and size of the room, on the length of the voyage and on the cruise line itself. The average price of independent living facilities is USD 2,000 per month and nearly USD 3,000 per month for assisted living facilities, so on average cruising is more expensive than traditional retirement options... but on average. It may be less than the higher-end facilities that charge USD 6,000 per month or more, and shorter sailings can even be found for USD 100 per day, bringing them close to the price of assisted living facilities.

It’s important to note that not all senior housing types are created equal. Life aboard a cruise ship might compare to expensive dull nursing homes showed in popular media, but the reality is different, and actually luxury senior housing and retirement communities provide many of the same perks that cruise ships do: customized senior nutrition, entertainment, chances to socialize, to name a few. And they are not as expensive as you might think.

Nursing homes and memory care, providing skilled 24-hour nursing, are the pricier options. However, for seniors who don’t need constant care, independent living and retirement communities are far less expensive - they generally cost less than a cruise: sometimes as little as USD 1,500 a month.

As to whether living out your golden years aboard a cruise ship is a viable alternative to spending them in the retirement homes, a Northwestern University geriatrician says such a plan is a cost-effective alternative to assisted living. Dr.Lee Lindquist, an instructor at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, has compared the costs of moving to an assisted-living facility, nursing home and cruise ship (over a 20-year life expectancy), including the expenses of treating acute illnesses, Medicare reimbursement, etc. She determined that the net cost of cruise ship retirement was only about USD 2,000 more than the alternatives (USD 230,000 versus USD 228,000) and offered a higher quality of service. According to Lindquist, the plan would work best for retirees who need minimal care.

"Seniors who enjoy travel, have good or excellent cognitive function but require some assistance with activities of daily living are the ideal candidates for cruise-ship care. Just as with assisted living, if residents became acutely ill or got to the point that they needed a higher level of care, they would have to leave."

Can cruise ship retirement be more cost-effective than the land-based one? Perhaps not if you are paying USD 164,000 per year for a premium berth. For example, prices on a 91-night world cruise aboard a Cruise and Maritime Voyages' ship start at GBP 4,387 per person. For that much, you’ll get meals, accommodation, entertainment and the chance to call at exotic locations on several continents around the world.

Average rents in Britain are GBP 761 per month (or GBP 1,160 in London ). When you add council tax, water, electricity and gas bills, as well as groceries, it’s not hard to see why some retirees opt for a life afloat.

Which is cheaper: renting in London or cruise ship retirement?

• Round-the-world cruise (13 weeks, 91 nights) - GBP 4,390
• Renting in London - GBP 5,040
• Average rent in London - GBP 3,480 (13 weeks x GBP 268 a week)
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• Food - GBP 650 (Based on GBP 50 per week typical household spending, according to ONS).

According to Telegraph Travel's cruise expert Jane Archer, it was not so unusual for men, women, and couples who love cruising to take up residence on a cruise ship. Princess Cruises once told her there were over 100 passengers living on their vessels. Douglas Ward (Berlitz) adds:

"It's a safe, comfortable environment, the crew become your new friends, and medical facilities, should you need them, are close by. And, unlike a retirement home or village, a cruise ship moves to different locations for a fresh view every day or so. So, why not, particularly if you have no immediate family ties?"

For those of you planning to make a cruise ship their home, longer voyages are probably the better option because the same route is not repeated every 7 days as it is on shorter sailings. One might choose one port and board cruises from there and time between sailings would be spent in a hotel. The majority of lines don't offer single rates and single seniors will have to pay 200% of the listed price. However, there are also cruise lines that have single cabins on their cruise ships and offer no single supplement cruises .

The "cruise ship retirement" trend

Within the last couple of years, the notion of cruise ship retirement has started to gain some traction. Though there are currently no "retirement cruise ships," as we said above, it is still possible to book back to back cruises to create a floating cruise ship retirement for slightly more than it costs to reside in the average assisted living communities. Most of you would choose the cruise ships any day, won't you?

Choosing cruise vessels over the soil is not a new concept.

• As far back as 1963, a lady lived full-time in a tiny cabin on Cunard's RMS Queen Elizabeth 2.
• Rosemarie Roberts lodged for nearly 12 years on Royal Viking Line's ships.
• Irma Morgan spent 50 weeks of 2004 and all 2005 on Crystal Harmony (now Asuka 2 ).
• Clair MacBeth lived on a Cunard ship for 14 years.
• Lorraine Artz spends around 10 months per year on Royal Princess .
• As of January 2000, Bea Muller (89) was a permanent resident on RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 until the ship was retired in November 2008. Muller died in 2013.

The story of 89-year-old Bea Muller of Florida is still floating around the Internet. It's said that her husband died on RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 during "world cruise 2001". Faced with moving back home to live in a retirement home alone, Ms.Muller decided to sell everything she owned, and book herself onto the cruise ship one year at a time. Thanks to her frequent discounts, her overall costs amounted to around USD 5,000 per month (since then, cruise prices have increased; also, Ms.Muller's accommodations were windowless and small: a 10x10 foot cabin featuring only a bed, radio, and TV, with a bathroom smaller than an average closet.) However, Ms.Muller was happy with her life at sea:

"I've got full-time maid service, great dining rooms, doctors, medical center (where she volunteers), a spa, beauty salon, computer center, entertainment, cultural activities and, best of all, dancing and bridge."

86-year-old Lee Wachtstatter is another uncommon cruise passenger. Over a decade ago, after the death of her husband, she also decided to sell her Florida home and relocate to a cruise ship. In an interview with USA Today, she explains that her husband Mason introduced her to cruising and taught her to love it. During their 50-year marriage, they took 89 cruises.

The day before her husband died of cancer in 1997, he told Lee, 'Don't stop cruising.’ And she certainly took this request to heart as three years were spent onboard a Holland America ship and then she’s been a resident on 1,070-passenger Crystal Serenity for seven years - longer than most of the 655 crew members, who gave her the nickname “Mama Lee”.

Wachtstatter estimated that her “stress-free, fairy-tale” lifestyle cost her about USD 164,000 (GBP 108,000) per year, which covered the cost of her single cabin, meals in premium dining venues, gratuities and various activities including needlepoint classes and ballroom dancing with cruise hosts.

While few have spent quite as long at sea, Lee Wachtstatter is not the only full-time resident of the line. Crystal Cruises told USA Today that at least three other ladies live permanently on its ships.

Several lines offer world voyages that can last three months or longer. For example, Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 offers a world cruise lasting 108 days and 3 of these back to back span for almost one year. The least expensive accommodation aboard is an inside room for USD 16,845 (based on double occupancy and early booking). This works out to USD 155 per day to sail the world, including meals, amenities, and housekeeping, not to mention being able to tell all your friends that you have retired on QE2. Unlike many other lines, Cunard offers single rooms, starting at USD 24,180 for an inside on the 108-day cruise.

However, fares are for the cruise only and don't include taxes, airfare to the point of departure, gratuities or port excursions. Cruises of nearly any length up to 3 months can be easily found by shopping around the Internet or through a cruise travel agent. Princess Cruises offers a 102-day world voyage for USD 19,990 (inside room). Other lines include Holland America , Norwegian , and Radisson, offering discounts to travelers 55 and above, which may reduce prices for cruise ship retirement, making it a more affordable option.

Can you really retire on a cruise ship?

In 2017, a UK-based company (Bolsover Cruise Club) created a cruise ship retirement package making it possible to spend one's golden years on a year-round around the world cruise . The package cost only GBP 140 per month more than land-based retirement would cost.

Based on the UK's average wage of GBP 26,500, in theory, one would have been required to save an average of GBP 711 per month (if starting work at the age of 22) to afford the cost of “normal” retirement. Bolsover’s retirement cruise travel (the whole year-round cruising) costs GBP 34,439 PP, which would require you to save GBP 850 per month – an increase of only GBP 139 per month.

What does the new package include? Besides all fare-included amenities and onboard activities, this type of travel offers for just GBP 4,439 more per year to swap the UK's never-ending rain with tropical sunshine. Based on a 12-month cruise itinerary, retirees could expect to visit New Zealand, Australia, Pacific Ocean islands, USA, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, canaries. These exotic travel destinations would be visited while aboard some of the world’s finest cruise liners with 24/7 entertainment, spas, gourmet dining.

Cons of cruise ship retirement

• Cost is only one of many elements to your choice of where to reside after retirement. Those of the golden agers who decide to make permanent homes aboard cruise ships always sacrifice proximity to their families who are no longer just a car ride away. Those devoted to children and grandchildren might find that too high a price to pay, no matter what the analysts say about relative financial costs. However, if your relatives are close to the coastline where your ship docks frequently, the arrangement could work well.
• Those who lack progeny but are involved in communities or are part of strong friendships may not wish to opt for the vagabond life, as it would mean abandoning all that gives them joy. Cruise ship retirement means one acquaintance after another and no permanent ongoing connections. Fellow travelers disembark to return to regular lives at the termination of 1- or 2-week holidays, which means that friendships struck up with them land very quickly in the "We'll keep in touch" bin. As for the staff, while serial vacationers can strike up deeply friendly relationships with some of the employees, these rapports are actually limited by their nature: no matter how close these associations appear to be, the employees are required to be respectful to paying passengers, so honesty, which is one of friendship-critical elements can never be part of the deal.
• Life onboard a cruise ship does not only mean leaving your relatives and friends, but it also means leaving your doctor. Cruise ships provide medical care, but not geriatric specialists. If you rely on specialists for ongoing health care, have in mind that you won’t receive that level of expertise aboard a cruise ship. Most seniors who consider cruise ship retirement can do so only as long as they stay healthy. Assisted living services are not available at sea. As you will not get specialized medical care, you will not get care for ADLs (Activities of Daily Life), either, and the idea of replacing your nursing home or assisted the living community with a cruise ship is not really a viable option.
• The only affordable cruise accommodations for many are the tiny inside rooms, which may be too tiny and too inside for some passengers. Living without a window for months could make some claustrophobic, even though there are plenty of open spaces on a ship.
• Activities onboard may not be tailored toward seniors. A significant percentage of cruise passengers are always seniors, but that doesn’t mean that cruise directors specialize in activities for seniors. Most of the action will be designed for adults of all ages, and if you want fun and innovative activities targeted at yourself, a senior retirement community is more likely to provide what you want.
• The logistics of permanent living on a cruise ship seem more than impractical. First of all, you cannot bring much more than a suitcase worth of possessions onboard. Forget about packing your favorite painting or sitting chair. That issue aside, it is not as if one could just move onto a boat and live happily ever after. Cruise passengers must disembark when the voyage ends, and make arrangements while the vessel is at the port. Keeping these arrangements month after month is more than burdensome.
• There is no tax deduction for living on a cruise ship. Some CCRCs permit to deduct a portion of the entry and monthly fees as medical expenses, even if you are not using the “care” portion of your retirement facility yet. But if you sell your home and move onto a cruise vessel, you won’t be able to enjoy the benefits of interest deductions from your mortgage (in case it’s not paid off) and you will not garner additional tax deductions.

Pros of cruise ship retirement

Everyday life onboard a cruise ship is similar to living in a retirement community or nice hotel, except that outdoor scenery keeps changing.

• Meals are provided. You can have room service, which means having breakfast in bed every single day of the week. And you’ll never have to wash dishes or make yourself meals like you would in ordinary retirement villages.
• Sheets and towels are changed on a daily basis, and you don't have to ask for them. Cruise ships also provide free toothpaste, soap, and shampoo.
• The staff takes care of the maintenance. Does the light bulb need changing? Is TV broken? Need to have your mattress replaced? They'll fix everything and even apologize for the inconvenience.
• They will treat you like a client, not a patient. Gratuities will only be USD 10 per day. An extra USD 5 worth of tips will have the staff scrambling to help you.
• No worries about transportation. Retirement communities provide easy transportation into town for appointments and shopping, and most also offer trips to the surrounding area. But it doesn’t get easier than having everything you need just a stroll away. And the best of all is no food shopping.
• Nearly limitless activities and entertainment - from shows to spa treatments, swimming, and dancing, cruise ships offer numerous onboard activities, plus shore excursions, tours and themed events.
• Travel the world. Do you want to see Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Tahiti, the Panama Canal, or name where you want to go? Port calls provide an opportunity to visit the land and sightsee. The Internet allows for staying in touch with family back home.
• New, diverse people are coming onboard. Living on one cruise ship lets guests feel at home and get to know the crew. Living in a senior community has lots of benefits, including being surrounded by retirees of your own age. But immersing in a community of people of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens, adults, and seniors may keep you young at heart.
• There is always a doctor on board. And if you are in good health and do not require any specialized care, living on a cruise ship could be an exciting way to kick off retirement. However, as we already pointed out, you should be ready for the possibility of relocating to an assisted living community or CCRC in the future if the circumstances change. The funny side of this, however, is, as follows: If you fall in a nursing home and break your hip, you are on Medicare; but if you fall and break a hip on a cruise ship they'll upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life.

What to consider about cruise ship retirement?

• Are you physically up for it? Remember that cruise ships are not designed to take care of travelers with extensive health care needs. In case you need a lot of day-to-day care or regular trips to the doctor, then a cruise ship does not make sense.
• Can you really afford it, even if you end up needing nursing home care or assisted living later? Before you do any calculations to figure out how many years onboard a cruise vessel selling your home will buy, have in mind that there may come a day when you’ll have to spend the money you have left on nursing home care or assisted living. Even if the cruise ship staff love you, they won’t step into the roles that senior care professionals play when that day comes.
• Will you get health care covered by your insurance while on travel? If you are going to be in and out of various ports, can you consistently reach physicians and hospitals that are covered by your insurance plan? And in case you need care on the ship itself, will the doctor be covered by your insurance plan?
• Can you stay healthy on the cruise ship? Cruise ship food is not exactly the healthiest, although most liners have a fitness center for exercising.
• If you stay on the same cruise ship, you will be visiting the same ports of call over and over again. At a certain point, the equation's “travel” part won’t be novel anymore. A resident ship like The World will all the time take you to new places, but it costs much more. However, a traditional ship will have consistent routes taking you repeatedly to the same spots.
• Are you OK with a rotating community of acquaintances? Retiring on a cruise ship means meeting a lot of new people all the time, but not making long-term connections. Senior loneliness can cause negative consequences and loneliness does not only occur when you are spending all the time solitary. Are you confident that you can be happy without a consistent community surrounding you?
• Where will you stay during maintenance? Cruise ships do not endlessly sail throughout the year and at some point, they have to stop, unload every single passenger and devote a period of time to dry dock . What will you do then?
• Are you willing to give up most of the things you possess? Cruise ship staterooms are not known for spaciousness and are already furnished so you cannot bring your favorite recliner and there is not much room for your stuff.

Retirement on cruise ships is not an official industry - yet. However, its time is coming as more and more adventurers seek new options for retirement. Even without designated cruise ships, retirees can design their own retirement at sea. It may cost more than an average assisted living but spending days lounging on the deck, ordering stateroom service, having attentive staff at hand and being treated like a client instead of a patient, sounds hard to beat. For snowbirds who shutter their winter homes and travel to warmer climates for 6 months per year, living on a cruise ship may be an alternative to Florida. And for those who own a home and have their mortgage paid-off, it may be cost-effective to rent their home and use the income to pay for living on a ship.

Lots of seniors like the idea of cruise ship retirement and can make it work on their own. As the idea grows and more people choose to cruise instead of land-based options, retirement community developers will start to offer retirement cruise ships with purchased accommodations or affordable leased and more services for seniors. The success of resident ships like The World is already prompting such discussions and cruise ship retirement could become the next great retirement trend. In any case, with more and more cruise ship retirement options to come on the scene in the near future, you can always reconsider it later.

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These Travelers Have a Secret: They Love Cheap Cruises on Old Ships

R oyal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, a cruise ship over five times as large as the Titanic, is preparing for its inaugural voyage in late January. A subset of die-hard passengers are saying they would much prefer the opposite of that mammoth boat.

Picking an older, smaller cruise might make for less fancy travel, but it comes with obvious advantages. Lower demand for the aged vessels in cruise lines’ fleets can prompt some big-deal savings. Some of these ships sail more exotic itineraries, and passengers enjoy greater attention from crew members without feeling so crowded. A cruise ship can start to show its age at around 15 years.

“Each ship has its own personality,” says Mari Marks, a luxury-travel adviser with Protravel International in Beverly Hills, Calif. “Because not everybody is going to love being with over 5,000 of their new best friends.”

Royal Caribbean operates the six largest cruise ships in the world. The Icon is now the largest. It can hold more than 7,000 passengers and comes with everything from an ice-skating arena to six waterslides.

A well-traveled boat

A few years ago, cruise regular and Las Vegas resident David Di Vito went on his first cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas, which was once the world’s largest cruise vessel. Since then he has sailed on multiple Royal Caribbean ships. His favorite is the less-heralded Vision of the Seas.

Vision of the Seas has been in service since 1998. Di Vito and his fiancée, Marina Vail, appreciated that they weren’t overwhelmed by crowds and could do the activities they wanted.

While the older vessel didn’t have the many niceties of the Oasis of the Seas, they enjoyed themselves. Di Vito liked grabbing a deck chair and watching the ocean. Vail peeled off for trivia games and scavenger hunts.

Fewer people also meant better service, Di Vito, a 34-year-old sound engineer, says. He recalls that the Wi-Fi was more reliable, guest services was more responsive and booking excursions at ports of call wasn’t a hassle.

Such trips are often also cheaper. A seven-night sailing on the Icon of the Seas started at around $2,536 a person on a recent search for an interior stateroom before applying discounts. A three-night cruise to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Fla., in early September on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, which will have its maiden voyage in July, started at $827 a person for an interior cabin before discounts.

Meanwhile, a four-night cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, out of Tampa, Fla., on the Grandeur of the Seas, the cruise line’s oldest ship, around that same time started at $519 a person for an interior room before discounts.

Royal Caribbean didn’t respond to requests for comment.

The big get bigger

Other cruise companies have introduced gargantuan vessels in recent years. MSC Cruises entered the MSC World Europa into service in December 2022. The ship can hold more than 6,700 passengers and more than 2,100 crew members.

Carnival’s flagship, the Celebration, had its maiden voyage in late 2022. That ship has a maximum capacity above 6,500 passengers—and boasts the first roller coaster at sea.

“Larger ships offer more operational efficiencies, more revenue-generating opportunities and more space to offer a variety of accommodations, dining, entertainment and recreational features,” says Chris Chiames, chief communications officer for Carnival Cruise Line.

A cruise’s cost generally depends on factors including the length of the trip and demand for the itinerary, travel advisers say. But the ship’s age can also factor in.

Phil Perrey, a minister from St. Charles, Mo., says he and his wife wanted to sail on one of Royal Caribbean’s newer and larger ships. By the time they finished pricing it out, they realized they could pay at least $300 less to sail on the Celebrity Equinox, which first entered service nearly 15 years ago.

“And that’s for a higher-end cruise line,” Perrey says.

A ship pro tip

When booking cruises, Perrey takes an approach recommended by many travel advisers. Instead of looking at when a ship first sailed, he checks when it was last refurbished during what is known as a dry dock.

“A 10-year-old ship that hasn’t been through dry dock is going to feel older than a 20-year-old ship that got out of dry dock two years ago,” he says.

Carnival uses the dry-dock process to install features on its more-mature ships, such as the adult-only Serenity section, Chiames says. Three of its ships—the Sunshine, the Radiance and the Sunrise—were renamed following extensive renovations.

Older ships can come with drawbacks, even if they are recently renovated. They tend to have smaller rooms and fewer cabins with balconies, says Rob Clabbers, president of Q Cruise and Travel in Chicago.

Keeping older ships in a fleet enables cruise lines to serve a wider array of destinations. Newer megaships can be too big to dock in certain harbors, including Tahiti.

“We intentionally place our smaller ships in more exotic destinations with longer, port-intensive itineraries that offer a more immersive experience that our guests love,” says David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Adam Carnevale, a small-business owner from Hickory, N.C., has sailed most often with Carnival. He and his wife regularly take advantage of offers they get since they frequent the casino.

Many of his cruises have been aboard the Carnival Sunshine. The ship sails out of Charleston, S.C., about four hours from home. They also appreciate the hometown vibe of the ship: They frequently recognize passengers and crew members from previous sailings.

Carnevale was less enthusiastic about a cruise he took out of Miami on the Celebration last summer. He says he found the food and service not up to the same level of quality as what he experienced on the Sunshine. He also wasn’t wowed by the ship’s many amenities, which he compared with an ice-cream cone overloaded with toppings.

“You don’t have to give me all the fancy stuff,” he says. “Sometimes vanilla is good.”

Less showy boats

The five oldest Royal Caribbean ships:

Grandeur of the Seas (Maiden voyage: December 1996)Rhapsody of the Seas (Maiden voyage: May 1997)Enchantment of the Seas (Maiden voyage: July 1997)Vision of the Seas (Maiden voyage: May 1998)Voyager of the Seas (Maiden voyage: November 1999)

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Write to Jacob Passy at [email protected]