What if your next home came with ocean views, gourmet meals, and a new country outside your window every morning? That’s exactly what 28-year-old Austin Wells from San Diego signed up for when he decided to live full-time on a cruise ship.
Instead of paying sky-high rent in Southern California, he chose a floating apartment that sails the world and comes with all-inclusive perks. From breakfast buffets to jazz lounges, Wells is trading traffic and grocery runs for sunsets and global adventures.
Stick around for the full voyage, because by the end you’ll discover exactly how much it could cost a U.S. resident to live this dream life at sea.
Cruise Life For The Cost-Conscious Dreamer
Living full-time on a cruise ship might sound like something reserved for billionaires or retirees with endless savings, but one San Diego man is proving otherwise. Austin Wells decided to swap his pricey California rent for a floating apartment with ocean views.
Instead of shelling out thousands for a cramped studio in Southern California, he found a way to live luxuriously while traveling the world. His new home will be aboard the MV Narrative, a residential cruise ship currently under construction in Croatia. The idea is simple but brilliant – why pay for rent, groceries, and entertainment separately when you can bundle it all into one floating lifestyle?
Wells saw the opportunity and jumped on it, embracing a life where his gym, doctor, and grocery store all sail with him. It is not just about saving money, it is about gaining freedom. And while the ship is still being built, the dream is very much alive. For Wells, the ocean is not just a vacation spot – it is home.
From Rent To Waves, One Lease At A Time
Wells purchased a 12-year lease on the MV Narrative for around $300,000, which breaks down to about $2,100 a month. That is already cheaper than most apartments in San Diego, and he does not even need a car. Add another $2,100 for all-inclusive services, and you are looking at a $4,200 monthly lifestyle that covers food, drinks, entertainment, healthcare, and laundry.
No more grocery runs or traffic jams – everything he needs is onboard. The ship is designed to be a self-contained community, complete with medical staff, fitness centers, and restaurants. Wells can work remotely thanks to his job with Meta, making this lifestyle not just possible but practical.
He is turning the idea of home into something mobile, flexible, and exciting. With no need to pack or plan, every day is a new adventure. And the best part? He gets to wake up in a different country without ever leaving his bed.
A Floating City That Travels With You
Wells is not just chasing sunsets – he is redefining what it means to live and work. His floating condo will allow him to maintain his daily routine while exploring the globe. Instead of booking flights and hotels, his home travels with him, offering stability and spontaneity in equal measure. He told CNBC that the most exciting part is not having to disrupt his life to see the world.
Everything he needs is onboard, from healthcare to entertainment, making the ship a true floating city. He is especially thrilled about visiting places that only ships can reach, like remote dive spots and hidden ecological wonders.
The MV Narrative plans to offer overnight stays in these unique locations, giving residents a deeper experience than typical cruise passengers. It is not just travel – it is immersive living. Wells is turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, one port at a time.
Delays, Dreams, And Deep-Sea Plans
Of course, no dream comes without a few waves. The MV Narrative has faced construction delays and financial hiccups, pushing its launch from 2025 to a tentative 2027. But Wells remains optimistic, seeing the wait as part of the journey.
He is committed to the lifestyle and believes the payoff will be worth it. In the meantime, he is preparing for a life where every day feels like a vacation. The ship promises luxury, convenience, and adventure, all wrapped into one floating package.
With plans to visit places off the beaten path, Wells is excited to explore destinations that most travelers never see. The delays may be frustrating, but they are not deal-breakers. For someone who has already made the leap, patience is just another part of the voyage.
Meet The Couple Who Made Cruising A Lifestyle
Austin Wells is not the only one trading land for sea. Richard and Angelyn Burk, a couple in their 50s, have been living on cruise ships full-time for years. Their strategy is simple – hop from ship to ship and keep costs low.
They aim to spend about $100 a night as a couple, which adds up to roughly $3,000 a month. That is less than many mortgages, and they get to enjoy all the perks of cruise life. From loyalty programs to smart booking, they have mastered the art of affordable luxury.
They told Upworthy that their goal is to travel continuously in retirement without breaking the bank. And so far, it is working beautifully. For the Burks, every day is a new destination, and every night is a new view.
How To Cruise Without Going Broke
The Burks have found clever ways to stretch their dollars while living the cruise life. Loyalty memberships help them score deals, and careful planning keeps their expenses predictable. They are not splurging – they are strategizing.
By choosing cruises that offer value and flexibility, they have created a lifestyle that is both exciting and sustainable. Their story proves that you do not need a fortune to live a life of travel. It just takes creativity, commitment, and a love for the open sea.
They have traded the traditional home for a floating one, and they are loving every minute of it. Whether it is sipping coffee on deck or watching the sunset from a new port, their days are filled with joy. And they are showing others that this lifestyle is more accessible than it seems.
Austin’s Point Of View: Trading Rent For Ocean Views
People like Wells are redefining what it means to settle down. They have chosen movement over permanence, and adventure over routine. While most of us stick to the familiar, they have embraced the unknown with open arms.
Their stories are not just about travel – they are about freedom. They remind us that home does not have to be a fixed address. It can be a cabin with ocean views, a lounge with live jazz, or a dining room that changes countries every week.
The full CNBC interview video shows Austin Wells sharing his excitement and vision for living full-time on a cruise ship. He talks about how this lifestyle allows him to maintain his daily routine while traveling the world, with his home, gym, healthcare, and grocery store all sailing alongside him.
Landlocked? Think Again
So, could you live on a cruise ship? Maybe not tomorrow, but the idea is more realistic than ever. With remote work, smart budgeting, and a little wanderlust, the ocean is becoming a viable home for more people. It is not just about luxury – it is about lifestyle.
Whether you are escaping high rent or chasing sunsets, cruise living offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure. And while most of us will continue to call land our home, stories like these invite us to dream bigger.
Because sometimes, the perfect life is not built with bricks – it is built with waves, wanderlust, and a whole lot of imagination.
Living On A Cruise Ship Can Be Surprisingly Affordable For U.S. Residents
Living on a cruise ship might sound extravagant, but the pricing can actually make sense for many U.S. residents. With rent prices soaring in cities like San Diego, New York, and Seattle, monthly housing costs often exceed $2,500 before adding utilities, groceries, and transportation. Cruise living bundles all those expenses into one predictable payment.
For around $4,000 a month, residents can enjoy lodging, meals, entertainment, healthcare, and even laundry. There’s no need for a car, insurance, or gas – everything is within walking distance on board. Remote workers especially benefit, as they can maintain their careers while waking up in a new country. Loyalty programs and long-term leases can drive costs down even further.
Compared to the unpredictability of land-based living, cruise life offers stability and simplicity. For those willing to trade square footage for ocean views, it’s a surprisingly practical lifestyle.
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