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This 3-year Cruise Visits 135 Countries on 7 Continents — and It Might Cost Less Than You Pay in Rent

Welcome to the Work From Ship life.

Want to set sail and just keep going? Life at Sea Cruises just announced it’s accepting reservations on its first-ever, three-year cruise, which will travel 130,000 miles, visit 135 countries across seven continents, and stop in 375 ports of call, all aboard the MV Gemini .

At each port, the vessel will stay docked for multiple days to allow its passengers to explore at their leisure. It visits 13 wonders of the world, including Egypt's Pyramids of Giza and Mexico's Chichén Itzá, and more than 100 islands, including numerous Caribbean and Central American visits. The cruise also spends 98 days in South American and Antarctica.

Courtesy of Life at Sea

The ship provides everything one would need to live at sea for several years, including spacious cabins, dining and entertainment options, recreational areas like a wellness center, sun deck, and pool, and plentiful work spaces for those who want to live the digital nomad life at sea. That includes a business center with meeting rooms, 14 offices, and a business library for all Zoom call needs.

“Professionals need connectivity, the right amenities, and the functionality to perform their jobs. There is no other cruise product that offers this sort of flexibility to their customers,” said Mikael Petterson, the managing director of Life at Sea Cruises, in a statement released to Travel + Leisure .

The ship also has other practical amenities, including a 24-hour hospital, which offers guests free medical visits, learning experiences for guests like lectures and classes, and volunteer opportunities at various ports.

“Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home,” Irina Strembitsky, director of sales and marketing, added in the statement. “It’s your home at sea with the world as your backyard.”

The three-year voyage departs from Istanbul on Nov. 1, 2023, with additional pick-ups in Barcelona and Miami later in 2023. Pricing begins at $29,999 per year. The company also offers payment options starting from $2,499 per month, which includes food and beverage. Cabin options range from 130-square-foot interior rooms to 260-square-foot balcony suites. See more about the sailing and make your booking at lifeatseacruises.com .

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Would You Take a 3-Year Cruise? Ship Will Visit 135 Countries on All 7 Continents for $30,000 Per Year

Life at Sea Cruises is offering a unique opportunity to leave life on land behind

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

Life at Sea Cruises is offering adventurous guests to leave behind their land-based lifestyle.

On March 1, cruise line Miray International officially started accepting bookings for the first-ever world cruise aboard their MV Gemini ship. The three-year voyage allows cruisers to live on the ship and visit seven continents, 135 countries and 375 ports.

The starting cost of $29,999 a year, or $2,499 a month with a payment plan, is for a standard interior cabin. The most luxurious suite on board with a large balcony goes for $109,000 per year.

"Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate bucket list cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home," says Irina Strembitsky, the company's director of sales and marketing. "It's your home at sea with the world as your backyard."

Setting sail on November 1, 2023, Life at Sea Cruises will begin its lengthy voyage starting in Istanbul, Turkey, with pickups in Barcelona, Spain and Miami, Florida.

The MV Gemini is designed to accommodate 1,074 passengers across 400 luxury cabins. Oceanview staterooms offer guests their own private balcony, while other passengers can soak up the sun at the ship's sundeck and swimming pool.

It is also equipped with an auditorium, wellness center and a 24-hour, on-call hospital that includes free medical visits.

There are several restaurant and bar offerings on board.

For remote workers, the ship offers a unique business center that boasts 14 offices, various meeting rooms, a lounge and a business library.

"Professionals need connectivity, the right amenities and the functionality to perform their jobs. There is no other cruise product that offers this sort of flexibility to their customers" says Mikael Petterson, Life at Sea Cruises' managing director.

Along with experiencing 13 wonders of the world and UNESCO world heritage sites — the ship stops at the pyramids of Giza, Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal, among others —cruisers can socialize and enjoy a variety of activities on board, including karaoke, golfing, yoga classes and more.

For those who feel 3 years at sea is just the beginning, Afar points out another company, Storylines cruises , recently announced a ship that will sail indefinitely starting in 2024.

Visit lifeatseacruises.com for booking information.

This 3-Year Cruise Will Visit 148 Countries on All 7 Continents

The epic journey departs from istanbul in november, with sailings (including accommodations and meals) starting at $38,500 per year..

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Your home at sea: The 1,074-passenger MV Gemini will be where guests “live” throughout the three-year journey.

Courtesy of Life at Sea Cruises

How do you pack a suitcase for a trip that includes ogling emperor penguins in the Falkland Islands, lazing on the beach in Hawai‘i, and spending nights out in major cities like Cape Town and Beijing? It’s a question you’ll have to ask yourself if you sign up for Life at Sea Cruises’ new around-the-world itinerary.

The Florida-based Life at Sea Cruises, a spin-off of ship management company Miray Cruises, recently announced a three-year cruise , during which guests will sail roughly 130,000 miles, stop in 375 ports across 148 countries, and visit every continent.

The vessel will depart from Istanbul, Turkey, on November 1, 2023, before making additional stops (where passengers can also embark) in Barcelona and Miami. In the more than 1,000 days that follow, the ship will explore much of South America, Antarctica, the Caribbean, Central America, the USA (including California, Hawai‘i, Washington, and Alaska), northern Asia, the South Pacific, Australia, countries on the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, southern and western Africa, and coastal Europe.

The balcony suites feature a queen bed, bathroom, and living room area.

During that time, the sailing will deliver passengers to myriad iconic and UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Great Wall of China, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, and India’s Taj Mahal.

While other around-the-world cruises typically spend a day or two at each port, the advantage of this much longer sailing is that it will dock for up to seven nights in some larger cities, like Shanghai and Singapore.

The cruise was originally slated to take place on the MV Gemini, which could accommodate up to 1,074 passengers, but due to demand, the company has since switched to the MV Lara , which allows for 1,266 passengers.

Cabin sizes range from 145 square feet for interior staterooms (which include a double bed, a bathroom, and a desk) to 220 square feet for balcony suites (which have an additional living room area).

Pricing, which includes all meals, drinks (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic), laundry, Wi-Fi, gratuities, housekeeping, and port fees, starts at $38,513 and goes up to $98,226 per year based on accommodations. There isn’t the option to do shorter legs; however, it is possible to go in on one room with family and friends and divvy up the costs with who is on the boat at any given time. The company is also offering a matchmaking scheme, where passengers co-own a cabin with another group and split time on board.

For meals, passengers can choose to dine at either of the two main restaurants, visit the café on the pool deck, or order room service. The ship’s amenities include a swimming pool, sun deck, a golf simulator, a fitness center, and a hospital staffed with healthcare providers and a dentist and outfitted with a pharmacy and medical equipment such as X-ray and ultrasound machines and defibrillators. (According to the cruise line, the medical staff “even has the capability to perform certain surgeries.”) For those who want to work from sea, there’s also a large business center (replacing a former casino) with meeting rooms, dedicated office spaces, a library, and a lounge area.

In the past year, as cruisers have returned to the sea with a fervor following the pandemic pause in global sailings, cruise lines have been witnessing incredible demand for around-the-world sailings —one of Oceania Cruises’ 180-day itineraries sold out in 30 minutes last year. Life at Sea Cruises isn’t the only cruise line that has introduced the idea of a multi-year sailing. Another cruise company, Storylines, recently unveiled plans to launch a residential cruise ship, MV Narrative , that will sail indefinitely starting in 2024.

This story was originally published in March 2023 and has since been updated with new information.

A couple looking out at Budapest from a cruise ship

This Three-Year Cruise Visits 148 Countries on All Seven Continents

Sailing around the world in 80 days may be legendary, but sailing around the world in 1,001 days is now a reality. This fall, Life at Sea Cruises ’ inaugural three-year cruise aboard the MV Lara will hit the high seas, taking passengers to 382 ports in 148 countries on all seven continents, all on one epic itinerary.

“The demand for long-term extended cruises has been growing in popularity in recent years,” Life at Sea Cruises CEO Kendra Holmes says. “This, coupled with more people able to work remotely and the increased cost of home ownership and renting showcased an opportunity to offer travelers the chance to embark on an adventure—except, in our case, the vacation doesn't have to end.”

Mixing work and play in this innovative way isn’t just efficient, it also cuts down on the hassle of constantly planning travel to dream destinations one at a time. After all, the 130,000-mile mega itinerary checks off major bucket list sites, including the Great Wall of China, Pyramids at Giza, Rome’s Colosseum, Petra in Jordan, Machu Picchu in Peru, India’s Taj Mahal, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, and Ecuador's Galapagos Islands . Also on the docket: Yosemite National Park , Victoria Island, and Glacier Bay in North America; Wat Arun Temple, Ha Long Bay, and Pink Beach in Asia; and Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, France’s Mont Saint Michel, and UK’s Windsor Castle in Europe.

The beauty of the extended voyage is that there isn’t that constant rush to get back to the ship. “Our longer port times truly empower residents to make the most of their time in each port,” Holmes says. “Days-long port times mean that residents can get the most out of each city we visit.”

Another perk is the mindfully curated sailing route (which is especially impressive on this interactive Google Earth map ). “Our itinerary places the MV Lara in the Northern Hemisphere in the summers and the Southern in the winters, so it’s always summer for Life At Sea Cruises,” she adds. Those sunny days include ringing New Year’s Days in Buenos Aires, Papua New Guinea, and the Maldives , and enjoying Valentine’s Days in Colombia, the French Polynesia , and en route to South Africa, as well as being in Asia for the Singapore Food Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival in South Korea, and Gion Matsuri in Japan.

In between the port stops, life on board is packed with possibilities, too. The ship is equipped with a pool deck, gym, spa, and auditorium that will host everything from movie screenings to live performances. International cuisine is offered at its multiple bars and restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual eats. Daily activities will include dance lessons, karaoke sessions, and yoga practices, among others.

Inside a cabin on the new ship.

While the cruise is, at its core, a three-year getaway, the company realizes the need to stay connected with real life back on land, too. Remote workers can access free high-speed Wi-Fi and use the business center facilities. (Private office space is also available for rent for those who want to run their businesses from the ship.) Also, friends and families can visit by just paying the local port taxes and fees and staying in the cabins for free. Some guest cabins may also be available.

The all-inclusive fare for the three-year getaway starts at $43,860 per person per year, based on double accommodations. (A previously lower rate that started at $38,313 per person per year has already sold out.) Solo travelers will be charged a single supplement fee. Meals and weekly housekeeping are all included, but alcohol outside of dinner, shore excursions, spa services, and other premium services are an additional fee. Basic medical visits are also covered, while dental care, medical procedures, and prescriptions are offered at extra cost.

Operated by Aegan Sea operator Miray Cruises, the 629-cabin MV Lara can accommodate 1,266 passengers, but will only be run at 80 percent capacity. The ship is an upgrade in size from the MV Gemini that was originally announced for this journey back in March, according to CNN . Amid immediate skyrocketing demand, many of those working for the cruise company quit, reportedly because of disagreements over the ship that would be used. (Some of those who defected are now working on a rival cruise called the Villa Vie Residences that embarks on a three-and-a-half-year long itinerary to 420 destinations, starting May 15, 2024, from Southampton, England.)

Now back on track, the Life at Seas 36-month itinerary takes off November 1, 2023, from Istanbul, offering passengers the opportunity to embark in Barcelona on November 5, the Bahamas on November 15, or Puerto Rico on November 18, eventually returning after three trips around the sun to Istanbul on November 1, 2026.

“Accomplishing a travel feat like this one outside of our voyage would be extremely difficult, logistically and financially,” Holmes says. “If people are interested in traveling the globe while enjoying life at sea, then our voyage is the right choice for them. “

You can live at sea from $38,500 a year on this cruise ship that will circle the globe for three years — see inside

Life at Sea Cruises will operate a three-year cruise around the world starting in November.
The cruise starts at a little over $38,500 per person per year for a 145-square-foot interior stateroom.
See what life will be like aboard the roughly 30-year-old MV Gemini.

Travelers who have dreamt of living at sea can finally do so this November.

Life at Sea Cruises will give travelers the opportunity to spend three years on a cruise ship while sailing around the world. Pricing starts at a little over $231,000 per person for the full three-year itinerary.

The vessel will begin its globetrotting affair in Istanbul on November 1, but will also pick up guests in Barcelona and Miami.

The ship has 627 cabins to accommodate up to 1,074 travelers. Throughout the three years, these seafarers will travel over 130,000 miles to 375 ports in 135 countries.

Along the way, they'll see all seven continents while visiting destinations like several of the Wonders of the World; Half Moon Island, Antarctica; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Seoul, South Korea.

Most around-the-world cruises spend several hours or up to two nights at ports of call.

But industry veteran Mike Petterson, the managing director of Life at Sea Cruises and the brainpower behind the new brand, said this isn't enough time to explore larger destinations like Beijing, China.

So instead, the Gemini will dock for up to seven nights in one destination.

This includes one week each in Shanghai and Singapore, which will also double as wet docks. If the ship has to head into a dry dock for repairs, Life at Sea passengers will be put up in a hotel.

Petterson conceived of Life at Sea before the COVID-19 pandemic and partnered with Miray International's Miray Cruises in late 2022 to turn this concept into a reality.

The new company will use Miray's cruise ship workers and the Gemini, one of its three ships.

Throughout the three years at sea, the Gemini will spend 288 overnights at different ports, averaging about two nights per destination.

A trip to any of these locations could cost the typical globetrotter hundreds or thousands of dollars in travel and accommodation fees.

However, passage on Life at Sea's Gemini will alleviate upfront costs for travelers by giving them the option to spread payments out over the course of three years.

But don't expect a glittering new hotel at sea with all the bells and whistles of a novel mega ship.

The upper-premium, 30-year-old vessel was refurbished last year. And the team is now spending an additional $10 million renovating the interior.

Think of the Gemini as a floating city with its own security, medical center, and offices with Starlink WiFi.

Source: Life at Sea Cruises

No city would be complete without a jail and a morgue. Luckily (or unluckily) the Gemini has both.

Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have seen record-breaking demand for giant cruise ships that can accommodate thousands of travelers.

Source: Insider

But Life at Sea is taking a more scaled-down approach to the floating hotel.

Seafarers will have access to typical cruise ship amenities, which include four lounges, a golf simulator, and a sundeck with a pool.

For meals at sea, passengers can dine at one of the two primary dining rooms, the restaurant on the pool deck, or order food anywhere on the ship using its app.

But unlike the average cruise vessel, the Gemini will also have amenities like a robust business center and a hospital with a pharmacy and dentist.

Like any all-inclusive cruise, these extras — including hospital visits — won't come at an additional cost.

These around-the-world cruises are often booked by retirees.

But Petterson says Life at Sea is targeting an incrementally younger demographic: pre-retirees, generally people between 55 to 65 years of age.

To accommodate the remote workers, the business center — which will replace the ship's casino — will have meeting rooms, offices, and a library.

Days at sea with no land in sight is inevitable for transoceanic itineraries: Travelers on the Gemini will have at least 300 of these sailing days.

To stave off boredom, travelers can spend their days around the ship's lounges, attending seminars and shows, or resting in their cabins.

Source: Life at Sea

The cheapest and smallest stateroom measures 130 square feet and starts at $90,000 per person for the three-year trip.

Like any cruise ship, interior staterooms can feel dingy.

To prevent this, these cabins will come with screens that will display a live view of the ocean, creating a virtual "window."

For those looking to spend more cash, the most expensive cabin — a suite with a balcony — will run travelers nearly $330,000 in total.

Source: Life At Sea Cruises

These staterooms pale in comparison to the over 1,000-square-foot suites on several modern cruise ships.

But according to Petterson, at least they're more affordable: "It's meant more for the mass market and retirees as opposed to doctors with trophy wives."

Travelers can either pay monthly or pay the entire three years upfront with the option to finance the payment.

However, they can't book shorter legs of the trip. It's all three years or nothing.

For those with commitment issues, there's also the option to divide travel with another passenger, taking turns spending time on the ship.

Three years without seeing friends and family can be a long time. Luckily, they're welcome as well.

They can either crash on a roll-in bed in a resident's stateroom, stay in a guest cabin, or stay in a passenger's stateroom while they are off the ship.

Reservations for Life at Sea's Gemini open on March 1.

Petterson says the company already has about 20 people who are ready to book.

Launching sales seven months ahead of the journey may seem risky for an industry that often relies on bookings a year in advance.

Source: Insider

However, Petterson, a self-described "optimist," expects the ship will sail at an over 55% occupancy rate at any given time as world cruises have skyrocketed in popularity over the last two years.

Over the last few years, around-the-world sailings have been booking well despite the long-term commitment.

For travelers like retirees and remote workers, this extended life at sea promises peaceful afternoons and the opportunity to slowly travel the world with minimal planning.

Monthslong around-the-world cruises have been selling in record time in 2021 and 2022.

Source: Insider , Insider

But for travelers who'd rather spend years vacationing at sea, there's also Storylines, Victoria Cruises Line, and now Life at Sea.

Source: Insider , Insider

Victoria Cruises Line's Victoria Majestic, a former Holland America Line vessel, will begin sailing around the world indefinitely in May…

…while Storylines' residential cruise ship, the MV Narrative, will begin its own nonstop circumnavigation in 2025.

Some floor plans on the Narrative are already sold out, a testament to the rising success of these floating condominiums.

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World’s first three-year cruise announced – and it might cost less than renting on dry land

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The world’s first three-year world cruise is now open for bookings

The ambitious voyage, operated by Life at Sea Cruises , will cover more than 130,000 miles and visit 375 ports across 135 countries and seven continents.

Embracing the recent shift towards remote-working, the cruise enables guests to live, work and explore from a single base .

The MV Gemini vessel, which has 400 cabins and room for 1,074 passengers, will set sail from Istanbul on 1 November, with pick-ups in Barcelona and Miami .

Guests can visit 13 of the 14 Wonders of the World on what it calls “the first reasonably priced, all-inclusive world cruise, starting from only $29,999 (£24,926) per year”.

Working out as less than £70 per day, this unique opportunity to travel the world could cost less than renting on dry land.

The fee includes access to all dining venues and alcohol with dinner, a state-of-the-art wellness centre, sundeck and swimming pool, high-speed internet, entertainment, “enrichment seminars” and housekeeping.

The ship will also include a 24-hour on-call hospital with free medical visits.

Digital nomads can take advantage of the onboard business centre, which includes meeting rooms, 14 offices, a lounge and business library.

“Professionals need connectivity, the right amenities and the functionality to perform their jobs. There is no other cruise that offers this sort of flexibility to their customers” says Mikael Petterson, managing director of Life at Sea Cruises.

And if you’re feeling homesick, friends and family are permitted to make free visits.

Life at Sea Cruises director of sales and marketing Irina Strembitsky said: “Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate bucket list cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home.

“It’s your home at sea with the world as your backyard.”

It’s not the only cruise company catering to guests looking to swap dry land for sea for the longer term.

Storylines Narrative ship is positioning itself as a “floating town” where cruise fans can live and travel full-time .

Due to set sail in 2025, the ship is selling units to cruisers who want to relocate to the open seas.

Narrative is planned to circumnavigate the globe every 1,000 days, stopping at each port for several nights. Residents will be able to leave the main ship via a nifty “Marina” on the aft side, where they can board smaller boats or jet skis to explore.

Units on the ship start at £300,000 for a 12- or 24-year lease, with the most luxurious costing up to £6m to buy outright.

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3-Year Cruise Itinerary at Sea Miray | Intended Rute, Expected Costs and 2024

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Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

If your goal has been to see the world, this may be the way to do it. Life at Sea Cruises is setting sail for the world’s first — and only — three-year world cruise, visiting 135 countries and seven continents.

“Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate bucket list cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home,” says Irina Strembitsky, director of sales & marketing at Life at Sea Cruises. “It’s your home at sea with the world as your backyard.”

About Life At Sea Cruises

Life at Sea Cruises is owned by Miray International , which has been bringing unique cruising experiences since 1996. It owns and operates the MV Gemini throughout the Aegean Sea, and the vessel Amor , which gives dinner and entertainment river cruises.

3-Year Cruise Itinerary at Sea Miray

The 130,000-mile journey begins on November 1st , 2023, from Istanbul , with pickups in Barcelona and Miami. The MV Gemini will visit 375 ports, allowing travelers to spend multiple days in some to explore.

This ultimate bucket list cruise will take passengers to South America and Antarctica visiting 11 countries in 98 days. You’ll be able to explore cities, glaciers, and ice formations.

For 67 days, the ship will explore the Caribbean and Central America with 29 destinations including Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the ancient Mayan ruins of Mexico and Belize.

In North America and Hawaii, 98 days give you the chance to explore landscapes in Alaska, stunning beaches, interesting cultures, and go on adventures.

On this sea cruise, you will visit 23 destinations including ancient temples and vibrant cities in northern Asia. Stops in Tokyo, Seoul, Jeju Island, and Shanghai give plenty of time to explore over 70 days.

While on the longest leg of the journey for 206 days in the South Pacific and Australia, you’ll visit Sydney and Melbourne, the beaches of Fiji, the mountains of New Zealand, and the rainforests of Papua New Guinea.

Visit the ruins of Angkor Wat while sailing the South China Sea and Serengeti, Zanzibar, and Madagascar in southern and western Africa. You’ll spot big game on a safari and experience local culture in ancient cities.

In Europe, you’ll sail from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean visiting 38 countries and exploring art, historic monuments, and rich culture.

‘MV Gemini’ Amenities

It might seem hard to imagine living on a ship for three years, but the amenities on the MV Gemini make it possible. It has 400 cabins and room for up to 1,074 people. It has world-class dining, onboard entertainment, activities, and modern workspace facilities, which include a first-of-its-kind business center with 14 offices, a lounge, and a business library.

There will also be a 24-hour, on-call hospital, which will include free medical visits, learning and enrichment classes, and opportunities to volunteer.

“Professionals need connectivity, the right amenities, and the functionality to perform their jobs. There is no other cruise product that offers this sort of flexibility to their customers,” says Mikael Petterson, managing director of Life at Sea Cruises.

Cabins range from 130 square feet for Virtual Inside and Oceanview staterooms to 260 square feet for Balcony suites. Cruisers can enjoy a state-of-the-art wellness center, sundeck, swimming pool, and plenty of dining options.

Cost To Cruise The World

The three-year Life at Sea Cruises offers a starting price of $29,999 per year. Passengers have payment options from $2,499 per month. There is also the possibility that travelers can get additional tax benefits when working as international residents aboard the ship.

This cruise has been canceled .

2024 Update

Why was life at sea’s 3-year cruise cancelled.

The MV Gemini cruise ship was scheduled to set sail on November 30, with the original departure date having been rescheduled several times.

However, less than two weeks before its maiden voyage, Life at Sea has acknowledged to anxious passengers that there is no ship and that the once-in-a-lifetime trip has been canceled or ‘‘postponed’’, according to the company.

Miray Cruises said that anyone requesting a refund will get one and that it will reimburse travel expenses related to the cruise. The cruise company also claims it is planning a similar trip in 2024.

Future Still Looks Bright for Multy-Year Cruises in 2024

About a month after Life at Sea Cruises canceled its debut three-year voyage, Villa Vie Residences company upped the stakes by announcing plans to sail the world in 3.5 years.

The price starts at $89 per day and includes food, laundry service, weekly housekeeping, and internet service. At an added charge you’ll get spa and bar services, and shore excursions.

The ship will feature eight decks that will house three restaurants, a communal kitchen, a large pool with four Jacuzzis, a business center, and space for entertainment.

What Happened With Life at Sea’s 3-Year Cruise?

Life at Sea Cruises announced canceling its three-year voyage in November 2023 because the cruise company couldn’t secure a ship after plans had already been delayed several times.

Is Miray Cruises Still Planning a 3-Year Cruise in 2024?

It’s quite possible. Miray Cruises owner Vedat Ugurlu said in a statement that the cruise wasn’t canceled but postponed until May 2024. He also stated that the reason for this postponement is the need for a bigger vessel capacity of more than 600 cabins.

What Did the Life at Sea’s 3-Year World Cruise Itinerary Looked Like?

The original itinerary was supposed to last 1,095 days, starting from Istanbul and Europe and then heading to South America and the Caribbean. The voyage would continue through the Panama Canal before visiting the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska and then heading west across the Pacific.

What UNESCO World Heritage Sites Can Be Visited on Life at Sea’s 3-Year World Cruise?

During the cruise of the seven continents, the passengers would see the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Great Wall of China, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, and India’s Taj Mahal.

Does Any Other Cruise Company Offer a 3-Year World Cruise?

Yes, Villa Vie Residences, plans to sail the world in three and a half years, after purchasing a 924-passenger ship that is expected to launch in May. The MS Breamer ship will undergo a renovation that will begin early in 2024 and take roughly eight weeks to complete.

Allison spent almost 20 years of her career as a TV news anchor. She’s covered everything from political conventions to Super Bowl LV to hurricanes and, most recently, the pandemic. She is a two-time Emmy award-winning journalist. She's been recognized for her work nationally and regionally by organizations including the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists.

Cruise ship that lets you live onboard for 3 years for $38,000 per year will accommodate more passengers

Life at Sea cruises, which will host a three year cruise for $30,000 per year, is taking on more passengers.

Apparently, the number of people who want to sail away from their lives is bigger than expected.

Life at Sea cruises, which announced plans for a three-year world cruise that will cover over 130,000 miles and hit all seven continents and 135 countries in March, says it has acquired a newer, larger vessel to accommodate more than 200 additional passengers.

The MV Lara will take over duties from the MV Gemini, offering passengers not only more potential slots, but also new amenities, including redesigned staterooms, a business center with offices, and a cigar and wine bar, the company says.

“Seeing such an overwhelming interest in our itinerary and unique ports where we will always be in summer is truly thrilling” said Ethem Bayramoglu, COO of Miray Cruises, parent company of Life at Sea, in a statement. “This is evidence of the allure of our extended world cruise concept and the exceptional experiences that await our residents aboard MV Lara.”

The MV Lara has room for up to 1,250 passengers, but Life at Sea is capping capacity at 85%, as was the plan with the Gemini.

The laws of supply and demand aren’t suspended at sea, however. With the additional capacity and passenger interest, Life at Sea is also increasing the cost of the trip. Originally priced at $30,000 and up , the minimum cost for the trip now stands at $38,513 per year. (Passengers who booked before the upgrade was announced will keep their original rate, the company says.)

The MV Lara will depart from Istanbul on Nov. 1. The ship’s itinerary shows a litany of stops, from Aberdeen, Scotland to Zhanjiang, China. If you want nicer accommodations than the inside cabins (the $38,513 option), those will cost more too. An outside cabin has jumped from just under $41,000 per year to $65,052. And a balcony cabin will now run $98,226 per year.)

Part of the idea behind this, of course, is to take advantage of the notable number of remote workers who learned during the pandemic that they could still do their jobs without having to commute into the office each day. There are other savings beyond rent, however. Workers could face some tax advantages by working as an international resident. And, of course, three are no utility charges on a ship. Wi-Fi is included in the cost, as are medical visits and exams, port taxes and service charges. Even food and beverage charges are included in the fees, the company says.

You’re on your own as far as shore excursions and booze, though.

Friends and family will have to pay local port taxes and fees, but there’s no charge for anyone to stay in your cabin. And you won’t have to schlep your belongings on board in a cadre of suitcases. Once you book, the cruise line will send a pod, which consists of two closets, which passengers pack and send along to the ship before they embark.

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect Life at Sea’s price increase on the cruise.

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Want more time on a cruise? This voyage will sail for three years for $29,999 a year

If a week or two isn't enough time on a cruise, Life at Sea has an alternative for you. The brand from Miray Cruises will offer a three-year cruise around the world visiting nearly 400 ports, the brand announced Wednesday.

The cruise will take place on the MV Gemini ship, which was originally built in 1992 and underwent renovations in October, Mikael Petterson, managing director of Life at Sea Cruises, said in an email. The vessel, which can accommodate nearly 1,100 passengers, will spend multiple days in each port during the voyage.

"Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate bucket list cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home," Irina Strembitsky, Life at Sea Cruises' director of sales and marketing, said in a news release. "It's your home at sea with the world as your backyard."

How long can you be on a cruise?: Why some passengers opt to sail for 6 months or longer

Can travelers still find cruise deals?: Yes ... for now

When is Life at Sea's three-year cruise?

The cruise will depart from Istanbul, Turkey on Nov. 1. In addition to the previous renovations, the ship will be "completely revitalized" this fall prior to setting sail on the three-year trip, Petterson said.

Cabins range from 130 square feet for Virtual Inside and Oceanview rooms, to 260-square-foot Balcony Suites, according to the release.

Where will the cruise sail?

MV Gemini will make its way to destinations across the globe, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Australia and Asia.

In addition to amenities like a swimming pool, sun deck and fitness center, the ship will feature a large business center with meeting rooms, 14 offices, a library and a lounge, so guests can work from the sea. The vessel will also have medical facilities.

How much does Life at Sea's three-year cruise cost?

The sailing starts at $29,999 each year, per person based on double occupancy, and includes all meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, service charges and more, according to Life at Sea Cruises' website . There is also a monthly payment option.

Life at Sea Cruises has a matchmaking program that allows residents to buy a cabin together for different periods and seasons, as well.

'The ship is now our home': This couple is spending their retirement on cruise ships

'A completely unique experience': Sail to Greenland's northern tip on this expedition cruise

One-way economy flights from New York to Istanbul start at $533 and $1,824 for business class, according to Google Flights .

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Cruise ship that lets you live onboard for 3 years for just $30,000 per year will accommodate more passengers.

Apparently, the number of people who want to sail away from their lives is bigger than expected.

"Seeing such an overwhelming interest in our itinerary and unique ports where we will always be in summer is truly thrilling" said Ethem Bayramoglu, COO of Miray Cruises, parent company of Life at Sea, in a statement. "This is evidence of the allure of our extended world cruise concept and the exceptional experiences that await our residents aboard MV Lara."

The MV Lara has room for up to 1,250 passengers, but Life at Sea is capping capacity at 85%, as was the plan with the Gemini.

The MV Lara will depart from Istanbul on Nov. 1. The ship’s itinerary shows a litany of stops, from Aberdeen, Scotland to Zhanjiang, China. It will ferry up to 1,074 passengers, filling 400 cabins. The price for the cruise starts at $30,000 per year . (Want nicer accommodations? For just under $41,000 per year, you can stay in a 142-square foot superior outside cabin. And a 210-square-foot suite with a balcony will run $110,000 per year.)

You’re on your own as far as shore excursions and booze, though.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

More from Fortune: 5 side hustles where you may earn over $20,000 per year—all while working from home Looking to make extra cash? This CD has a 5.15% APY right now Buying a house? Here's how much to save This is how much money you need to earn annually to comfortably buy a $600,000 home

Life at Sea Cruises to Offer World’s First 3-Year World Cruise

February 28, 2023

Miray International is announcing the launch of a new cruise product named Life at Sea Cruises.

Operating the MV Gemini, the new brand is set to offer a three-year world cruise where guests will cruise, live, work and explore from their home at sea, according to the company.

According to the Life at Sea website , the new all-inclusive voyage includes free Wi-Fi and free medical services. Passengers will be able to invite family and friends for onboard visits for free, enjoy world-class dining, onboard entertainment and recreational activities

With prices starting at $29,999 per year and flexible payment options from $2,499 per month all-inclusive, Life at Sea Cruises offers residents the opportunity to embark on the “ultimate bucket list cruise” without having to sacrifice the comforts of home.

Cabins range from 130 sqft for Virtual Insides and Oceanview staterooms to 260 sqft Balcony Suites.

The full itinerary includes visits to 375 destinations across 135 countries. During the 3-year cruise, the vessel is set to cross the Equator 6 times while sailing to all 7 continents and visiting 13 world wonders.

With two to three days docked at most destinations, the cruise features 288 overnight stays and sails to different regions including South America, Antarctica, Europe, the Caribbean, East Asia, the South Pacific and more.

Before sailing for Life at Sea, the 1,074-guest vessel is also set to receive a first-of-its-kind business center that features two meeting rooms, 14 offices, business library, relaxing lounge and café. The area will also offer screens, conference equipment, fast Wi-Fi, printers and staff for assistance.

Passengers will be able to rent permanent office spaces and may be able to take advantage of tax benefits while living and working at sea.

After being refurbished for the new offering, the Gemini is kicking off the three-year global voyage on Nov. 1, 2023.

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Miray's Life at Sea Cruises announces industry's first 3-year World Voyage on MV Gemini

The industry's ever-longest/first 3-year World Voyage , offered on MV Gemini ship by Life at Sea Cruises (new travel brand launched by Miray International/shipowner) is setting sail this November and visiting 135 different countries across the globe.

Passengers are able to board for just GBP70 (US$125.21) per night.

Setting sail from Istanbul (Turkey) on November 1st, the 3-year journey across a total of 209,214 km will call at 375 destinations (ports and islands) on the 7 continents. The ship will also be picking up passengers from Barcelona (Spain) and Miami (Florida USA) .

Vacationers will be able to see 13 World Wonders, including India's Taj Mahal, Brazil's Christ the Redeemer in Rio , and Rome 's Colosseum.

MV Gemini is expected to dock for up to 7 nights at a single destination.

Onboard, there are a variety of staterooms to choose from. Fares for the entry-level cabins ('Inside/Outside Staterooms') start at US$3,726 per month for cabins ranging between 130-140 ft2 (12-13 m2). The 'Junior Suites/Balcony Suites' are the most luxurious onboard, ranging 210-260 ft2 (19.5-24 m2), and start at US$9,989 per month, which works out to US$119,294 per year per person.

Travelers can either pay monthly or pay the entire 3 years upfront, with the option to finance the payment. They will not be able to book shorter stays.

The reselling of staterooms is not allowed. Guests (including kids) can visit at any time.

The Around-the-World Voyage is also available in smaller itinerary segments.

The 206-day "Explore the Mesmerizing Landscapes of the South Pacific & Australia" itinerary visits 71 destinations in 26 countries.
The 177-day "Embrace Europe's Timeless Charms" itinerary visits 74 destinations in 38 countries.
The 173-day "Journey to the Heart of North Asia" itinerary visits 54 destinations in 32 countries.
The 169-day "Cultural Heritage in Asia and the South China Sea" itinerary visits 55 destinations in 12 countries.
The 98-day "A Journey Through South America and Antarctica" itinerary visits 35 destinations in 11 countries.
The 98-day "North America & Hawaii" itinerary visits 32 destinations in 8 countries.
The 70-day "Journey to the Heart of North Asia" itinerary visits 23 destinations in 4 countries.
The 67-day "Discover the Beauty of the Caribbean & Central America" itinerary visits 29 destinations in 23 countries.

Reservations for Life at Sea's Gemini 3-year voyage open today, March 1st.

Prior to the Life at Sea Cruises service, MV Gemini is scheduled for an extensive drydock refurbishment . During the drydocking will be added a Business Center that consists of 2x meeting rooms and 14x offices (available for rent), Library, Relaxation Lounge, Cafe Bar. The Business Center will be fitted with large LED screens, modern audio-video equipment, printers, Wi-Fi Internet, and will be served by dedicated assistance staff.

Would You Spend Three Years Living on a Cruise Ship?

Some enthusiasts are selling their homes in preparation, while others have balked at the risks

Christopher Parker

Daily Correspondent

More than 100 countries. All seven continents. Three years. One boat.

For some, the opportunity to spend 36 continuous months at sea sounds like a dream come true. When Life at Sea Cruises announced plans for the trip earlier this year, bookings started rolling in immediately—even at the balcony cabin rate of almost $600,000 in total.

“I sold my home in southern Florida, and I have been steadily selling most of my things. It’s a great feeling to not be encumbered by things, and there’s a certain freedom to it,” passenger Meredith Shay wrote in an opinion piece for the Guardian in April .

But others balked at the idea, and the hurdles that Miray Cruises, which operates Life at Sea Cruises, faced in the months after announcing the trip drove some initial enthusiasts away. Now, after some setbacks, the trip is officially back on schedule, with the company settling on a larger ship that will set sail on November 1.

Passengers will spend the trip aboard the MV Lara , which was built in 2003 and currently operates under a different name for a different cruise line. It boasts 627 cabins with enough space to hold 1,266 passengers.

But for this trip, only 532 of those cabins will be occupied, so the ship won’t feel too crowded, as Kendra Holmes, CEO of Miray Cruise, tells Julia Buckley of CNN . “My big focus is on public spaces,” she adds. “You don’t want to be cooped up in a cabin for three years.”

On board, passengers will have access to a pool, gym, spa and other facilities; the ship will also host activities like dance lessons and movie screenings. Over the course of three years, passengers will get the chance to visit a lengthy list of attractions, including the Colosseum in Rome, the Taj Mahal in India, the Great Wall of China and Machu Picchu in Peru, among others.

“Our longer port times truly empower residents to make the most of their time in each port,” Holmes tells Condé Nast Traveler ’s Rachel Chang. “Days-long port times mean that residents can get the most out of each city we visit.”

The logistical hurdles involved in spending so much time at sea—not to mention the financial ones—have resulted in some forfeited deposits, according to Holmes.

“We had a few people trying to sell their houses and weren’t successful. A lot thought, ‘Yeah, I can totally do that,’ and then realized, ‘I can’t afford to take three years off,’” she tells CNN .

The Lara wasn’t always the planned vessel for this journey—which led to some of the thorniest issues of the planning process. In May, around 22 team members handling the voyage quit Miray Cruises over concerns about the ship. Those who left included Mikael Petterson, the former managing director, as well as the chief technology officer and the director of sales and marketing.

Petterson claims that the first ship, a Miray-owned boat called the MV Gemini , wouldn’t be up for the trip. “We have dozens of emails, recordings and messages suggesting the Gemini could not perform the itinerary as advertised,” he tells CNN.

The team that left Miray formed their own group, Villa Vie Residences , which is now planning a rival multi-year, round-the-globe journey. Miray has filed a lawsuit against Petterson on four counts, including defamation, over his comments. Petterson has indicated his plan to countersue.

The internal turmoil has scared off some passengers, even though the plans to use the Gemini have been scrapped in favor of the Lara .

“I don’t really care who is right or wrong. I’m allergic to chaos,” Sharon Lane, a retired high school teacher, told CNN ’s Tamara Hardingham-Gill in May. “Going was a huge calculated risk to begin with. Now, it’s far too risky for my liking.”

But bookings remain high, according to Holmes, with nearly 40 percent of rooms sold so far. The company is hoping remote workers will sign on; the ship will offer high-speed internet, a business center and the option to rent private office space.

“The demand for long-term extended cruises has been growing in popularity in recent years,” Holmes tells Condé Nast Traveler . “This, coupled with more people able to work remotely and the increased cost of home ownership and renting showcased an opportunity to offer travelers the chance to embark on an adventure—except, in our case, the vacation doesn't have to end.”

Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.

Christopher Parker | READ MORE

Christopher Parker is a journalist covering history, conservation, education and other topics. His work has been featured in America magazine, Notre Dame magazine, the Los Angeles Times and the Berkshire Eagle .

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This 3-year cruise around the world is called off, leaving passengers in the lurch

Bill Chappell

When the Life at Sea cruise line failed to purchase the German cruise ship AIDAaura, seen here in 2020, its plans for a worldwide cruise embarking in November began to unravel. Marit Hommedal/NTB Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

When the Life at Sea cruise line failed to purchase the German cruise ship AIDAaura, seen here in 2020, its plans for a worldwide cruise embarking in November began to unravel.

They were promised the world. But cruise company Life at Sea recently told customers who bought passage on a three-year voyage that rather than visiting 140 countries, their trip was called off.

Those customers are now scrambling to make new plans for where they will live for the next three years — and to extract refunds from the cruise line. The intense fallout is drawing comparisons to infamous debacles such as the Fyre Festival — the "luxury" music festival that was more like a "disaster relief area."

Here's what to know about the cruise around the world that was called off

What was promised? The world.

The original itinerary mapped 1,095 days of travel, heading from Istanbul to Europe and then to South America and the Caribbean. Passengers would then pass through the Panama Canal before seeing the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii and Alaska and then head west across the Pacific.

"We are going to be following summer the entire time that we go around the world," then-Life at Sea CEO Kendra Holmes told prospective passengers in a Zoom webinar in September.

$73,499-Per-Guest World Cruise Sells Out In Less Than 3 Hours

Voyagers were to see seven continents, visiting 140 countries. They would spend roughly 300 days at sea, 795 days at port and have 413 overnight port stays, Chief Operating Officer Ethem Bayramoglu of Miray Cruises, the Turkish parent company of Life at Sea, said in that online session.

Along the way, they would explore wonders of the world, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and have plentiful chances to go diving and snorkeling, the company said.

The three-year voyage was to begin on Nov. 1, departing from Istanbul. Some passengers reportedly only learned of the cancellation after arriving in Turkey.

What are customers saying?

"Some people read the headlines and think, 'Oh, that was a scam,' but I really did my homework before I put a deposit down," Keri Witman of Cincinnati told NPR. She had attorneys check the company's background, for instance.

Witman, who owns a marketing agency named Clever Lucy, was planning to work remotely aboard the ship, using its Starlink internet service. And as a single woman, she had been looking forward to exploring the world with a group.

"Having a like-minded community of people that all were interested in travel at the ready was really appealing to me," she said.

When the cruise missed its planned departure date, the company promised to resolve lingering issues. But after further delays, the trip was canceled.

Witman says the company has begun the refund process, accepting her requests for other expenses to be paid, from airfare to the costs of foreign visas. But some of her fellow customers seem more frustrated.

20 years ago, the supersonic passenger jet Concorde flew for the last time

"Still waiting for my refund. And now you've gone belly up?" a woman who identified herself as a Life at Sea customer said recently on the company's Instagram account . The woman, a retired educator, did not respond to NPR's message seeking further comment.

Former flight attendant Meredith Shay was looking forward to the trip as a centerpiece of her retirement.

"How did I feel about it?" Shay said in an interview on ABC's Good Morning America . "Devastated, disappointed, sad. I packed up my belongings, put them in storage, sent four boxes to Miray Cruises."

Witman says she also shipped boxes to have on the cruise, back in early October.

"I'm following them along on my AirTags today," she said. "They're on their way back."

How much did the Life at Sea cruise cost?

The cheapest packages started at $196,000 for a single traveler, and $231,000 for couples, according to the company's website . Costs ranged much higher for guests staying in premium rooms.

In exchange, passengers — or residents, as the company called them — were promised a long list of amenities, including an onboard hospital and doctor. Some cabins could host cats; travelers were also promised high-speed internet, free dining, alcohol and laundry service, and "enrichment seminars."

Terms of the deal help illuminate the would-be passengers' financial and logistical plight. Life at Sea set initial deposits at 30% of the overall cost. Under its 12-month payment plan, the first draw came due one month ahead of the sail date.

And rather than portioning the cruise for sale in smaller stages, the company required customers to commit to the full three years.

"Our residents are changing their lives for this opportunity, and we are honored to be a part of their personal journeys," Holmes said in June .

A wide range of passengers had booked cabins.

"The age group is split pretty much between 35 and 85" years old, and the passengers included a large number of Americans, Holmes said.

The Two-Way

Paradise lost: luxury music festival turns out to be half-built scene of chaos, did the cruise line actually have a ship.

"In two days' time, we own this vessel," Life at Sea itinerary planner Robert Dixon said in late September , speaking in a promotional video from the bridge of a ship he called the "MV Lara."

But the company wasn't able to close that deal, and the ship in question — the 20-year-old AIDAaura — was instead sold in November to Celestyal, which specializes in Mediterranean cruises.

Miray's attempts to purchase the ship dragged on for weeks, and it eventually stalled after investors balked, according to a company message obtained by CNN and other outlets.

Environment

In warmer climate, a luxury cruise sets sail through northwest passage.

"If you're focused on the ship, this is not the journey for you," Holmes said in the September webinar. But two months later, she would leave her leadership post at Life at Sea and Miray, as plans for the ambitious cruise unraveled.

Holmes was trying to allay concerns about the quality of the vessel. But it seems that it was the company's focus, not the public's, that was the problem.

Warning flags went up earlier this year, when the company changed course from its initial plan to refit one of its ships, the MV Gemini. For the lengthy worldwide voyage, it planned to deploy the larger "MV Lara" — a ship that never materialized.

What does the cruise company say now?

It's complicated. On Sunday, Miray Cruises issued a statement in Turkish , denying that the cruise is canceled. Instead, the company said the voyage is postponed — and it blamed a lack of enough passenger bookings, rather than problems finding an appropriate ship.

But responding to a social media comment about that same statement, the company sought to clarify that its other operations are unaffected — and in doing so, it stated , "The cancellation in question is related to our 3-year world tour project."

The company said that anyone requesting a refund will get one, and that it will reimburse travel expenses related to the cruise. Miray also says it plans to mount a similar trip next year.

Witman, for one, says she's still interested in a worldwide cruise.

"There are two other companies that have been working on a similar concept" that have also run into delays, she said.

19-Hour London To Sydney 'Test Flight' Shows How To Make Long Hauls Tolerable

"I think one of them will make it happen in 2024," Witman said. "And I'm hopeful that it will, because I'd like to be on it. I still believe in the concept. I think it's a really perfect opportunity for me."

Despite the setback, Witman says she's been able to form connections with other would-be passengers, who have been keeping in touch via apps and group texts. Some of them are even making plans to travel together this winter.

"I don't regret at all going down this path," Witman said. "It moved me forward in a way that I wouldn't have done without this instigation. And I'm really thankful for it. I'm disappointed, but I'm ready to go for whatever opportunity comes up next."

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Why This Luxe Cruise Ship’s 3-Year World Tour Got Stuck in Belfast Before It Started

A residential cruise ship, promising three and a half years of nonstop global voyaging, has been stuck in a Northern Ireland facility for repairs. The 642-foot Odyssey has been undergoing repair work at the Harland & Wolfe shipyard in Belfast since May. About 200 owners of its residences are stuck with it and have yet to spend a night aboard the vessel.

Calling itself the first perpetual world cruise, Odyssey has a busy 425-port itinerary across 147 countries through 2028. Its cabins, renamed “villas” by Florida-based Villa Vie Residences, start at $99,999 and run to $899,000, with monthly fees that vary according to the type of cabin and number of occupants. Non-resident passengers can also sign up for segments that last weeks or months.

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23-year-old has lived on and off cruise ships for years: 'It's been the best time of my life'

G rowing up, Payton Martin 's family went on a lot of cruises and she became fascinated with them. The now 23-year-old Oklahoma native says back then she'd dreamed about working and living on one.

"I always wondered about what the guests don't see and what was going on behind closed doors," Martin tells CNBC Make It.

Fast forward to the summer of 2021, Martin was getting ready to go on yet another cruise with her family. This one had been rescheduled several times because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Martin's experience on that trip made her realize that if she was ever going to make her dream a reality, now was the time.

"I always had the idea of working aboard a cruise ship but never thought of it as something possible for myself," Martin says. "And after covid, I think we all learned that life is short and anything can happen at any time, so I applied for a job as an entertainment host aboard a Carnival cruise."

Martin says one of the things she learned during her transition from guest to crew member is just how many different kinds of jobs and opportunities there are for people who want to work aboard a ship. A quick browse on Carnival's careers site shows listings for a photographer, a baker, a wiper, a bar server, and more.

Martin was offered a job as an entertainer aboard the Carnival Horizon ship in October 2021, and after extensive training, she started in January 2022. Martin left college for the job.

"I wanted just to travel the world and meet people. I left school because it wasn't going anywhere, and I'm only young for a certain amount of time, and this was the time to try something new," Martin says.

Carnival flew Martin to Palermo, Italy to board the ship, where she shared a cabin with a coworker. Room and board were covered under Martin's contract. But while she didn't have to pay for rent or food, she says it was an unspoken rule to give a weekly tip to the person who cleaned their cabin.

Martin was part of Carnival's fun squad from January to July. The ship's six- and eight-day cruises departed from Miami.

While working on the Horizon, Martin applied for a position aboard the Carnival Pride. By September 2022, she was on her way back to Europe.

After a week aboard the Carnival Pride, Martin met Salvatore Giglio, a 31-year-old second electro-technical officer.

"I saw him and remember thinking he was so cute. Then we saw each other again and briefly spoke, and my first thought about him was how friendly he was," Martin says.

The two kept running into each other, and after about two weeks of chance encounters, Martin stopped to pay him a compliment, and Giglio asked for her Instagram.

"He slid into the DMs. I still give him a hard time for that, so it's funny. It's a modern romance with the twist of a cruise ship, of course," Martin laughs.

In October 2022, a month after meeting, the two "linked their IDs," as Martin calls it. It meant they went to HR to get permission to live together.

"Something we say on the ship is one week on board is equivalent to one month on land. You spend so much time with people, you live together, you work together, you have dinner together. It speeds things up, for sure," Martin says.

Martin moved into Giglio's cabin, a one-bedroom he lived in alone. It was big enough to have a full-size bed, a couch, a desk, and four small closets.

Eventually, Giglio transferred to another ship. Martin stayed aboard the Carnival Pride and was able to continue living alone in the one-bedroom cabin.

Martin's contract ended that December and she flew home to Oklahoma before setting off to meet Giglio aboard the ship he was working on — but this time as crew family instead of a crew member.

One of the perks of Giglio's position is that he can have a family member stay with him for several weeks at a time.

She stayed aboard for four weeks until Giglio's contract ended. After that, the two spent time traveling between visiting Martin's family in Oklahoma, sightseeing in Los Angeles, and seeing Giglio's family in Italy.

"At the time, we weren't engaged, and we had kind of just met, but we knew it was something serious. We were still trying to figure it out," Martin says.

In March 2023, Martin resigned from her position as an entertainment host with Carnival and after seven months of dating and traveling the world together, Giglio proposed to Martin in June.

That November, Giglio signed another contract to work aboard the Carnival Pride, where they first met.

Martin's time aboard cruise ships has taken her to over 20 destinations, including Honduras, Dominican Republic, Spain, England, France, Croatia, Turkey, Malta, Greece and Portugal.

While Martin did love her time as a member of Carnival's crew, she does also enjoy the flexibility of just being a guest again: "I don't think I'm done sailing but I was tired of being away from family," Martin says.

"If an opportunity came up and I wasn't gone for months at a time, I would probably take it, but right now, I'm seeing what happens."

The couple are now back in Italy and building their own apartment above Giglio's parent's house. They aim to complete the work by May next year. The hope is to be able to split as much time between the U.S. and Italy as possible.

"I really prioritize family time, whether it's my family here or my Italian family in Sicily. If I'm with either one of them, then I'm happy," Martin adds.

Martin says she would recommend working on a cruise ship to anyone because even though you work hard, you get to travel and see the world.

"It wasn't easy to leave everything I knew behind and go live on board a cruise ship for months at a time," Martin says.

"I got to learn how much bravery and courage I had. You just never know your full potential if you don't put yourself outside of your comfort zone."

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Martin started working as part of Carnival's fun squad in 2022.

Passengers On Planned 3-Year Cruise Detained In Harbor For Months Speak Out

Despite scheduling to sail for a three-year voyage, the cruise ship Odyssey has been anchored in Northern Ireland's Belfast Harbor for months.

Ryan Walker • Sep 9, 2024

Despite scheduling to sail for a three-year voyage around the world, the cruise ship Odyssey has been anchored in Northern Ireland’s Belfast Harbor for three months. The boat, operated by Villa Vie Residences, has been undergoing extensive repairs, leaving its passengers in a state of limbo and testing their patience.

Holly Hennessy, a passenger from Florida, shared her frustration: “It’s cold. It’s windy. It’s damp. It usually rains,” she told Good Morning America. “I’ve been moved five times to different accommodations.” Despite the challenges, Hennessy remains hopeful, albeit weary of the prolonged wait.

Johan Bodin and his partner Lanette Canen, who left their lives in Hawaii to become seaborne nomads , express a mix of optimism and impatience. “We intend to stay on for the long haul, but who knows how we feel after a year?” Bodin remarked. The couple has used this unexpected pause to explore Europe . While waiting for the ship to sail, they visited places like Italy and Croatia.

What’s Going On With The Odyssey Cruise Ship?

The Odyssey, a 30-year-old ship, was purchased by Villa Vie Residences in 2023. Originally scheduled to depart in May 2024, the vessel has been docked at the Harland & Wolff shipyard, famous for building the RMS Titanic. The delay is due to unforeseen maintenance issues, including rudder stocks and engine overhauls, which have taken longer than anticipated.

In the meantime, Villa Vie Residences has been covering living expenses for approximately 200 passengers. They are allowed on the ship during the day and provided with meals and entertainment but must spend nights in hotels. For those eager to explore, the company has facilitated trips around Europe so they can make the most of their unexpected stay.

The Odyssey’s presence has had mixed effects on Belfast’s local economy. While some businesses have benefited from the influx of passengers, others express concern over the prolonged stay. The ship’s repairs have also provided jobs at the Harland & Wolff shipyard, offering a silver lining.

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