Life on a Cruise Ship 2026: Real Stories of Sea Long-Term Residents, the Economics of Endless Travel, and How to Get Started

Travel without borders: pensioners discover new horizons on a cruise ship

In 2026, life on a cruise ship will become not just a trend, but a real alternative to the urban routine. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the global volume of cruise passengers will grow to 42 million by 2028, with an annual increase of 10%, and in the United States, according to AAA forecasts, 22 million people will take ocean cruises — 4.5% more than in 2025. This reflects a shift: cruises as a home for digital nomads, retirees and families. The stories of "Super Mario" (Mario Salcedo), Sharon Lane and the Kannen couple show how the maritime lifestyle combines freedom, savings and experiences. In this article, we will examine the facts of life on a cruise ship in 2026, add analytics and offer our all-inclusive cruises from Biohactour (Saodat Turizm) — from 4-day trials to endless itineraries. If you are looking for an endless cruise or remote work on board, read on: we have considered all aspects, from Villa Vie Odyssey to Royal Caribbean.

Super Mario: The Legend of Life on a Cruise Ship: Updates 2026

Mario Salcedo, known as "Super Mario," has been living on Royal Caribbean cruise ships for 26 years. At 76, he continues to explore the world and discover new horizons while enjoying life aboard a cruise ship. Mario has become a true expert in the world of cruises and an example of how to stay active and interested in travel in later life.

Mario Salcedo, 76-year-old "Super Mario," has been living on Royal Caribbean cruise ships for 26 years, celebrating his 1,000th cruise and 12,000 Crown & Anchor points in 2025. In 2026, he continues his maritime lifestyle, working online with investments through VOOM (Starlink), with expenses of ~$101,000 per year — all inclusive. "Zero stress" is his motto, with comfort above 5-star hotels.

Facts for 2026: The only break was 15 months during the pandemic. According to CLIA, 22% of millennials plan cruises with remote work. The average age of cruisers is mid-40s, with 36% under 40.

Analytics: Life on a cruise ship in 2026 is beneficial for freelancers — the cost per day is €70–100 lower than in the city (€120–200).

"Super Mario" — icon: photos with him are trending. Start your cruise as a home with our routes at biohactour.com/cruises.

Marine Long-Livers 2026: Diversity of Life Stories at Sea

The trend for lifelong cruising is growing: according to AAA, 7% of Americans cruise solo, 20% with children. In 2026, new liners (Legend of the Seas) will reinforce this trend.

Sharon Lane: Endless Cruising as an Alternative to Home

Sharon Lane has also chosen to live on cruise ships. She travels around the world, finding something new and interesting in every port. For Sharon, cruising has become not just a way of travelling, but a way of life. She enjoys the freedom, comfort and variety that an endless cruise offers.

78-year-old Sharon Lane sold her house in 2025 for $129,999 + $3,000/month all-inclusive on Villa Vie Odyssey (15 years old, 425 ports in 147 countries). "No laundry" — everything is taken care of by the staff.

2026: Read 18 books, enjoying the ports. Cheaper than California (> £4,000/month).

Analytics: Retirees — 65% of cruisers; solo cruises +27%.

Lanette and Johan Kannen: A Couple with a Maritime Lifestyle

Lanette and Johan Kannen also chose to live on cruise ships, finding harmony and passion in this lifestyle. They travel together, enjoying every moment and discovering new horizons. For Lanette and Johan, cruising has become more than just a trip, it is a real adventure where they can be together, enjoying the comfort and freedom that life on board offers.

55-year-old Kanen on Villa Vie Odyssey 1.5 years ($100,000 + $3,500/month), got rid of everyday life. Documenting on YouTube.

2026: Visited 425 ports. For couples — 50% of cruisers.

Analytics: Cold cruises (Alaska) +7%; focus on luxury.

Diversity: from solo travellers to families. In 2026, cruises will be a lifestyle, with 10% growth (CLIA).

The Economics of Life on a Cruise Ship: Facts and Comparison

Life on board is cheaper: only €70–100 per day, whereas in the city, expenses amount to €120–200. According to J.P. Morgan forecasts, by 2028 the cruise market will reach 3.8% of the total tourism market, which is estimated at $1.9 trillion. Once the market recovers, it is expected to grow by 107% compared to 2019 levels.

Category	By airliner (euro/day)	В городе (евро/день)	Экономия (%)
Housing + communal services	Enabled	40–70	100
Food	Full board	30–50	100
Entertainment/sports	Is free	20–40	100
The Internet	~15 (VOOM)	~15	0 (with a view)
Medicine/service	Basic is enabled	Add.	50–70

• Facts of 2026: Inflation makes cruises profitable; +4.5% of passengers in the USA. Abta: 20% of 25-34-year-olds cruise.

• Analytics: Savings of up to 50%; fixed prices vs. housing growth.

The Atmosphere of Life on a Cruise Ship: Freedom and Impressions 2026

Every day brings new ports, sunsets, and freedom from everyday worries. Remote work becomes an "office with an ocean view." Trends: individual travel, northern destinations (Alaska +7%), premium services for millennials. In 2026, routes across the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf are planned on Aroya and MSC liners.

Our Biohactour Cruises: Start Your Life on a Cruise Ship

Are stories of sea veterans inspiring? Start with a 4–14 day all-inclusive trip. No visas required, Russian-speaking service. Book at biohactour.com/cruises through La Voyage.

• Red Sea at Aroya (Halal): Children under 12 years old are free, Saba Beach. Starting from 44,000 ₽/7 days.

• Persian Gulf from Dubai (MSC, Costa): +28°C. From 150,000 ₽/7 days.

• The Black Sea on Astoria Grande from Sochi: From 29,000 ₽/4 days.

• Greece from Turkey/Sochi (Celestyal, MSC): Santorini. Starting from 28,000 ₽/7 days.

• Mediterranean Sea from Turkey: Italy, Spain. Starting from 134,500 ₽/7 days.

Are you ready for life on a cruise ship in 2026?

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