According to a 2024 survey carried out by Statista, interest in cruise vacations from the U.S. has risen significantly over the last few years. The report suggested that around 6 in 10 respondents were interested in embarking upon a voyage, up from 42% in 2022, most likely due to the proximity of the U.S. to popular cruise destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. But some travelers are also interested in the idea of traveling longer term onboard, enabling them to visit a slew of far-flung ports in the process. With the rise of round-the-world, once-in-a-lifetime journeys by cruise ship, find out what it’s like to live at sea for months at a time — and how to join in on the experience.
The Pros and Cons of Living on a Cruise Ship
Signing up for a long-term cruise is arguably one of the easiest ways to see the world. A variety of onboard activities suit all interests, while port excursions open up a wealth of possibilities for travelers to tick off bucket list sights and meet like-minded people in the process. It’s a leisurely way to travel, and unlike with land-based vacations, there’s no need to keep packing and unpacking between destinations. For seniors, long-term cruising might even compare favorably with the cost of senior living communities.
But there are downsides, too. Unless you have the resources to splurge on an upgrade, cabins can feel cramped after a while. The transitory lifestyle that comes with constantly being on the move and the limited time afforded at each stop along the way can also be unappealing, particularly for those used to delving a bit deeper into the backstory of the places they visit.
Additionally, passengers have no control over the schedule, and occasionally, unforeseen repairs or delays impact planned itineraries. In the most extreme case, involving Miray Cruises’ Life At Sea voyage, the ship did not depart at all. Perhaps, therefore, the biggest leap of faith is to spend such a large sum of money with one company.
Cruise for a Year With Virgin
In December 2024, Virgin Voyages announced its new Annual Pass. Rather than restrict you to one single ship for a year like many other round-the-world itineraries, this pass entitles you to join any Virgin cruise within a 365-day period beginning in January, February, March, or April 2025.
For a nonrefundable cost of $120,000, you receive a double-occupancy Sea Terrace cabin, which boasts a balcony and hammock. (Solo travelers can purchase the pass, but the price will still be based on double occupancy.) Pass holders also qualify for other perks, such as free premium Wi-Fi, priority boarding, laundry service, and a $100 bar tab per voyage.
As with any offer, it’s vital to read the small print before making a decision. Cruises can be booked subject to availability — planning well in advance or being flexible with location will help — and you’ll still need to pay taxes and fees for each voyage you take. Shore excursions and insurance are extra costs to factor in, too. Note that the number of passes available is limited, and the offer expires at the end of March 2025.
A New View Every Day
Cruisers interested in longer world sailings might also consider the Villa Vie Residences Odyssey. The itinerary is impressive: Those who choose the four-year option (one-, two-, and three-year trips are also available) will visit 425 destinations in 147 countries, spanning all seven continents.
The inaugural cruise set sail from Belfast, Northern Ireland, in October 2024, but it was four months later than expected due to additional work that was needed on the ship. Currently, the ship is making its way along the coast of South America; from there, it will continue on to North America, Japan, the Philippine Sea, the South Pacific, and eventually Africa and Europe.
Travelers can opt to buy a cabin for the entire duration or purchase segments individually just as they would for a regular cruise. For example, advertised prices start at $8,344 for a single cabin for the 35-day transatlantic leg in 2027, while headline fares for back-to-back cruises from April 2025 to April 2026 begin at $88,684.
Luxury World Cruises With Other Operators
Travelers who don’t initially want to commit to a whole year on a ship can also consider a shorter voyage to experience what life at sea could be like. For instance, Regent will offer a 140-day cruise on its Seven Seas Mariner in 2026 that travels round-trip from Miami, visiting 77 ports in 41 countries on six continents along the way. Pricing starts at a cool $101,999 per person.
Meanwhile, passengers on Holland America Line will soon be embarking on a 133-day Grand Voyage, sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. By the time they disembark back into the Floridian sunshine in June, they will have visited ports in the Caribbean, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Canada. (Similar cruises are planned for 2026.) Fares for an inside cabin start at about $57,000 for two people, including taxes, fees, and port expenses, though you can expect more than double that amount to enjoy a view of the sea with direct deck access.
Of course, there is one way you can spend a year at sea without it costing you a dime — find yourself a job on a cruise ship. But if you don’t wish to work while you’re exploring the world, you’ll have to be prepared to spend big to live aboard.
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