Living on a cruise ship cost in 2026
Living on a cruise ship costs $28,000 to $132,000 per person per year in 2026, and most people pay about $36,500.
What moves the price
- Residential ships like Villa Vie or Storylines cost far more than back to back cruises.
- Cabin type and size change the price.
- Buying a cabin costs a large amount up front.
- Port fees, drinks, internet and trips cost extra.
- The cruise line and route change the daily fare.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
Fares usually cover the cabin, meals and basic entertainment. Port fees, drinks, internet, trips and tips are often extra. Residential ships may charge annual fees on top of a cabin purchase.
Living at sea options
| Option | Price printed |
|---|---|
| Room and board, low end | About $28,000 per year |
| Back to back cruises (Cruise Plum estimate) | About $36,500 per year |
| Victoria Cruise Line | $2,399 to about $2,500 per month |
| Villa Vie annual fees | $48,000 to $132,000 per year |
| Villa Vie cabin purchase | From $119,999 |
| Storylines maintenance fee | At least $55,000 per person per year |
| Storylines residence | From $600,000 to $1.1 million |
| The World residence | $2.5 million or more |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Cruise Hive.
Ways to pay less
- Book long or back to back cruises on lines that run low daily fares.
- Look for specials, since one source lists daily fares of $79 per person.
- Compare the yearly total to your current rent and bills before you decide.
What price guides say
We checked 5 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- Cruise Hive: How Much Does It Cost to Live On a Cruise Ship?
- Islands: Why Some Travelers Are Living On Cruise Ships Full-Time
- Tips for Travellers: Live On Cruise Ships: What It Really Takes
- Afar: On These Forever Cruises, You Live Onboard and Sail the World for Years
- Villa Vie Residences: Villa Vie Residences
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Living on a cruise ship costs $28,000 to $132,000 per person per year in 2026, and most people pay about $36,500. Most people pay about $36,500 per person per year. The low end is $28,000 and the high end is $132,000.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: Residential ships like Villa Vie or Storylines cost far more than back to back cruises; Cabin type and size change the price; Buying a cabin costs a large amount up front.
How can I pay less?
Book long or back to back cruises on lines that run low daily fares. Look for specials, since one source lists daily fares of $79 per person. Compare the yearly total to your current rent and bills before you decide.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 5 named price guides: Cruise Hive, Islands, Tips for Travellers, Afar, Villa Vie Residences. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
Related costs
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