To go on a long cruise instead of renting?

I would go on a 2 week cruise asap and see if you actually like it.

Some people absolutely hate cruises and you need to know if you can stick it!

If you enjoy it, then I wouldn’t think twice (depending on cost).

I know the P&O cruises rarely have hidden extra costs (unlike many other lines) and there is free use of the washing machines etc.
You take out your electricity bill, water and rent etc and you’ll find it’s a very good deal, especially when most food is included.

You may not have internet or have to pay a lot for it, so that is something to consider as it will be difficult to stay in touch with anyone.

But if you enjoy it then I would absolutely go for it!
It is something I definitely plan of doing when I retire (if not sooner).

@cruisingqueen I would be careful with telling people you love cruising, you might find yourself getting some unwanted offers... 😂

As the username suggests I love cruising OP. A forum I like is Cruise Mummy. Gives you loads of tips. I just got back from QM2 transatlantic return. I have been on lots of different liners, you get food included, water, tea/coffee luggage storage if needed. Entertainment allday which iz good they generally give you daily programme the evening before, singles meet ups if a lone traveller. Or just take a book most ships have libraries. Laundry most (all except one) ships have a DIY laundry I went on one which didn't possibly RC you can buy do it yourself wash bags from Amazon. Hit me up with any questions. Do not do any shore excursions with the cruise company you can DIY a lot cheaper. You will find your people on board. There are lots of ways to save money. I love cruising you can take as much luggage as you like. Tipping/gratuities is a grey area as I said pm me if would like more info. Enjoy. We have already booked next year! PS you dont need to dress up if you dont want to, just avoid jeans on the formal nights, black trousers are fine.

Not the point of your thread, I know, but imagine the correspondence between your lawyer and his lawyer. Please inform Mr needanewstart that any documents requiring Mrs needanewstart's signature must be completed by Xdate as she will thereafter be unavailable. See how he likes not being in charge of all the decisions!

But @needanewstart2026 it sounds lovely, it might be what I woud do too - the only cruise I've been on I felt very looked-after and well cared for (probably just what you need). But have a think and make sure that this is what YOU want to do and that you are not living out your friend's fantasy (or any of us on here!). There will be lonely moments and being adrift on the high seas and unable to quickly get back to familiar places and people could add to that...

Sounds lovely and a brilliant reaction to your dh being a bit of an idiot!

Do it!!!

@RandomNewIdentity

What did they do about health insurance?

Honestly please do this!!!! Clear the head, have an adventure and meet new friends! It’s a bloody brilliant idea and gift of the internet means if u want to come home u can find temp accomodation while u get set up again. Time to put yourself first now! Get up and go girl!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

What a brave thing to do.

I'd also look at joining Trusted Housesitters as a sitter - you could go practically anywhere in the world to look after people's houses and pets...It seems ideal for people with minimal commitments who want to travel.

What about renting somewhere beautiful for six months instead if you could use a change of scene. Devon/Northumberland/lake district/Scottish highlands, somewhere like that. The problem with a 6 months cruise is if you don't like the other people on it it could be unpleasant. Plus they are Petri dishes, everyone I know who went on one came back ill, not much fun. All the best to you whatever you decide 💐

@needanewstart2026 Arcadia, planet cruise. 6th Jan 2027. It’s £11,383pp but that’s sharing. Not sure about solo.

I have a friend (widow, second husband) who decided after finding she’s now a tenant in her own home to her step daughter (they are very agreeable) she disappears off on a three month cruise while the property is let as an Airbnb, then she rents it back in between the next guest booking for a few weeks and sets off on another trip.
She has made lots of new friends and is very happy with the outcome (which was a shock to find her husband had changed his will for her to be a peppercorn tenant and not permanent resident).

I wouldn’t personally go on a cruise but if you have the money to, I’d absolutely go travelling around the world for 6 months!

All food is included on cruises.

I think your friend is right. Do something new or different. I mean not necessarily a cruise but actually that is a great way to do something that looks after you a bit while giving you lots of new experiences. Could be other things equally fun and def better than six months of renting.

I think the general idea is excellent but I'm saving my money until my only option is a care home!

Brilliant idea. Apparently you can get a lifelong ticket on a cruise at 55 snd dh was seriously tempted to sell up and go.

Go for it!!

You don’t cook for yourself on a cruise all food is included in the price. They usually have some speciality restaurants which cost a bit extra but the standard dining rooms, buffet and snack places are all included and you don’t have to pay anything more. Drinks are generally not included above tea/ coffee and juices at breakfast but cabins have kettles and small fridges.

DO IT, DO IT, DO IT! And blog it on here as you go... carpe diem OP! 😎

It's a fab idea!

My DP flew to Sydney and did an 8 week cruise from there- he loved it. Cost 15kish -drinks on top but you can take some of your own drinks. He went on the Arcadia. You can get some good deals too if you shop around. He also met lots of lovely people.

I went on my first cruise last year wasn't sure about it as I get seasick. I absolutely loved it and we've booked another one for next year.

It sounds amazing , nothing to do but looking after yourself whilst visiting some fantastic places which will soothe your soul .
You will meet so many people and enjoy so many experiences which may open whole new chapters in your life .
Let some good come out of your heartbreak and go for it !

How much would insurance be for this? Thinking about the PP who mentioned someone diagnosed with a terminal illness doing this.

Have never been attracted to a cruise but doing one where you almost live on it feels like a more attractive option, weirdly.

I would definitely travel. Maybe not cruising, but travel is good. You would be suprised the amount of people in their 40s 50s and retired people now backpacking and travelling, in style usually, ie not hostels full of 20 somethings. But there are tours, routes and hotels more suited to meeting people and having fun.
But some people love cruises so it dependa if you think you would like it
Choose the ship carefully, my friend worked in cruise sales and she was telling me that each ship has a different vibe. Theres party ships, family ships, ships for the descerning traveller etc. A cruise sales person would be able to advise you better

The Passion for Cruises FB group is really active and their main business is solo travellers. I've not cruised but keep meaning to give it a go. Renting is so expensive now.

It would be an ideal thing to perk you up, I think, given the circumstances.