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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To go on a long cruise instead of renting?

254 replies

needanewstart2026 · 24/08/2025 17:51

I'm in my 60s and retired and my family home is being sold due to DH divorcing me as he has met someone else. I'm devastated and told a friend I was going to rent for a few months before buying while I get my head together. She said I should go on a 6 month cruise rather than renting as wouldn't cost much more and I'd get to see the world. I laughed but I'm seriously thinking about whether it is feasible. Anyone else done this?

OP posts:
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needanewstart2026 · 24/08/2025 18:36

Thank you for all your positive messages. I need to do some serious research. Even if I went for three months before renting it may be the restart I need.

OP posts:
Christ0nABike · 24/08/2025 18:34

Oh it sounds amazing, I would absolutely do this rather than renting in the UK.

Pleeeease go, and make this thread your travel journal!

purplecorkheart · 24/08/2025 18:34

Just make sure you do your research well. Things like excursions are not normally included and can be expensive. You can do non cruise ship excursions but if they get delayed due to an Road accident/illness traffic the ship will not stay for you after departure time.

Davros · 24/08/2025 18:32

I’ve never been on a cruise (unless you count the educational one in 1973!) but the advantage I can see over a hotel, Airbnb or campervan is meeting other people easily

hellohellooo · 24/08/2025 18:32

Do it op please !!!

We can live vicariously through you

You get one life 💕💖💕💖💕💖

Wolfcub · 24/08/2025 18:27

This sounds like a great idea

HoneyHoneyHowYouThrillMe · 24/08/2025 18:27

Oh yes, you should do it!!

Bananaandmangosmoothie · 24/08/2025 18:27

Definitely worth considering!

RandomNewIdentity · 24/08/2025 18:26

I had a friend who had a terminal disease. He sold up and did a round the world cruise and got home just before his final decline. He loved it, and I'm so glad he had the chance

ladymalfoy45 · 24/08/2025 18:24

Be the lady in the corner no one notices. Then BAM! There's a murder and you've been observing everything.

ginasevern · 24/08/2025 18:24

I'm 68, widowed and tempted to join you OP.

BIossomtoes · 24/08/2025 18:22

A cruise is my idea of hell but it’s a fabulous idea for someone who likes them.

Daisy12Maisie · 24/08/2025 18:22

Or just go somewhere like Thailand and rent an air BnB. I would love to do that. It’s so cheap. The flights there are expensive but an air BnB and food etc is so cheap.

mrshoho · 24/08/2025 18:20

I would absolutely do this. Go for it!

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 24/08/2025 18:20

Kind of. Went on a long holiday in between selling one house and buying another. Only it was camping so not in the same league at all. ! (Due to having cats and dogs).

SeaShellsSanctuary1 · 24/08/2025 18:18

Undoubtedly there are policies that would cover you but most insurances have a limit on how long you can be away.

It sounds a fabulous way to pass the time

AllyDally · 24/08/2025 18:17

I woild 100% do this!

Only thing to pay for on top are drinks but you can take on loads of soft drinks any way.

Saw an incredible itinerary the other day, 106 night world cruise incl Australia, no flying and was £11.5k full board. Coffee/tea incl, juice at breakfast.

RandomUsernameHere · 24/08/2025 18:14

I would love to do this!

Notsuchafattynow · 24/08/2025 18:13

I saw an amazing one that was over 100 nights. Australia / South Eat Aisia.

Do it!!!

SliceofTosst · 24/08/2025 18:12

I would 100% do this.

Suggest going on a one week one first to see if you like it though. I love them!!

If you do you can look at different areas and itineraries and link them up.

Dangermoo · 24/08/2025 18:12

Be a devil and just do it x

LoveMyLifeAlways · 24/08/2025 18:12

I'm excited for you OP 😄

AnneElliott · 24/08/2025 18:11

I met some people doing this when I went on a Fred Olsen cruise. They did it for 9 months of the year and stayed with family for the 3 months over the UK summer. It sounds great to be honest - I’d definitely do it.

JLou08 · 24/08/2025 18:11

That sounds amazing. I would do it. Just make sure you have plenty left over in case you need some time in a hotel whilst you wait for accommodation when you return.

Maddy70 · 24/08/2025 18:10

I met a lady on my last cruise that goes for a while. I'm not sure how it works post Brexit as you now have limited time in Schengen zone etc. So would be worth asking the cruise company/destinations you are thinking of going to
I would suggest a larger ship so you feel you can "go out for a walk!) I think it's a truly wonderful idea.