To go on a long cruise instead of renting?

[needanewstart2026]

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?

Do you know what? That sounds like a great idea. Don't forget to factor in the cost of storing your furniture

Never done it... But it does sound an excellent idea!

Am sure I've seen online travel fora on FB discussing this?
Good Luck..

Have not done it but I absolutely would.

I’d do that on a heartbeat!
Also look at housesitting if you don’t have commitments,

Deleted double post soss

It sounds absolutely amazing! And would totally do it!

But being a party pooper🙈 would be difficult to buy while being away.

Do you like cruises, I think they are quite love / hate. I could think of nothing worse

This actually sounds great. What a way to turn a fresh page and get yourself ready for the next part of your life.

what an opportunity to draw a line under this part of your life ready for the next ☀️

Alternatively all inclusive hotels somewhere. I remember articles about people who did that because overal it was same or cheaper than renting and buying food etc.

The ship that was stuck in Belfast for a few months has now just left Japan and is on its way to South Korea.

There are so many cruises, do your homework though as some are for this or that type of person, you want to fit in!

I've never been on one so could be a disaster lol

My mum went on a cruise and met people on the cruise who were on the ship for 6months (as a 6months cruise rather than the leg she was on). They said they absolutely loved it, it was cheaper than being at home and had access to everything inc washing. I think repeat medication would need to be planned.

Go for it.

There was an American woman who literally lived on the QE2 for years until it was decommissioned. 😃

But yes, not a bad idea. There are those long stay winter holidays in Spain as well.

Or you could cruise hop, join one for three weeks, when it gets to a particular port join a different one and so on. It would take quite some organising though.

You will come back a different person. You have one life. Do it.

I'm not keeping anything. I have about 6 storage boxes with photos and DC memories and my clothes, bit of jewellery and personal paperwork. I could probably store at a family member/friend house or a small storage unit.

Does it really not cost that much more. Including if you factor in not being able to do a supermarket shop and so eating out every meal?

I know people that go to a beautiful place on Croatia or on the back sea and rent for a couple of months which is cheaper than renting in UK for a break.

def take time out to think if you can.

If you love cruising then it’s potentially a very viable suggestion. Check the finances carefully and would definitely go on a short cruise to try it out first.
Looking for a series of stays in hotels might also work. Off season in the right places could be just as cost effective.

It sounds perfect. Research it, check your research, go to countries you like the sound if, best cabin you can afford. Pref outside with balcony.

I'd like one of those Greek ones with a historian on tap:)

Brilliant idea. Change of scene will be refreshing.

I would. Maybe book the first month and see if you want to extend it.

Alternatively what about a campervan? Drive around the uk and Europe for a couple of months. Visit everyone you know.

What’s the rent for what you'd be looking for? People buy vans, drive for a few months, then sell them on.

Wonderful idea, but if you've not been before then definitely get as much advice as you can before you decide on where you will go, when and for how long. If you've not got much to store, maybe a nice friend could pop it in their loft for a few months - take it you don't have to book any time off work either? I would definitely go - blow the cobwebs away - be free, recalibrate, leave the past behind and have some new solo adventures. You definitely won't be the only one - lots of people who go on lengthier cruises do so because they are at a turning point in their lives - recently divorced, retired, and everything in between.

If i was in your position and could afford it I'd definitely do it! Given you haven't cruised before then you should book a weeks cruise to see if you actually like it, won't get seasick, feel trapped/cooped up if you would be staying in an inside cabin with no windows let alone balcony.

I would love to do this. I have too many commitment so I couldn’t, but if I was you I would be gone in a heartbeat.

My parents did a three month round the world cruise on a “smaller” ship and loved it. They got off in NZ so didn’t do the whole trip, but why not? Sounds great?!!