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?

www.royalcaribbean.com/ultimate-world-cruise/

I'd do this like a shot!

Having been on lots of cruises I highly recommend it op, I am so jealous.
My only concern would be coming home 5 stones heavier; there is generally food available 24/7 that you haven’t had to plan, shop for, cook or wash up all included in the price. It would be rude not to try it all out.
Go for it you will have a fabulous time.

I know someone who did this every year after she retired, said it was cheaper than paying for a cleaner/carers.

Go for it. Hope you have a fabulous time

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.

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

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.

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 !

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.

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

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.

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

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.

All food is included on cruises.

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!

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).

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

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 💐

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 a brave thing to do.

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!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@RandomNewIdentity

What did they do about health insurance?

Do it!!!

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