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?

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...

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.

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

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).

You can send receive post on ships they also have very good interest, pricey though. It is shareable on certain ships

Why the PM? Not having a go at you @cruisingqueen but I'm sure everyone would like to know what you feel you can share. Thanks for the info so far!

As a solo I think the costs will be wild, unless there are offers, but it's being ready to go when the offers are there is the issue for me 😊

Things some people hate - other passengers, sea sickness, boredom at sea, not being in touch with family/friends, no windows (if inside cabin).

Definitely go on a 2 week trip first.

I would

That’s the Villa Vie Odyssey, used to be the Braemar when owned by Fred Olsen.

It’s now a residential cruise ship, full of adventuring Americans living their best life. There’s lots of options for living on it, either as an owner or a renter. Look for a YouTube channel called Mid Life Cruising where they show you cabins available for rent, short or long term.

The main thing though is that they are a residential community, rather than holiday makers. If you were to do a six month cruise (which actually would have to be a series of back to back cruises) you might feel a bit discombobulated with new people coming and going all the time. This way you might feel more settled, which is possibly what you need?

The other thing about the VVO is that it’s quite small. I wouldn’t want to spend six months on a big ship, however luxurious.

Never done it but oh gosh in your circumstances I would definitely be packing. What have you got to loose. I can only see the positives

Another option, or maybe for after your cruise, is house sitting. We use Trusted Housesitters to look after our pets when we go away - quite a few travel for months at a time around the uk this way. Might help you to decide where and what type of place you want to live in next.

Even if it was a bit of a disaster , it would probably still be a hell of a lot better than living in rented accommodation for 6 months, although you will still probably have to live in rented accommodation when you return while you are looking at properties to buy

Haven’t read the whole thread but yes, absolutely, this is such a great idea and opportunity. I saw an advert for a 106 day cruise pop up on my Facebook earlier! I love cruises and if I ever had this opportunity I’d do it.

I’m the same age as you @needanewstart2026and I wouldn’t hesitate. It’s an amazing opportunity, seeing the world, meeting new people (and the ship is big enough to avoid anyone you aren’t keen on!) Go for it and keep us updated on your journey

Seasickness choose a cabin at the middle of the ship. Ginger, seabands, antihistamines. Though very rare. Do a short cruise if that is a concern as PP have suggested. I have only once encountered it, not me but passengers at the front of the ship where we had to change course due to a storm near Iceland.

@Insanityisnotastrategy omg I love your user name, although I would beg to differ and say it absolutely is a strategy!

in answer to your question: all my cats have been harness trained, and lived on boats. So quite easy for camping and caravanning as they are quite chilled to life being chaotic and in their face. So long as they have comfortable sleeping arrangements, food on tap and a litter tray we always made it work. They were always with one of us and we took them and the dogs in the car if we went off site in the car. They happily rode in the dogs push chair when dogs needed to go out (as did the dogs) for walkies. Permanently on a harness and leash that was always tied to either us or something weighty (dog push chair, tent pole, etc). Given enough length to explore and move but not too far. Cat carrier box at night so we could all sleep easily and they could be grabbed for a quick exit if necessary.

I agree but remember if you rent here you will presumably be looking for a home, viewing and going through the buying process. You can't do that when on a cruise so, when you get back, you'll have to rent anyway so you can go through the process of buying.

Make sure it doesn't muck up any mortgage application etc not being on an electrol roll etc

I’d say go for it, as long as you don’t have a drinking problem. Would be all to easy for someone with alcohol issues to drink themselves to death on a long cruise.

I’ve done a world cruise, and have another booked. As well as the cost of your cruise you do have other expenses. The things to watch out for are:

gratuities - traditional in cruising and added to your ship account as an extra unless specifically stated to be included.

Ship excursions are expensive, although lots of people do things independently. There are always costs to exploring a new place though, local transport costs, food off the ship etc

Wifi is usually extra and pricey

Unless drinks are included in your booking you’ll easily rack up costs even on soft drinks. It’s quite hard to find somewhere on a ship where someone isn’t trying to sell you a drink- I can nurse one for hours.

Medical costs are a lot if you need to call on the ship’s doctor, and you might in six months.

And the killer, solo occupancy. There are very few solo rooms and very few concessions for solos. The price someone gave of £11k RTW will have been for an inside cabin based on two sharing.

Finf a friend who wants to go with you OP!

Omg, do it.
That will be two fingers up to the ex, and pleaae come back with a Texan billionaire on your arm, that will shock him.

Laundry wasn't too expensive, take your own soap powder.

You could do Transatlantic to the Caribbean spend the winter cruising then get the transatlantic back. All from Dover, Tilbury or Southampton.

There is a great solo scene on board.
Everything you could want, lots of groups, activities, entertainment, cinema, gym etc.

Lots of lovely food, main dining room, share a table with other solo travelers.

At port, there is always WiFi available, so make your calls and catch up with family and friends then.

You don't need excursions, walk or get a taxi to a beach, join others for tours if you want. I rarely to an excursion as I love just mulling around. You can choose to spend a little or a lot.

Tea, coffee and water all free on board in the buffet. Take refillable cups.

Limit yourself to one cake and one ice cream a day. Start a fitness program.

The most I have done is 31 days, I loved it. I did work.on board, so that did give me a bit of focus.

Let us know if you find a good deal.

Yes to going on a cruise. I started in 2020, loved it and have been going ever since.
Yes, try one first - five days should give you an idea, leaving from a UK port (I go from Southampton)
Yes, cruises are really supportive of solo customers. Events are planned, some hosted, some not. IME mostly women attend. (Sadly, the support doesn't extend to cutting prices. IME it'll generally be way more expensive than sharing a cabin.)
Yes a balcony cabin is preferable but I've been fine with an inside cabin. They generally have a Webcam showing the view from the bridge so when you wake up you can see where you are and what the weather's like.
Yes, the internet options are (IME) shite. I just get off and use the free internet on land.
Yes, it's perfectly do-able to never take an expensive organised tour in port. There are always other options.

Good luck. (And do rent where you plan to move to. It's only sensible. If it helps, older single ladies are popular with landlords.)

I would love that but I love cruising.
If you haven't been before go on one asap as you may not like it or be sensitive to the motion or sea sick, which will make a 6 month cruise feel like eternity.
No cooking and cleaning for 6 months plus all the amazing ports to visit.

Someone on MN did this with their husband, they had a thread on it.

Sounds like a great idea! I would go on a 1-2 week one first to make sure you like it. I went on my first cruise last year and loved it. I had outside cabin. I couldn't cope with no window. It was so lovely when you woke up to a pretty new port in the morning. Alcohol packages are extra and unless you are a heavy drinker not worth it. The drinks were pretty good price anyway. All other drinks included. You could perhaps sort out buying your new home first, it usually takes a while after initial stage anyway. Then if you like it after first trip go for it! Lots of single people, everyone friendly, just put yourself out a bit. Maybe 3/4 back to back ones. You could do Norway/Iceland for Christmas, a river cruise, the med, i am dreaming of it for you!!😂

What a great idea - go for it OP!