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?

I am 7 weeks 6 days from our next cruise (only our second - not talking serial cruisers here, yet!!!).

We absolutely loved the first one last October, to Norway on Cunard’s Queen Anne. In October we are in Princess Cruises Sky Princess. I absolutely loved cruising, and although the shore days were great cause they were places I’d never been, I LOVED the sociable nature of the sea days. Veterans’ group, craft and chat, talks by academics and celebrity people. It was fabulous.

You’ll need to do your research to make sure you don’t go over budget.

That’s a brilliant idea. All food included, only need to purchase alcohol and trinkets at port.

Wow yes, go for it!

I would do the cruise in a heartbeat.

Have fun x

I think you’re much better off trying a short cruise to see if you like it otherwise it’s a lot of money wasted. You can live in places like Thailand in luxury for half the price as here.

not sure where you are in the country I’d be very surprised if a cruise including everything would be less than renting

I’m sure you’ve looked in M&S but these caught my eye, given your spec :

It’s not brown, it’s claret!
https://www.marksandspencer.com/crew-neck-ruffle-midi-dress/p/clp60741347?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

this is brown but quite dressy
https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-midi-tiered-dress/p/clp23033820?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

Most cruises are all inclusive!

Wrong thread?!?

There are launderettes on ships where you do it yourself. Cost on Princess is 3 dollars for a full wash and another 3 for a tumble dry hour.

Medical facilities on cruise ships are a lot better than you think. X-rays are standard, for example. The dr is fully qualified and works with fully qualified nurses.

Book the cruise
Buy travel insurance
Have a blast !

Go on a cruise/travel, have a fabulous time. Check out house sitting sites for when you’re back. When you’ve bought somewhere, take your stuff out of storage and enjoy the rest of your life!

If I didn’t get horrendously sea sick I’d be doing that! Go for it!

Sounds like heaven. Do a vlog for YouTube and you’ll never need to come back 😂

Good idea

You could also buy a caravan (either here or somewhere warmer although these days there are good well insulated ones in the UK) and then do a few months off and have a base to come back to.
In your position I’d definitely try the cruise option!

@needanewstart2026 Sorry I don't have any practical advice for you, but wanted to say that this sounds amazing and good for you!

Take the risk... or lose the chance. If not now, when? Go girl!

Ambassador, Fred and Olsen and P&O are cheap and cheerful so could be a good starting point.

The solo occupancy fee is going to be the sticking point.

They are not.

They usually include all food at least so you don't have to factor in paying to eat out.

Don't be put off as a solo traveller - cruises have solo traveller groups you can join so you can make pals if you want on board but you don't need to join.

I think the main problem (which I think has already been mentioned) is that on a cruise the single supplement often nearly doubles the cost of the holiday. There are occasional bargains and exceptions, but don't base your assumptions on the price you see without factoring in the single supplement. Otherwise, I'd say a long cruise for a single person is a great idea.

Did this in Malta for six months. Once you pay, there's no bills to worry about and I liked the fact that new people were coming and going all the time. I would like to sell my house and do it again. I think it's a very sensible idea to not get bogged down with buying immediately.

It sounds great. And you could write an online journal on web page. Just tell us where to log in. It’s bloody tough being dumped we’re all behind you.

OP, I think this is a marvellous idea!!

I’d advise doing a week first to see if you like the concept. My mum was unsure but an hour in loved it!! 😂 She’d have stayed for good!

When you work out what you’d pay for accommodation, food, entertainment, gym, pool, etc., it’s actually ok! A few shorter cruises may be better to provide more variation on the entertainment, and facilities etc..

You can get annual insurance policies that cover cruises, I don’t know about limitations on lengths of the specific cruises though.

It sounds like you have support for the gaps, and not much to store, and it would be a wonderful experience, you’ll make friends, and like you say, a bit of a reset.

You can chose what packages to add, I wouldn’t bother with the alcohol one for you, just buy the odd drink when you want it. It’s still be cheaper that way.

Happy cruising! Please let us know where you’re going first when you’ve booked it! 😃