Relationships3 min(s) read
A couple who decided to ditch the traditional idea of home ownership have revealed how much they spend living on a cruise ship, and claim the lifestyle can work out cheaper than having a mortgage.
Angelyn and Richard Burk, from Seattle in the US, made the unconventional decision to move their lives onto cruise ships after calculating that traveling the world at sea could actually make more financial sense than settling down and paying for a home.
The pair began their new lifestyle in March 2021, having originally planned to travel internationally for extended periods before eventually retiring on cruise ships.
For Angelyn, a former accountant, the decision ultimately came down to the numbers.
She told 7News: “Our original plan was to stay in different countries for a month at a time and eventually retire to cruise ships as we got older.”
The couple have always enjoyed traveling, and after looking closely at their finances, they realised they could afford to live aboard a cruise ship for around $43.74 (£35.44) per day.
Rather than waiting until retirement, Angelyn discovered that cruise loyalty schemes and discounted fares could allow them to make the move much sooner than expected.
“We have been frugal all our lives to save and invest in order to achieve our goal.
“We are not into materialistic things but experiences.”
With their plans in place, the Burks left their conventional lifestyle behind with just one suitcase each.
Since then, they have traveled on numerous cruises around the world, including an extraordinary 51-day journey from Seattle to Sydney.
The couple has visited a string of destinations during their time at sea, with Italy, Canada, Iceland and the Bahamas among their favourite stops.
However, one country has stood out above the rest.
Singapore has become their favorite destination, with the pair returning to the Southeast Asian country several times after enjoying their first visit so much.
And despite the unusual nature of their lifestyle, Angelyn believes living permanently on cruise ships could be achievable for other travellers willing to put in the work.
“I believe this is achievable for the everyday cruiser, but it does take effort,” she revealed.
For the Burks, one of the biggest attractions is the simplicity of having almost everything they need taken care of while travelling from one destination to another.
“It is leisurely travel without the complications of booking hotels, restaurants and transportation while staying within our budget.”
The couple say they have yet to find a major downside to their life at sea, but Angelyn does have some advice for anyone considering following in their footsteps.
Rather than immediately giving up their home and committing to the lifestyle, she recommends trying out longer cruises first.
That way, prospective full-time cruisers can find out whether they genuinely enjoy spending extended periods at sea before making such a dramatic change permanent.
For the Burks, however, there appears to be little desire to return to life on land, or to their former nine-to-five routine, anytime soon.
