Should I Buy a Residential Cruise Cabin?

For more on navigating your finances for a life at sea, check out our post on Cruise Finances.

2. How Do You Handle Healthcare and Emergencies at Sea?

You are far from home, and access to medical care is not the same as on land. This is one of the most significant risks of long-term life on a cruise ship.

• Limited Medical Facilities: While residential ships like the Villa Vie Odyssey have medical staff and facilities for immediate needs, they are not equipped for ongoing or complex medical issues. If you have a major medical emergency, you may need to be evacuated to a land-based hospital, which can be costly and logistically challenging, especially in remote locations.
• The Risk of Illness: Living in close quarters with hundreds of other people means infectious diseases, like norovirus, can spread quickly. According to the CDC, cruise ships have been known for viral outbreaks. While sanitation protocols are strict, the risk remains a concern for passengers.
• Healthcare Insurance: Standard health insurance may not cover medical treatment in a foreign country or a medical evacuation. You need to have comprehensive travel health insurance that covers all medical emergencies, as repatriation of remains alone can cost thousands of dollars.

3. What Are the Social and Emotional Challenges of Permanent Cruising?

The romance of cruising can fade when you're away from home for a long time. The social and emotional toll can be a hidden risk.

• Loneliness and Homesickness: Living at sea means you are constantly away from your friends, family, and home life. While you might make new friends on board, passengers will come and go, making it difficult to build long-term relationships with everyone. It’s hard to be part of family events and a land-based community when you're always on the move.
• Navigating a Small Community: Life on a residential cruise means you are part of a small, tight-knit community. While this can be a positive, it can also be challenging to navigate the complexities of living in close quarters with the same people for months or even years.
• Claustrophobia and Limited Space: The continuous living in a small, compact space can lead to feelings of claustrophobia. While you can spend time on the rest of the ship, your cabin is your only true private space.

If you're thinking about the destinations, check out our post on Navigating Ports of Call.

4. Are There Practical and Day-to-Day Risks?

Beyond the big picture, there are daily realities of life on a cruise ship that can present challenges.

• Unexpected Problems: Despite being new or refurbished, ships are complex machines that can have issues. Passengers have reported plumbing issues, A/C problems, and inconsistent internet access.
• Limited Personalization: While you can redecorate and personalize your cabin, there are strict limitations for safety and compliance. For example, some electrical appliances may be prohibited due to fire hazards, and you are limited to certain types of materials for renovations.
• The "Cabin Lottery": While you may have your choice of cabin if it's available, it's crucial to do your research beforehand. Unlike a home on land, you may be stuck with a location near noisy venues or machinery, which can lead to a less than ideal experience if you don't choose carefully.

5. Can You Sell Your Cabin if You Change Your Mind?

One of the biggest questions is about the resale value of your cabin.

• Is it an Asset?: Your cabin is an asset, but it can be difficult to sell. Companies like Villa Vie Residences offer to help you lease or sell your villa, but there is no guarantee that it will sell quickly or at a profit.
• Resale Market: Unlike a land-based home, the resale market for residential cruise ship cabins is small and niche. You are selling a very specific product to a very specific type of buyer, which could make it difficult to get out of your investment if you change your mind.