What is "Springboarding" on a Residential Cruise?

What is

Travel Deeper with "Springboarding"


by Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

One of the most exciting aspects of living on a residential cruise ship like the Villa Vie Odyssey is the ability to completely redefine how you travel. We're not just hopping from one port to the next for a few hours. We're using the ship as a launchpad for deeper, more immersive journeys. We call this concept "springboarding."


What Exactly is "Springboarding"?

"Springboarding" is the term we use for using our residential cruise ship as a home base to explore a country more extensively [00:31]. Instead of being limited to the immediate port area, we can leave the ship for several days at a time to travel further inland. According to us, Chris and Michael, this strategy allows for a much richer travel experience. It’s the difference between just seeing a city and truly getting to know a country's culture, history, and people [00:26].

This approach is made possible by the unique itineraries of residential cruises, which often feature longer stays in ports, sometimes for several days [01:50]. This gives us the flexibility to pack a small bag, book an Airbnb or a hotel, and set off on a multi-day adventure before returning to our floating home. You can read more about our travel philosophy on our blog, Charting Our Course.

A couple enjoying a local cafe while planning their adventures deep within a country, a perfect example of a

How Does Springboarding Work in Practice?

A perfect example of our springboarding strategy was our recent trip to Lima, Peru. The ship docked, and instead of just doing a day tour, we checked into a hotel for three nights [01:57]. This gave us the freedom to explore the city at our own pace, from its world-class restaurants to its historic neighborhoods, without feeling rushed to get back to the ship each evening [02:08].

This method unlocks a whole new chapter of travel possibilities. It allows us to:

  • Explore In-Depth: We can visit national parks, historical sites, and cultural landmarks that are hours away from the coast.
  • Be Spontaneous: We can change our plans on a whim, stay an extra night if we love a place, or take a detour to a hidden gem we hear about from a local.
  • Experience More: It enables us to have authentic experiences that just aren't possible during a short port call.
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Chris and Michael with the Residential Cruising Guide

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You can see our Lima springboarding adventure in action on our DC Hidden Gems YouTube channel. It truly transforms the cruise from just a mode of transport to a strategic base for global exploration [18:22].

For anyone considering a residential cruise, understanding the potential of springboarding is a game-changer. It’s about leveraging the convenience of a floating home to enable a style of travel that is deeper, more flexible, and ultimately more rewarding.

What destination would you love to "springboard" to from a cruise port? Let us know in the comments below!


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