Couple marks three years of living full-time on cruise ships

Libby Rome, 52, says she and her husband have lived aboard cruise ships full-time for three years. About 16 years ago, the couple sold most of their belongings and began moving among hotels worldwide before shifting to year-round cruising.

Despite spending the entire year at sea, Rome said they generally sail on just two or three ships annually. She estimates their combined daily costs at about $66, covering accommodation, transportation, food and onboard entertainment through several budgeting strategies.

Rome said Princess offers free laundry once a passenger has completed at least 15 cruises with the line. Remaining with a limited number of ships and building loyalty are among the ways the couple manages life aboard.

Managing healthcare also requires advance planning. Rome has type 1 diabetes and needs regular medical supplies, so she books itineraries that return to the same port. That allows her to schedule medical appointments on turnaround days between cruise segments. When treatment cannot wait, she said she visits onboard doctors.

For anyone considering full-time cruise living, Rome recommends first taking one or two sailings. She suggested testing a longer repositioning voyage with numerous sea days to determine whether the lifestyle is a suitable fit.