Retire at Sea: Why a Luxury Cruise Ship Could Be Your Dream Home

Does your idea of a happy retirement include traveling the world? If you're looking for your next great adventure, consider sailing around the world in retirement on a luxury cruise ship. One option is the “Endless Horizons” program, with lifetime access to a guaranteed Ocean View Villa from $349,999.

However, there's a lot to consider when deciding whether or not to retire on a cruise ship, including costs, amenities, lifestyle, healthcare and other details. But if travel is your priority and you have the funds to set sail, it might be worth it to take the plunge.

Here's what you need to know about the Endless Horizons program, which guarantees lifetime access to the luxury cruise ship Villa Vie.

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Retire on a luxury cruise ship

What is the Endless Horizons program?

With the “Endless Horizons” program, you can spend the rest of your life on a cruise ship and travel the world. You’ll receive lifetime access to a guaranteed Ocean View Villa, transferring ships when the cruise does, by making one upfront payment of between $349,999 and $1,749,999, depending on room, single or double occupancy.

All basic amenities and services, such as meals, accommodations, and activities, are included in the cost, and there are no additional charges for taxes, port fees, internet access, or other typical travel expenses.

Lifetime access to an onboard cabin means you could sell your house entirely and spend the rest of your days at sea, regardless of how long you stay. A twenty-year retirement onboard for two people works out to just $29,999 (plus change) a year. For comparison, according to the  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average U.S. household in 2025 is estimated to spend around $6,440 per month (or $77,280 annually) on living expenses, based on the most recent Consumer Expenditure Survey (2023).

Villa Vie Residences cruise ship balcony villa.

Amenities include gourmet dining, medical check-ups, and onboard healthcare, full-service spa treatments, hair and nail appointments, social gatherings like art workshops and music nights, organized excursions and tours, fitness classes, and a variety of onboard entertainment, such as luxury lounging on the deck, a golf simulator and pickleball. There is also an onboard hospital and pharmacy.

Villa Vie Residences cruise ship onboard dining.

And you’ll likely visit places you’ve never thought you’d be able to experience before. You’ll sail across the entire globe, circumnavigating it every three-and-a-half years, visiting all seven continents, 147 countries, 425 destinations, and numerous islands along the way. Exploring Iceland, soaking up the sun in the Caribbean, and meandering the busy streets of Tokyo are just a fraction of the experiences you’ll have. Other destinations include: Samoa, Kuala Lumpur, Cape Town and Dubai. You can view the full itinerary here.

Asian woman at the entrance to Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Of course, you don’t have to stay onboard for the full three-and-a-half years, but you can select specific or non-continuous voyage segments. You’ll have to give at least a 30-day notice to ensure cabin availability.

“Endless Horizons” is advertised not only as a travel opportunity, but as a “new way of life.” And while the program is technically for all ages, it is specifically catered towards retirees.

The goal of the program is “to offer a seamless solution for those looking to retire on a fixed budget to never worry about ongoing expenses again,” says Mikael Petterson, chief executive officer, Villa Vie Residences. The program is designed to eliminate concerns about ongoing living expenses for retirees who may be concerned about outliving their savings, while also offering the adventure of a lifetime.

“For less than the price of an average home, you can secure a lifetime of experiences," says Petterson.

An alternative to the “Endless Horizons” program is to buy a cabin outright and pay the monthly fees associated with the room. However, buying a room outright only guarantees a cabin for 15 years, versus the “Endless Horizons” program, which offers lifetime access. Here’s what you’ll pay if you decide to pay outright for a room.

Deluxe Balcony Villa or Balcony Suite: $379,999

Monthly maintenance fees: $8,999

Balcony Villa: $339,000

Monthly maintenance fees: $7,999

Obstructed Outside Villa: $159,000

Monthly maintenance fees: $4,999

Outside Window Villa: $169,999

Monthly maintenance fees: $4,999

Pros and cons of retiring on a cruise ship

Pros:

Travel: Of course, the main appeal of retiring on a cruise ship is the travel. You'll be able to visit countries all over the world and have new experiences every day. You definitely won't have to worry about being retired and bored.
Ease: Another plus of retiring on a cruise ship is you'll no longer have to worry about mundane tasks, like grocery shopping, home maintenance, cutting the lawn, or cooking.

Cons:

Size: You may feel constrained by the size of your lodgings on a cruise ship. There are only so many places you can go.
Healthcare: If you have a severe health issue onboard a cruise ship, you may need more medical help than is available onboard.
Family and friends: Retiring on a cruise ship makes visiting family or attending family events, like weddings or reunions, much more complicated. Establishing long-lasting friendships on board a cruise ship can also be difficult, as passengers come and go.

Erin pairs personal experience with research and is passionate about sharing personal finance advice with others. Previously, she was a freelancer focusing on the credit card side of finance, but has branched out since then to cover other aspects of personal finance. Erin is well-versed in traditional media with reporting, interviewing and research, as well as using graphic design and video and audio storytelling to share with her readers.