5 Things to Consider Before Planning a Cruise Ship Retirement

Thinking about your retirement options? Do the open waters and exotic destination of cruise ship retirement sound appealing? Want to know more about cruise ship retirement?

Looking into the possibility of retiring to a cruise ship seems to be a growing trend, many claiming it’s actually less expensive than a typical retirement community. The appeal of a truly permanent vacation speaks for itself. But what do you really know about the reality of retirement life on a cruise ship? 

Before you crack your nest egg on the deck of an ocean liner, here are 5 things you should consider:

1. Cost- Cruises might be an affordable way to see Europe or the Caribbean, but if you’re considering spending years of your life on a ship, the costs can add up. Cruise ship add-ons include alcohol and soda, laundry, internet service, data roaming, and medical expenses. Retirement communities and assisted living facilities are often priced comparably or more affordably, and aren’t always the dull places you see portrayed in media. 
2. Care- Even if you’re in great health, chances are you are going to need a level of medical care and attention a cruise ship is not equipped to supply. Emergency visits with a doctor at your cruise residence can be very costly, and there’s a chance you won’t find insurance that will cover you if you live on a cruise ship. 
3. Mobility- Cruise ships will have some accessibility features, but more than not, they’re designed for energetic (and temporary) vacationers. Because mobility and balance tend to be an issue as we age, the difficulties posed by a cruise ship residence can quickly become tedious. In rougher weather, seniors will likely find hard or even dangerous to maneuver the boat. 
4. Relationships- Many seniors place high value on the friendships they forge with peers and neighbors in their retirement communities. Living on a cruise ship will make such relationships difficult to come by, considering you’ll be surrounded by new people every few weeks. You may also find the hiatus from family and old friends a burden.
5. Baggage- If you plan to call a cruise ship home, there’s a lot you’ll have to leave behind. If you’re okay with paring down belongings to a few suitcases, this won’t be a challenge; if not, you’ll have some tough decisions to make! You can also expect relatively small quarters in your new home without much freedom to personalize it to your comfort or liking. 

Don’t get us wrong… cruises are great! But we recommend you take a long vacation rather than taking up residence. For your long-term security and comfort, you have better options than this trend. 

If you have questions about your retirement situation or are exploring options for a loved one in need of memory care in Ann Arbor, give us a call today. At Hillside Terrace Senior Living, our family shares life with your family.