Man who’s lived on cruise ship for more than 20 years reveals how much it's cost him

While you might be frustrated with the living situation right now, 20 years ago a man decided he had had enough and went to live on a cruise ship.

You're probably aware that the cost of getting a home either to buy or rent is pretty difficult right now. Doesn’t matter if it's in an apartment, house, house share, houseboat... whatever it is, it can take quite a toll on your wallet and your pocket change.

So in recent years, some people have been throwing the whole thing out the window and deciding to try out more unique living situation.

But Cuban man Mario Salcedo decided to make the big move to a life out at sea over 20 years ago back when he was 47-years-old and doesn’t seem to have any regrets.

The face of a man happy to be living on a floating home sailing around the world (All Things Cruise)

He seems to be living his best life and has affectionately been given the nickname ‘Super Mario’ by the crew of the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas.

Speaking on how he manages his money while living on the cruise ship, Salcedo broke down some of his costs and what its been like living on a floating home that cruises around the world.

In an interview with All Things Cruise in 2021, he said: “I’m so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land.”

“For 23 years. Always on Royal Caribbean. It’s the best lifestyle I can find. More than 9,000 nights cruising with Royal Caribbean, 52 weeks a year. Cruising never gets old.

Mario explained that he is quite good at keeping himself on a tight budget and for his basic day-to-day cost, he regularly only spends about $100 (All Things Cruise)

He also explained that he is quite good at keeping himself on a tight budget and for his basic day-to-day cost, he regularly only spends about $100 - however, he did warn that additional costs could quickly add up.

To help keep costs down, he spends time around the Caribbean, but if he wanted to travel further he would have to part with more cash.

In 2019, he said for an inside cabin with no window, he could pay $72,093 a year.

This rises to $101,258 for a cabin with a balcony – and jumps even higher to $136,000 if you fancied a junior suite.

Salcedo has also said that these costs for a year was still less than that of moving into an assisted-living facility, so not a bad way to choose to live!