A husband-and-wife team who traded life on land for a permanent residence at sea have shared a candid look at what full-time cruise living really costs, and the figures are less extravagant than some might expect.
Johan Bodin and Lanette Canen, the creators behind the YouTube channel Living Life on a Cruise, have been documenting their experience after purchasing a cabin aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey. Unlike a standard cruise liner, the vessel is designed as a residential ship that continuously travels the world instead of operating from one fixed home port.
Now approaching two years on board, the couple say they’re ‘not rich’ in spite of appearances, and they have openly explained the finances involved for others curious about making the same move.
They explained that, although they are not connected to the ship’s operator, Villa Vie Residences has recently introduced updated pricing for interior cabins. Prices increase depending on the type of accommodation selected, whether that means a window room, balcony cabin, or suite.
At present, the lowest-priced option begins at $99,000 upfront, followed by a $4,000 monthly maintenance fee for two people. Solo occupants pay slightly less.
The couple said there are also alternative ways to come aboard. One is a five-year plan with a $60,000 upfront payment and monthly fees of $4,500 for couples or $3,300 for solo residents. Another is a three-year package with no maintenance charges, set at a flat $100,000, which they calculated works out at about $91 per day for each person.
For anyone unwilling to make a long-term commitment, they said there is a rent-to-own arrangement starting at $125 per person per day. There is also a one-time ‘Endless Horizons’ package costing $350,000, which covers the full lifetime of the ship and removes maintenance fees altogether.
No matter which plan residents choose, the maintenance charge includes three daily meals, Wi-Fi, laundry, twice-weekly cabin cleaning, gym access, fitness classes, and onboard entertainment.
They added that the ship uses Starlink internet, which has generally performed well during their travels, aside from occasional disruptions in places where the service is restricted.
Outside those core monthly charges, Johan and Lanette said there are several extra expenses that people may not immediately think about.
Among them are streaming services such as Amazon and Netflix, even though they admit they rarely watch much TV now. They also pay around $100 a month for a phone plan through US Mobile after having a poor experience with a different international provider.
They said it is also important to budget for unexpected needs. Their travel insurance, which replaces conventional health insurance, costs about $400 a month. On top of that, they spend around $500 on excursions and outings, plus personal expenses like haircuts, salon appointments, and occasional drinks at the onboard bar, where cocktails typically cost between $4 and $7.
In total, they estimate that their overall monthly spending, maintenance included, comes to roughly $5,150.
Johan and Lanette chose to buy their cabin outright, which allowed them to lock in maintenance fees for the lifespan of the vessel. They ended up in what they happily describe as an ‘obstructed view’ cabin, saying that choice simply reflected what they were able to afford at the time.
They also noted that anyone who buys a cabin in full can use a buyback program through Villa Vie Residences. Owners may also be able to upgrade to a larger cabin later or rent out their room to other travelers during voyage segments they have already completed.
Just as importantly, the pair highlighted the major costs they have left behind by no longer living ashore, including car payments, insurance, petrol, property taxes, and home maintenance. They did point out, however, that certain destinations can still involve visa charges and entry fees.
As a comparison, they said they had been spending closer to $8,000 per month while living in Maui before relocating to the ship. They also referenced a current US average household monthly spend of about $6,500, suggesting that their life at sea has actually turned out to be the cheaper option.
Since departing, the couple say they have traveled to 53 countries in 16 months and remain delighted with the decision. For them, the biggest return has not been financial, but the experiences they have collected along the way.
Villa Vie Residences now markets the Odyssey as a floating residential community with multiple ways to join, including ownership, rent-to-own, and short-term rental programs. The company says monthly fees are fixed for the life of the ship on ownership plans, while rental options start at $3,499 per month per person and try-before-you-buy stays begin at $124 per person per day based on double occupancy.
Its current program materials say the Odyssey visits hundreds of ports across more than 140 countries, with itineraries stretching through 2027 and beyond. The operator also says included amenities can vary by plan but typically cover dining, entertainment, housekeeping, internet access, and use of shared spaces, while specialty dining, spa services, excursions, alcohol, and medical services are generally extra.