Living on a cruise ship might seem like an unconventional lifestyle, but for some, it becomes a captivating way of life. Mario Salcedo, a Cuban man, chose to make this dream a reality over two decades ago by moving onto the Royal Caribbean cruise line permanently.
His decision, made at the age of 47, has turned into a long-lasting love for the cruising life, despite encountering some unexpected challenges along the way.
Salcedo, affectionately known as ‘Super Mario’ by cruise staff, even has a dedicated workspace on board, complete with a plaque. His unique lifestyle has led to some intriguing financial insights and memorable experiences.
Discussing his financial management while living at sea, Salcedo shared insights about his expenses and what it’s like to reside on a ship that circumnavigates the globe.
In a conversation with All Things Cruise back in 2021, he stated, “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.”
In a recent entry on a Royal Caribbean blog, Salcedo reminisced about his ‘most memorable cruise memory,’ which involved an ‘unforgettable’ experience during a ‘cruise to nowhere.’
“Without a doubt, the ‘hurricane evacuation’ cruise onboard Enchantment of the Seas in September, 2017,” he recounted.
As Hurricane Irma approached South Florida with 150mph winds, evacuation orders were issued, yet there were no available flights, hotel rooms, or car rentals.
Salcedo described how supplies like bottled water were depleting, leaving Miami residents ‘essentially trapped.’
“A famous CEO came up with the brilliant idea to offer Enchantment of the Seas to the Miami-based shoreside employees and their immediate families as a means of quick, safe, and free evacuation,” he explained.
“I believe the ship carried nearly 3,000 employees and families as she sailed out of Miami and out of harm’s way for a four-day cruise to nowhere. I may have been the only real guest onboard.
“That sailing gave me the unique opportunity to meet, chat, and socialize with many shoreside employees. It was a new and truly unforgettable experience.”
Salcedo further noted, “I love the onboard crew, but this unplanned encounter with the shoreside employee population was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.”
Previously, he shared that while he’s adept at keeping his spending in check, daily expenses can typically amount to around $100. However, he cautioned that additional costs could quickly escalate.
In 2019, he revealed that an inside cabin without a window could cost him $72,093 annually.
This price increased to $101,258 for a cabin with a balcony and soared to $136,000 for those desiring a junior suite.