I’m Living on a Cruise Ship & This is What It Cost Me (March 2024 Expense Report) 

I just read an article that more and more people are living full time on cruise ships and now I see why. Thank you for sharing this information.

Not lucky you have Mil ins. You earned it and deserve it. Thanks for your service.

I commend you on 2 things....your sacrifice and service for our country, and answering all of the people who have questions or comments on the video! I see countless videos where people respond with questions and the Tuber never takes the time to answer a single one! Awesome job and I subbed as well!

Just retired from the Navy on 1/1/24 and was watching this video thinking about doing the same thing… I was excited to see that your doing this as a retiree as well :)

Your minimalist lifestyle - and your discipline about thrift - are impressive! Subscribed 😁

Thanks for the info; this is really looking like a viable option for living a minimalistic lifestyle. I'm still leaning towards living full-time in an RV but if I ever can't do it physically, or just want a break, I would certainly look at this as an option. I'm glad you're showing other options in addition to what you've previously shown as far as living in a van. It's great to have options!!! It just goes to show you that you can live a good life AND do it as a minimalist! I've been going over my budget to try to see what I can do to reduce my expenses (especially health and food costs). I just got a boost in income when my youngest child turned 26 and fell off my insurance so I'm acting like it never occurred and just saving that money to go towards buying a small home that I can possibly rent out while living on the road, cruising, and/or living internationally full-time for a while. All of the Grounded Life video info is great. I currently watch Grounded Life Travel and Grounded Life Finance; they really provide some great, sound, and inspiring info (just like you). Again, thx for the video. PS - I AM definitely a subscriber, and happy to tell anyone that if you aren't, you should definitely join in on the fun!! Live life!!!!

Love the transparency and that you are so honest on the costs. It shows it is doable. Wishing you a happy Easter! 🐣

WOW, I'm impressed that with 110K subs you are still replying to every comment. That is absolute dedication and I wish you and your channel every success :)

I think this is the first vlog I've ever come across that dives into the complete cost of cruising. Its so informative and straight to the point. Excellent vlog, new subscriber here, well done!

Love the detail this month!

We will be 212 days on cruises this year. Usually we are 50-60 days a year but our long-deferred World Cruise is finally happening. Here’s our 2024 cruise price breakdown. 6 of the 8 cruises we’re taking in 2024 are casino comps for taxes and fees only. Our per day costs for cruising vary WIDELY. TOTAL cost for all 8 cruises totalling 212 days (including the splurgy world cruise) is $50K. Here’s the breakdown: The Princess World Cruise out of Auckland which includes all alcohol, wi-fi, gratuities and $3,500 in on-board credit is $36,060 of that or $325 a night. A similarly splurgy Oceania cruise from Miami to Lima in December is $8,448 or $563 a night. (I know, I know but Oceania is so dreamy and we have a balcony). The remaining $6,010 is for the 6 comped cruises or $68 a day (taxes, fees and insurance only). And also include liquor, casino free-play, wi-fi and gratuities. Their retail cost would be over $22K. And, before anybody asks-I am NOT a high roller but manage my blackjack/video poker bankroll so that I never risk more than the retail cost of the “free” cruise. My bottom line in the last 15 years has ranged from a net loss of 7K to an amazing year where the odds favored me and I cleared $23K. It’s built into my entertainment budget. (Never, ever chase cruise comps!)

Love a good spreadsheet! Thank you for your service,

I was on the Ruby for the next two legs, to Vancouver then R/T to Hawaii. You should mention the extra credit for military service and for owning 100+ shares of CCL. It all adds up. You are living the life, I love it.

That's pretty cool how the Casino & Free Play has worked this year for you. I'm not a big gambler so I probably wouldn't have ever thought about it.

Breaking it down really does show us how possible it is for travel by cruise ship. Thanks for sharing Kev!!

Seems like you got it all figured out. $2K a month is a fantastic low budget. It’s equivalent to my mortgage and property tax. I have to take advantage of casino credits.

For people from wealthy, expensive western countries it can actually be cheaper than your "regular" life in a big city with crazy rent prices. If you happen to have a property you can sell or get some tenants for passive income - even better. :) Even people from less wealthy countries are now able to cruise, I mean there are cruises for 50 and less dollars pppn, including meals etc so... Maybe not full time, but definitely a growing interest from many nations now able to afford cruises!

Very good video. We appreciate you taking the time to share all your valuable tips on Thailand. Thank you! We're PUMPED UP!

Wow, the water looks so blue and beautiful. Enjoy your adventure!

Very cool! Thanks for explaining the casino method again. In the end, all these cruises, aside from taxes and fees, cost the original $50 you put in. It is a really economical way to live, plus you get to go to amazing places.👋🇨🇦

Enjoyed the detailed price breakdown. Thanks for sharing your experiences Kevin!

People often mention casino deals. They never mention how much money they lost while gambling. I think that should be considered part of your monthly report

Great to hear your gambling for free cruises story. As you said, I think you were fortunate to start that at the right time. If you watched Cruisin with Mark's channel on what it takes today to get free cruises, it's crazy hard. You need to put down at least $3k every night, gamble for hours daily, beg the casino boss for comps, etc. and you still may not get it. I think Mark and maybe you too keep getting comped because you are on Princess' radar from your channels and are safe for getting free comps. To try that today with sold out cruises and lots of people losing tons of cash in the casinos, good luck.

Cruise ships are fun not gonna lie!! Keep living it up buddy!!

I noticed with you and other channels my subscription with RU-vid was dropped. So good that you are telling people to check again.

I hope you're having a wonderful Easter, Kevin!🎉💐🤗🛳🌅

Hi Kevin! Nice break-down of your expenses! I think most people might spend more on eating off ship at some ports, maybe, but it's nice that you don't need to. It's really got to be one of the more frugal ways to travel when you do it right. I was on a Norwegian cruise (Carribean) in 2017 and loved it, but they seem to be having a *lot* of "unforced errors"/ PR nightmares lately. Not sure I would want to go with them again in the future at this point. Princess and Royal seem much more guest focused from what I'm hearing. Happy Easter! Cheers!...from North Vancouver

I would be interested in "Tramp Steamers"... In other words Cargo vessels with extra cabins that would take passengers for a nominal fee.. That was a thing back in the day.. Now that would be cool....

Could you please make a video about the repositioning cruises, options, seasons, how to pick the best?

I loved my 16 day Hawaiian cruise out of the golden gate. I had a ball and to top it off it was 100% free.

Thank you for your service brother 🫡

Value for money, i think cruising is incomparable. I would never cruise but for what you get for that amount its amazing

When I finish school i will be working towards this relentlessly

Thank you for this video. I love a good ceramic coffee mug, but I do not travel with one. One of my co- workers gave me a Yeti tumbler will my name and a phrase plus a mountain scene etched on it. Later I found an accessory handle that slides on and is removable. That mug keeps things hot or cold for hours and goes everywhere with me, well almost. I don't wilderness backpack with it. I have even cruised with it. I would never have purchased a Yeti just because of the price point, but because of the thoughtful gift, I have given them as gifts. The Yeti tumbler and a stainless steel water bottle have a permanent place in my carry on luggage, and my vehicles when I am out adventuring and living out of them. Thank you again for taking us along on your journey. Safe travels.

That was incredible information and well appreciated 🥰

Fellow Chief here. I will be doing what you are doing in a couple of years. Haze gray and underway.

An impressive array of service ribbons, Force Master Chief. Is that also a Trident you have above your ribbons? My old eyes can't really tell. Thank you for your service - I was a GMT3, '70-'73. Got an early discharge after they shut the Vietnam war down. I really admire what you're doing in your retirement, and would love to emulate it, at least for some period of time. Very interesting site you've got, and some great tips. Subscribed.

Thank you for your service master chief. Well done!

New to your channel, thanks for sharing such great info. I have never been on a cruise. But sure am thinking hard about it now!! Thank you for your miitary service and God bless.

Great information. Thanks!

As someone who also spent most of last year living on the ships, it's great to see someone getting the good deals! I had a mindset of trying to see as many ships as possible, so by-passed most of the deals that were out there as they were targeting longer-term cruisers, so well done for sniffing out the options!!

Awesome man! You got a deal going. Thanks for the good information.

You, do you! Love the content!

Alright I read all the comments! Firstly thanks for you service I’m currently 5 years of my service and looking forward to retirement. I have been looking living abroad and I never thought about sailing on the cruise. Thanks for sharing your experience definitely will consider this with my wife.

The spreadsheet side of me is loving this! 😁

We cruise quite frequently so we have questions. Was your cruise fare based on double occupancy or is that a single traveler fare? Interior cabin? Did you say tips are included in your fare? What about drinks? Alcohol or soft drinks, are you comped drinks in the casino or do you just drink from the buffet’s juice dispensers or just tap water? What about gambling expenses? Do you tip the servers or bartenders occasionally? What about transportation to various sights when in port? Interesting concept.

Thank you for that very informative video. I know Princess does offer free cruises (almost free - $200 on board credit and taxes, etc.) and the cruise deals are usually in line with the points you get when playing at the casino. The more you spend the better the offer. Seems fair to me bc both you and the cruise line are benefiting. But, spending $50 at the casino will not get you enough points for anything. I do like to play slots, so it's nice to know my losses have an upside that of a free cruise. I like to cruise solo bc I always like meeting different people. Also, Princess has the best food and great service. Hope to bump into you some day on a Princess cruise. I just recently retired so sailing on cruise ships is a great way to enjoy retirement. Recently, I tried to book a Princess cruise with a casino free cruise, but it was sold out (I did it only 2 weeks out). So, I took a MSC cruise for the first time and liked it, but Princess is better in a lot more ways, especially with casino free cruise offers (MSC only awarded you a 5% discount on your next cruise). Although, I did win $1,800 on the cruise on the last day. Haven't won anything that big on Princess yet, but who knows. Now, I must get ready for my 10 day Princess cruise this Saturday on the Emerald Princess to the Caribbean. Looking forward to it. I love your channel and keep up the great content.

I think casino cruising may be my answer to life on social security! 😅😂

Thank you for your service.

Love this kind of video!

on a cruise a big expense is at the end of the cruise you are told to pay a gratuity to all the crew who cleaned room/purser etc.. This can be a big additional expense.

I also use the CSR in place of travel insurance. I get called an idiot for doing so in some Facebook travel groups, but I agree with you

2k living expenses per month is very reasonable. I have a colleague who also is also on the casino-free cruise track. Def need to try it next time!

Just left the Ruby Princess. Was part of the travel group on board Alaska.

Hi, love your videos. I'm retired military. Heard about your dental plans and I'm sure you've planned it all out. I use GEHA high option for dental insurance. I think they pay regardless of location of provider, world wide, limited to in-network rates..

When in a port, how do you get around? rent a car. You had a dr. apt. and went to Publix for a cup and some groceries.

My main concern is medical care, dental, health and eye care. Also, how do you get supplies shipped to you?

Panama canal cruise sounds like it might work for me, low risk of motion sickness? I guess you can't get on at one end and then get off at the other end of the canal?😂 My only cruise was the Alaska cruise because of the limited open ocean exposure (one day🤢). Most of the time, you're protected by all those islands between you and the open seas. When we were done, the ship was going to Hawaii. I wondered who would take that cruise... no stops for 5 days, all open ocean! Kevin will!😁

You said in a previous video that you generally don’t pay for site extrusions when in port. But what about food? I don’t see anything on this for lunches off the ship, gelato, etc. Sampling street food is part of the charm of several ports.

Thank you for your service in the 🪖. Subscribed. Great to the point video.

Great video thank you!

Hi kevin great video 30 dollars at 5 guys?? Wow that is pricey thanks for sharing

Thank God for Tri-Care! I live in Florida and do not pay a monthly fee for Medicare, just a doctor's visit fee. So cruising, for seniors in Florida is the best buy. Do you stay in an inside cabin?

Great content. Thanks for your video.

I have been on the Ruby with you the past 8 days... no Kevin spotting! 😂

It should not be low cost insurance, it should be totally free insurance. You serviced your country it's the least we could do is make it no cost. Thank you for your services.

Very interesting. Is the wifi good enough to stream? Which iPad do you use? Do you own any Carnival stock? I bought 100 shares a couple of years ago and have received enough onboard credit for being an owner to cover the cost of the stock. I'm retired so I can travel a lot and really like Princess and HAL. Really enjoyed your van life and hope one day you will get that Element and show life in it. Lots of people using Elements now. Much easier/cheaper than the Travato. Continue to enjoy life!!

Well, this is intriguing!

I don’t think you are lucky to have your insurance. You did far more to earn it than most of us do for insurance. You deserve that and so much more. Thank you for your service! ❤

Hey man, we were on her with you during the March 9-23rd sail…lol Funny stuff!! Is the pool under the sanctuary open again?? Congratulations on the weight loss! ✌️🕯️💛

be good if i didnt have responsibilities..$2k a month amazing..all food paid for all utilities..lodging..what a deal

What a terrific series you're starting! Thank you! I would like to suggest that you also show a graph of the monthly totals so we can see how each month fluctuates and then we'll see (and you, too!) how much it cost for the year. 👍

Malaysia, my home for 17 years. Miss it so much.

Lol I've sailed Princess once in 2014, gambled with about $500 and eventually lost it all. And to this day I still get their casino offers in the mail. Its been 10 years 😂. I finally booked a free cruise with them for next year 14 nights to Norwegian Fjord and Iceland. Yea my offers also allows you to pick up to 3 cruises for free. Unfortunately I'm not retired 😂

Never mind I listened the conclusion of the video .😂👍🔥👍

been doing it for 20 years only 1 or 3 cruises a year but all free for 20 years .. i get 2000.00 in free play on my next cruise.

Good info for the most part, but I think including things like going to Five Guys, buying fancy coffee creamer, tax preparation, and insurance on rental properties are a bit outside the scope of being a useful video on expenses while on board a ship and muddies the water with things that most people wont find helpful. Just sayin'.... Also, first time here, so I have no idea if those prices were a cabin by yourself or if you had to share a cabin with spouse/friend/etc.... That is what my big pause has been in going on a cruise by myself as the prices I have seen when casually looking seemed to be based on double occupancy, so single occupancy would be double that I expect? It's not the good old days for me in the 90's when I worked as an IT contractor for a company that made software for cruise ships. That's when they pay YOU to go on their cruises.... of course you're too busy working on their systems to really enjoy anything. 😂

Maybe discussed on another video, What about laundry, I see.m you are elite with princess so maybe thats included?

Very interesting. Love cruise ships.

I don’t envy you. I would never want to live on a cruise ship even if it was free😂. It’s amazing to me how you do this. You have the system down with a great strategic plan of cruising at a very low cost. Thank you for sharing it with others and not keeping it to yourself😀

Thanks for sharing! Health insurance would for sure be more, even with a travel plan like Grounded Life (which is abroad only, wouldn’t work if in US some of the time). Also homeowner / renters insurance is way more in FL, assuming I kept it and rented out it like you do. But that would also be income….

Crazy Idea but I like it. Think outside the box.

Wifi ...???? I guess you use your phone ?? Thank for all the info !!! Great lifestyle...

Informative, amazing and gives me hope

I can’t even find a nice reasonable cruise alone live on one for that price.

Happy Easter

I was just thinking about my retirement lifestyle. I have a place in Fort Lauderdale and a place in NYC. I was thinking that I could probably sell NYC and just cruise around the world for half the year and spend winter and spring in Fort Lauderdale (like I do currently). It seems like a no-brainer to me. Your monthly needs like food are covered. There’s no need to for gas or transportation. I was budgeting around $10k per month for retirement and it seems like this is more than doable on that budget.

I am doing something wrong my Panama Canal Cruise from Los Angeles to Miami cost almost 9K on the Norwegian Encore. SMH.

Very interesting! These free cruise offers shows us how profitable gambling is to these companies!

Thanks! Subscribed!

Great videos! I just subscribed 😺🏖️

Ask the onboard casino host to explain the points. Also look at color up. He did a video on how he got points playing craps. Good luck!

SORRY FOR CAPITALS NOT BEING RUDE. I HAVE M.S. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IT GAVE ME OPTIC NEURITIS VISION LOSS AND DOUBLE VISION . DO YOU HAVE TO DO EACH ONE OF THOSE CRUISES? DO THEY LOOP BACK TO THE SAME US PORT PROBABLY NOT HUH ??? THEY ARE OUT TO FOREIGN EACH TIME??? HUBBY WANTS SHORT CRUISE AFRAID BEING OUT...ME NO I WOULD DIE OUT THERE IF I COULD. LOVE THE OCEAN. KATHLEEN

After a hiatus, I resubscribed. Nice video. What is “foofoo” creamer? I don’t understand how you avoid the coffee expense on the cruise.

I would love to try this after I retire.

Hey Hey Keep cruising Kiven

I've heard cruise line have a list of people to call when they have vacant cabins and the cruise is scheduled to leave within a few days. These people are normally retired and live close to the port. Can anyone confirm?

Great video! New Sub. Question: How & Why did you LOSE so much weight on a Cruise? I always gain weight 🙄.... Although you can certainly eat healthy on a Cruise ... but why? .... AND then when onshore.. Five Guys?? LOL I'm just curious??

But you are foregoing one of your favorite things in life to show us a cheaper report. 😏 I have a feeling this is going to turn into a 'how low can I go' type thing instead of you just living your life as you would like as if no one was watching!

How long does the creamer you bought for your coffee stay good? Sorry if this is a weird question. Thanks for sharing.