Is living on a cruise ship cheaper than small-town life? Their surprising experience reveals the truth!
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Have you ever gazed out your window at the same old view and wondered, “What if I just… left?”
For Paul and Lynn Montoya, that “what if” became a reality. After decades of running a bed and breakfast in the windswept town of Laramie, Wyoming, the couple decided to swap their snow boots for deck shoes and embark on a journey that would make even the most seasoned traveler’s jaw drop: a three-and-a-half-year cruise around the world.
But here’s the kicker—the cost of this globe-trotting adventure? It’s not as outlandish as you might think.
In fact, for the Montoyas, it’s about the same as their old life in small-town America. Let’s dive into their story, break down the numbers, and explore whether life at sea could be the ultimate retirement hack.
From Laramie to the World: The Big Leap
Paul and Lynn’s story is one many of us can relate to. After years of hard work and the wake-up call of the COVID-19 pandemic, they realized they’d spent more time making beds for guests than making memories for themselves.
“We never had time to do much travel,” Paul shared. “We actually went to Europe for the first time in our lives last year, and we’re in our 60s now, so we’d really like to explore the world.”
So, with a rental car packed with their most cherished belongings, they left behind the familiar for the unknown, boarding the Villa Vie Odyssey—the first world cruise designed for long-term living, not just vacationing.
Their new home? A cozy cabin, about 200 square feet, but with a view that changes every day.
The Real Cost of Life at Sea
Let’s talk numbers, because that’s what everyone wants to know. Is living on a cruise ship really affordable? For the Montoyas, the answer is a resounding yes.
Also read: From beachside to behind bars—how a dream trip turned into a legal nightmare
Lynn put it best: “If you’re living in California or New York, I don’t think you could even live in a rented apartment for that nowadays. For us, this is the same lifestyle we had in Laramie, but we’re getting to see the world.”
What’s Included—and What’s Not
The Montoyas’ $80,000-a-year ticket to adventure covers almost everything: food, cleaning, laundry, and entertainment. No more mowing the lawn or shoveling snow! But there are trade-offs:
The Perks of a Floating Retirement Community
Living on a cruise ship isn’t just about the destinations (though with 147 countries, 425 ports, and 100 tropical islands on the itinerary, that’s a big part of it). It’s also about community.
The Odyssey is designed for long-term residents, with social events, activities, and a built-in network of fellow adventurers.
And if you’re worried about missing out on family milestones, don’t be. The Montoyas can hop off the ship for weddings, funerals, or just a visit home. Their cabin is theirs, whether they’re on board or not.
Also read: Mid-air mayhem: Passengers become unexpected heroes after the ceiling collapses on a flight
A New Kind of Investment
Here’s a twist: their cabin has already appreciated by about $20,000 since they bought it. If they decide to move back to dry land, they can sell it—maybe even at a profit. And if the unthinkable happens, their family can inherit the cabin.
Some residents are even turning their cabins into income streams, renting them out to cover their own costs. One man the Montoyas met owns two cabins and rents both, essentially living on the ship for free.
Source: Lynn and Paul’s Excellent Adventure / Youtube.
Life Beyond the Cabin: Adventures and Experiences
So, what do the Montoyas do all day? They’re not just lounging on deck chairs (though there’s plenty of that, too).
They’ve swum with wild dolphins in Puerto Vallarta, explored ancient ruins in Guatemala, and checked off destinations in Mexico and El Salvador. Their journey is just beginning, with Hawaii, Canada, Alaska, Japan, and South Korea still on the horizon.
They’re documenting it all on their YouTube channel and website, sharing tips, stories, and a checklist of every port they visit.
It’s a life of adventure, learning, and connection—far from the routine of small-town Wyoming.
Read next: Cruise ship insider reveals secrets: What REALLY goes on in the middle of the ocean!
Would you ever consider trading your home for a life at sea? What would you miss most—and what would you be glad to leave behind? Have you ever taken a long cruise, or do you have questions about what it’s really like? Share your thoughts, dreams, and questions in the comments below!
For Paul and Lynn Montoya, that “what if” became a reality. After decades of running a bed and breakfast in the windswept town of Laramie, Wyoming, the couple decided to swap their snow boots for deck shoes and embark on a journey that would make even the most seasoned traveler’s jaw drop: a three-and-a-half-year cruise around the world.
But here’s the kicker—the cost of this globe-trotting adventure? It’s not as outlandish as you might think.
In fact, for the Montoyas, it’s about the same as their old life in small-town America. Let’s dive into their story, break down the numbers, and explore whether life at sea could be the ultimate retirement hack.
From Laramie to the World: The Big Leap
Paul and Lynn’s story is one many of us can relate to. After years of hard work and the wake-up call of the COVID-19 pandemic, they realized they’d spent more time making beds for guests than making memories for themselves.
“We never had time to do much travel,” Paul shared. “We actually went to Europe for the first time in our lives last year, and we’re in our 60s now, so we’d really like to explore the world.”
A Wyoming couple, Paul and Lynn Montoya, left their small-town life to travel the world on a three-and-a-half year cruise aboard the Villa Vie ship Odyssey. Image source: Lynn and Paul’s Excellent Adventure / Youtube.
So, with a rental car packed with their most cherished belongings, they left behind the familiar for the unknown, boarding the Villa Vie Odyssey—the first world cruise designed for long-term living, not just vacationing.
Their new home? A cozy cabin, about 200 square feet, but with a view that changes every day.
The Real Cost of Life at Sea
Let’s talk numbers, because that’s what everyone wants to know. Is living on a cruise ship really affordable? For the Montoyas, the answer is a resounding yes.
- Annual Cost: About $80,000 for the two of them. This covers their cabin, three meals a day, entertainment, housekeeping, laundry, and internet.
- Cabin Purchase: The cheapest option starts at $129,000, with a monthly maintenance fee of $2,999 for one person or $3,999 for two—about $57,000 a year for a couple.
- Flexibility: Can’t pay upfront? There’s a pay-as-you-go plan. Want to leave for a family event? No problem. You can even rent out your cabin, Airbnb-style, or sell it back to the cruise line.
Also read: From beachside to behind bars—how a dream trip turned into a legal nightmare
Lynn put it best: “If you’re living in California or New York, I don’t think you could even live in a rented apartment for that nowadays. For us, this is the same lifestyle we had in Laramie, but we’re getting to see the world.”
What’s Included—and What’s Not
The Montoyas’ $80,000-a-year ticket to adventure covers almost everything: food, cleaning, laundry, and entertainment. No more mowing the lawn or shoveling snow! But there are trade-offs:
- Space: Their cabin is about 200 square feet—think cozy, not palatial. But with the ship’s gym, business center, and endless ports of call, they’re rarely in their room.
- Customization: Want to make it feel like home? The Montoyas are having the ship’s crew tear out the old cabinetry and re-wallpaper the space. They’re even swapping out the bed for their own, which they’ll retrieve when the ship docks in San Diego.
- Storage: Downsizing is a must. Only the essentials made the cut.
The overall cost of living on the cruise (around $80,000 a year for two people) is comparable to, or less than, their expenses back home, with meals, housekeeping, laundry and internet all included. Image source: Lynn and Paul’s Excellent Adventure / Youtube.
The Perks of a Floating Retirement Community
Living on a cruise ship isn’t just about the destinations (though with 147 countries, 425 ports, and 100 tropical islands on the itinerary, that’s a big part of it). It’s also about community.
The Odyssey is designed for long-term residents, with social events, activities, and a built-in network of fellow adventurers.
And if you’re worried about missing out on family milestones, don’t be. The Montoyas can hop off the ship for weddings, funerals, or just a visit home. Their cabin is theirs, whether they’re on board or not.
Also read: Mid-air mayhem: Passengers become unexpected heroes after the ceiling collapses on a flight
A New Kind of Investment
Here’s a twist: their cabin has already appreciated by about $20,000 since they bought it. If they decide to move back to dry land, they can sell it—maybe even at a profit. And if the unthinkable happens, their family can inherit the cabin.
Some residents are even turning their cabins into income streams, renting them out to cover their own costs. One man the Montoyas met owns two cabins and rents both, essentially living on the ship for free.
Source: Lynn and Paul’s Excellent Adventure / Youtube.
Life Beyond the Cabin: Adventures and Experiences
So, what do the Montoyas do all day? They’re not just lounging on deck chairs (though there’s plenty of that, too).
They’ve swum with wild dolphins in Puerto Vallarta, explored ancient ruins in Guatemala, and checked off destinations in Mexico and El Salvador. Their journey is just beginning, with Hawaii, Canada, Alaska, Japan, and South Korea still on the horizon.
They’re documenting it all on their YouTube channel and website, sharing tips, stories, and a checklist of every port they visit.
It’s a life of adventure, learning, and connection—far from the routine of small-town Wyoming.
Read next: Cruise ship insider reveals secrets: What REALLY goes on in the middle of the ocean!
Would you ever consider trading your home for a life at sea? What would you miss most—and what would you be glad to leave behind? Have you ever taken a long cruise, or do you have questions about what it’s really like? Share your thoughts, dreams, and questions in the comments below!
