Libby Rome, 57, and her husband Dan, 49, sold their home and possessions three years ago to embrace full-time life on cruise ships, a decision they say has significantly improved their finances and their marriage.

Initially drawn to cruises from her youth, Libby Rome first considered a life at sea after experiencing the stress and expense of moving homes and belongings. After downsizing significantly during previous international moves, she and Dan, both working remotely, found that maintaining a home while frequently traveling for work did not make financial sense. They previously lived in hotels between assignments, covering about £75 a day for Dan's meals and laundry, while her work paid for her accommodations and meals. This period allowed them to accumulate loyalty points for future stays.

The turning point came in 2019 when a work trip to Europe led them to consider cruising back to the U.S. A 15-night cruise costing £3,000 was deemed more economical than flights plus a hotel stay for the same duration. Dan, who had never cruised before, enjoyed the experience, solidifying their interest.

Following a period during the pandemic spent in hotels and with family, the couple decided in 2022 to spend half the year moving between various cruises. They found land-based life more challenging and chaotic, particularly with the rising cost of living. Their analysis showed that while living on cruise ships, their average all-inclusive outlay was around £1,500 per month, with total monthly costs, including land activities and bills, reaching approximately £2,460. This was significantly less than the estimated £4,414 needed for daily essentials for a couple in London or the average British couple's £2,964 monthly cost.

In March 2023, they made the leap to live permanently on cruise ships. For the first year, they sampled different cruise lines, opting for the cheapest, windowless cabins to maximize value. They found that open communication and treating the cabin as a place to sleep and watch television prevented it from feeling claustrophobic. After 18 months, they decided to settle on one ship, the Sky Princess, which sails the Caribbean in winter and Europe/Canary Islands the rest of the year.

Rome stated that the lifestyle has reduced the