Living full-time on a cruise ship is no longer fantasy, and it's getting cheaper

Ever feel like leaving this chaotic world and living at sea, far from the noise, the headlines and the hustle? Yep, me too. The idea gets more tempting every day. Once a fringe concept for the ultra-wealthy, residential cruising is becoming relatively affordable compared to life on land in Australia.

This is a new kind of asset class that blends real estate, travel and lifestyle. The potential audience has expanded beyond retirees to remote workers and entrepreneurs.

I dug deeper into the costs with Mikael Petterson, who founded Villa Vie Residences and the new Avora Residences. "The model is gaining traction as more people prioritise experiences over fixed-location ownership and look for alternatives to traditional property markets," he says.

"People are no longer tied to a single location, which has created demand for location-independent lifestyles. Residential cruising meets that demand by offering a stable home base with global mobility, built-in community, and seamless living without the logistics of constant travel."

At the latest prices, the financial barrier feels less daunting. Villa Vie Residences start at $US119,999 or $170,000 (one-time flat fee) with additional monthly fees from $US2000 to cover expenses such as food and housekeeping. Five-year ownership options start at $US59,999 plus fees. Rentals are also available from $US124 per day, with no extra fees. The higher-end Avora Residences recently acquired Regent Seven Seas Navigator, which will relaunch in 2028 as Avora Lumina with more spacious apartment-style accommodation. Life-of-ship ownership ranges from $US545,000 to $US4.2 million plus monthly fees. Five-year ownership starts at $US219,600.

This new residential ship is set to embark on a three-year global circumnavigation, visiting 140 countries. After the initial itinerary, residents vote on future routes.