Imagine a life where your biggest decisions are which country to wake up in, whether to enjoy breakfast on the deck overlooking the Mediterranean or the South Pacific, and how to make the most of your shore excursions. For those who dream of trading the monotony of daily life for an endless adventure, cruising may be the ultimate answer—especially with the introduction of a four-year, round-the-world cruise¹ visiting 140 countries for a hefty $255,999. While the price tag is steep, proponents say it’s a cost-effective way to see the world while skipping the news cycle and daily stressors.

This concept isn’t just for retirees looking to spice up their golden years. Increasingly, people of all ages are embracing life on the high seas, with some hopping from one cruise to another, crafting a nomadic existence rather than settling into traditional residential communities. But is living on a cruise ship really more economical than a retirement community?

Cruising costs vs. traditional retirement

For comparison, the average monthly cost of living in a mid-range retirement community in the U.S. runs about $4,500,² or $54,000 annually. The four-year cruise equates to about $64,000 per year—slightly more, but you’re paying for luxury, adventure, and nearly every expense rolled into one, from gourmet meals to housekeeping.

Cruise residents also avoid property taxes, utility bills, and most entertainment costs, which can add up quickly on land. It’s an enticing option for those who want to downsize both their living space and their stress levels.

This could make the $1.06 million that Americans say they’ll need to retire stretch a little further. And serves as an option for the 32% who say they use their PTO to visit destinations where they may want to retire, since cruising means stopping at plenty of seaside ports along the way.

Read more: Top travel destinations and spending habits

The PTO-pursuit generation: Not just for retirees

Long-term cruising isn’t just for retirees. Some professionals are opting to work remotely, or take sabbaticals and “adult gap years”³ while they embark on extended trips. Empower’s recent findings show that 52% of Americans view travel as a key goal in retirement planning, with younger generations adopting similar mindsets well before leaving the workforce.

For those not ready to commit to four years at sea, some long cruises offer flexibility. Guests can join for a year—or even hop aboard mid-journey—making it ideal for anyone craving adventure but not quite ready to sell their land-based belongings.

What about the rails?

If the idea of living at sea doesn’t float your boat, another trend is gaining traction: life on the rails. Amtrak is on track for record ridership in 2024,⁴ fueled by $126 million⁵ in federal grants and the rising frustration of air travelers. Meanwhile, private operators like Brightline are redefining high-speed rail⁶ in the U.S., offering sleek, luxurious alternatives for those looking to skip the airport chaos.

While cruising offers ocean views, luxury trains come with perks of their own, such as five-star dining and stunning scenery. There’s even a $125,000⁷ around-the-world train journey, proving that train life can rival the opulence of cruising.

Rising transportation costs such as rising airfares (up 25% in the last year, according to the Consumer Price Index) aren’t keeping Americans from traveling, with spending at airlines and travel agencies up 60% year-over year.⁸ Whether you prefer the open seas or the open tracks, long-term travel has never been more accessible—or appealing.

Read more: Destination retirement: Traveling to pick your paradise

The final boarding call

Whether you’re swapping a timeshare for a “lifeshare” at sea or considering a global train adventure, one thing is clear: travelers are reimagining how—and where—they spend their time and money. For retirees, nomads, and adventure seekers alike, the decision to set sail or stay on track comes down to personal priorities and the desire to turn every day into a vacation.