Luxury Cruising Editorial

While living on a cruise ship might be a dream for many, there are actually several cruise lines that offer cabins you can buy and use as a permanent residence.

Yes, you can actually live on any cruise ship that you want, but it would require booking a cruise on every single voyage on that ship. You also would not be able to decorate the cabin as you would not own it.  A better solution?  Buy a cabin on one of the following cruise lines and explore the world from the comfort of your home.

There are two cruise lines currently in service that offer residential living with one more (Crescent Seas) launching in 2026 and another could launch a few years after.

Current Cruise Lines

The World

The world’s first cruise ship that offered cabins you can buy and live in full time.  There are 135 residences laid out on the 12 decks on the ship. 106 of them are apartments with the rest being studios.

The cruise ship was launched in 2002 and at 644 feet long, the ship’s website actually refers to itself as the largest private yacht in the world and the “most exclusive floating city on the planet”. The residents vote on the ports and itinerary that the ship will visit in the upcoming season.

Many of the apartments aboard the ship have been designed by the cruise ship residents, but they are not cheap. To enjoy this mobile and adventurous lifestyle, it will cost you between $2-15 million. But for a view that is always changing from one spectacular sight to another, and to be able to enjoy stress-free traveling to exotic locations, the families aboard the World have decided that the price is well worth it.

Villa Vie Residences

Villa Vie Residences launched in 2024 and currently has one ship that does continual 3 1/2 year world cruises. They offer not only full ownership of cabins, but also seasonal options and rentals.

Prices for seasonal ownership start at $24,999 with full ownership at $129,999 per cabin.

Their ship Odyssey is scheduled to visit 147 countries and 425 destinations during the first 3.5 year cruise.

You can visit their website at www.villavieresidences.com.

Proposed Future Cruise Lines

Crescent Seas

Crescent Seas is the newest residential cruise line that was announced just a few weeks ago. They are scheduled to have one ship enter service in 2026 with a second vessel being added in late 2027.

They have purchased Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises for their first ship. Once the ship is done sailing with Regent in 2026, it will start sailing with Crescent Seas. Cabins start at $750,000 and go up to $8 million.

In late 2027, the cruise line will be adding a second ship, Insignia, to their fleet. They have purchased the vessel from Oceania Cruises, but it will remain with them until the scheduled cruises have been completed.  Cabins start at $650,000 and go up to $10 million.

Crescent Seas has plans to add three more ships over the next few years for a total of five residential vessels.

You can visit their website at www.crescentseas.com.

Storylines

Storylines has been promising to launch a residential cruise ship since early 2018. They originally had plans to convert an older cruise ship to residential living with condos starting at $155,000 each.

After plans failed to buy an older ship and convert it, they launched plans to build a completely new cruise ship (that can be seen above) that has 530 private residences.

Prices now start at $625,000 and go up to $10 million with 12 different options available.

However, the question remains, will the ship ever be built? It’s been over five years since the new ship was announced and the first piece of steel has yet to be cut on the ship.

The cruise line did release a press release in February 2025 saying that they are now in Phase 2, the Basic Design of the ship. Phase 1 was the Initial Design.

They also stated that they renewed the ship-building contract with the shipyard (Brodosplit). They also no longer have a launch date on their website, at least that I could find. The last expected sail date that they included in a press release was in 2023 when they said it the ship would launch in 2026, which would now be impossible.

You can visit Storylines.com for more information on them.

Can you just get off a cruise ship at a port of call and decide to not come back?  Is this a bad idea or an even worse idea?  We’ll tackle that topic after a passenger thought about trying it.

It’s not entirely uncommon for cruise passengers to miss their ship when visiting a port of call.   Usually, it’s an accident though, and there’s a mad dash down the pier to try to catch the ship before it sails off to the next stop.

Some have made it a veteran cruiser’s rite of passage to watch the “pier runners” that inevitably arrive 5 minutes before “all aboard” time.  The lido deck is usually full of cheerleaders egging them on.

But what if you’re just done with the cruise experience or just want to get off the ship and stay off mid-cruise?

It might be tempting for U.S. travelers if the ship happens to be stopping at another U.S. port.

Well, that’s exactly what a recent Reddit user was asking the cruise community. They were staring down a Princess Cruise itinerary—NYC, Canada, back to NYC, with Boston as the last pit stop—and the question hit them: what if they just… didn’t get back on?

“If we decide we’re ready for the trip to be over, what exactly is the consequence of just getting off the boat in Boston? I think I’d tell someone (guest services, I suppose) but is this a bad idea for some reason?” the social media post asked.

Understanding the PVSA

My first response to this is to say, “please don’t try it”.  And there are a number of reasons why, mainly because of the U.S. ports used in this example.

But it is somewhat of a complicated issue.  The core issue being the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) of 1886. This law restricts foreign-flagged ships, the norm for cruise lines, from transporting passengers directly between U.S. ports without a stop at a ‘distant foreign port’ outside North America.

So, a trip from New York to Boston with a Canadian stop still violates this rule.

Consequences of Playing Hooky

Attempting to disembark in Boston without permission comes with consequences. First, you should expect to pay a hefty fine which could be as high as $900 to $1,000.  And second, you could even be banned from the cruise line in some cases.

Even medical emergencies where the passenger cannot resume the trip but has to be transported to a hospital are not exempt from this rule.  People in these situations often have to pay a fine as well.

So, add that to the ever-growing list of reasons to have cruise travel insurance no matter what.

Beyond the cost, you’ll encounter customs and immigration issues as it skips standard entry procedures, causing potential delays.

Also, take into account that you’re delaying the entire ship from leaving port as they wait for you and try to pinpoint your location.  So, it’s not very courteous to everyone else on vacation.

It’s Different for Foreign Ports

Disembarking at a foreign port though, unlike a U.S. one, avoids PVSA restrictions altogether.

User u/seoulbro’s experience in Victoria, Canada, demonstrates this: after informing the cruise line, they disembarked with no legal issues, just a routine passport check.

“We let the cruise know a few days in advance, they took our passports, then returned them the next day. No charge, and we just left!” they said.

While the PVSA is irrelevant at foreign ports, passengers still need to notify the cruise line, comply with local immigration rules, and understand any specific policies the cruise line might have regarding disembarkation.

They are also responsible for their own travel arrangements from that foreign port.

A Few Things to Remember

It’s important to know that while the PVSA doesn’t apply at foreign ports, cruise lines still have their own policies regarding disembarkation. Passengers should always:

• Notify the Cruise Line: Even when leaving at a foreign port, it’s essential to inform the cruise line in advance. This allows them to update passenger manifests and coordinate with local authorities if necessary. Some cruise lines have special forms to fill out if you want to get off early.
• Comply with Local Immigration: Passengers must still follow the immigration rules of the foreign country. This may involve having a valid passport, visa, or other necessary documentation.
• Understand Cruise Line Policies: Cruise lines may have their own rules regarding disembarkation, even at foreign ports. These policies may address baggage handling, check-out procedures, and potential fees. Don’t just read random advice on a forum online.  Find out straight from the source.
• Consider Transportation: Passengers leaving at a foreign port are responsible for arranging their own onward travel. It might seem like an obvious point, but you have to get home somehow.

Bottom Line

So, before you decide to skip the ship in a U.S. port, remember the fines, the potential bans, and the disruption you’ll cause. If you’re set on leaving early, a one-way cruise or a foreign port disembarkation might be a better route. And always—always—talk to the cruise line first. They’re the ones who set the rules, after all.

Adults-only cruise line, Virgin Voyages, is adding a new restaurant concept to their newest cruise ship that will debut in September 2025, Brilliant Lady.

Rojo by Razzle Dazzle will be in the place of Razzle Dazzle on Brilliant Lady and it will be a Spanish-inspired restaurant lead by celebrated chefs Justin Severino and Nate Hobart.

This news follows the success of Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle that recently debuted on sister ship Scarlet Lady.

Rojo’s new menu will feature some of the chef’s favorite recipes including Morcilla’s legendary Oxtail, caramelized onion, mahón cheese and a crostini.

During the day, the restaurant will serve Razzle’s signature brunch with a Spanish-American twist. Dishes include jamon croquettes paired with morning classics like acai bowls, pastries and frittata.

In the evening, it will turn into an elevated dining experience with the menu featuring pintxos, tapas, and platos grandes, all pulling inspiration from Spain’s renowned culinary regions.

In addition to Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, Extra Virgin, the Italian restaurant on Virgin cruise ships, will have new pastas, arancini, seafood risotto and roasted monkfish.

Gumbae, the only Korean BBQ at sea, will also have new items that include kimbap rolls, bulgogi fire meat and bo ssam (whole roasted pork butt with oysters and caviar). 

Levi Mezick, Director of Culinary Program Development, gave the following statement:

“Virgin Voyages set out to be a disruptor from day one, and our culinary program – with Michelin-chef designed menus and boundary pushing creativity – was always central to that mission. Spanish cuisine and the communal dining traditions complement our commitment to authentic yet innovative experiences for our Sailors.”

Brilliant Lady will sail her maiden voyage on September 5, 2025. This five-day cruise from New York City will stop in Bermuda for two days.

In October, the ship will reposition to Miami for seven- to 12-night cruises to the Caribbean before heading the West Coast in the spring of 2026. After a handful of cruises from Los Angeles, the ship will offer cruises to Alaska from Seattle.

Brilliant Lady will be the fourth adults-only cruise ship in Virgin Voyages’ fleet.

After being on dozens of cruise ships and always trying to see the shows offered, I’ve seen both sides of the “reservation only” or “show-up-anytime” experiences.  Carnival is one cruise line that does not offer reservations and recently explained why.

The Capacity Challenge

The ability to have room for those who want to see a show is a bigger deal on bigger cruise ships.  Not every passenger can fit in the theater at the same time.  In fact, not even half of the capacity of the cruise ship can usually fit in the main theater.

For instance, Carnival Celebration’s theater can hold a bit over 1,000 guests–maybe 1,200 at the most.  And on any given sailing the ship can have almost 6,000 guests (5,374 at double-capacity).

While, sure, there are usually two shows to accommodate everyone, there’s usually one sitting that is a more popular time than the other.

To make sure it’s a seamless process, some cruise lines have adopted a ticket reservation policy.  You simply use the cruise line’s app to reserve your spot, and you’re good to go.

Carnival’s Reasoning: No-Shows

Carnival Cruise Line was recently asked about this as they currently don’t take reservations for their shows.

Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald acknowledged on Facebook that “on some ships the shows do get very full which is why we have increased the number of performances”.

He then asked the fans on social media if a ticket system would help.

But before the cruise blogs and Youtube accounts started announcing a policy change, Heald emphasized that this is not something they are announcing.  It’s merely a discussion.

Reservations slots were actually offered on Carnival when Carnival Dream first started sailing. 

So, why doesn’t Carnival offer reservation tickets and spots for their shows? 

“The main problem was that people would line up for tickets and then not show up for the ummmm, show,” Heald simply put it.

And I’ve seen this happen on other cruise lines as well.  It’s the very reason that even when a show is fully reserved, crew members will advise you to show up for the show anyway.  There are always passengers who either forget or end up doing something else.

Sometimes people get reservations just because they want to avoid FOMO later on as well, so they get the show reserved out of panic.  After all, on a cruise ship you never know what you’ll be doing in the next 10 minutes never mind in the next few hours, right?

Heald then asked for comments on the Facebook post to see how people would feel about ticket reservations.

Heald posted this poll:

“A. YES, PLEASE PROVIDE TICKETS FOR ALL SHOWS

B. YES, PLEASE PROVIDE TICKETS FOR ALL THE SHOWS AND CHARGE A FEW DOLLARS TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE ATTEND

C. NO TICKETS – THANK YOU”

The Fans Have Voted

So, the Carnival crowd spoke, and they spoke loudly for option C, a clear winner when reading through the comments.

It really underscores how much they appreciate the flexibility of the current system and not being tied down to reservations. It looks like Carnival is prioritizing that freedom based on what their passengers are telling them.

The reservation question is a classic trade-off: guaranteed entry versus the ability to be spontaneous. And right now, Carnival’s passengers are definitely leaning towards the spontaneous side. 

Or maybe they’ve seen the same thing Heald as seen.  People getting reservations only to not show up, causing more of a headache for everyone else.

Crescent Seas, a new cruise line that is selling cabins on ships that you live in, is adding a second ship they are buying from Oceania Cruises.

Insignia will be the second residential cruise ship in Crescent Seas’ fleet in 2027. The cruise line earlier announced that they purchased Seven Seas Navigator from Regent that will begin sailing with them in 2026.

The new cruise ship will stay in Oceania’s fleet until late 2027. The vessel will then receive a $50 million makeover and feature 290 residences that you can buy with prices ranging from $650,000 to $10 million.

Cabins will open for sale to the public later this summer from the sales gallery on the 8th floor of the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences.

Sales on their first ship, Navigator, open for sale on April 9 with cabins costing between $750,000 to $8 million.

Amenities will include private butler service, refined gourmet dining, bespoke on-deck experiences, Starlink internet connection, and more.

The cruise ships will spend up to five days in port at a time and visit all seven continents.

Each cruise ship will be staffed by its existing onboard service provider, The Apollo Group, which will manage all onboard hospitality and culinary offerings. The company has over five decades of expertise in luxury cruising.

Russell W. Galbut, Co Founder & Managing Principal, Crescent Heights and Founder and Chairman of Crescent Seas, gave the following statement:

“As a developer, I know real estate has always been defined by location, location, location, as we say. With Crescent Seas, we’ve eliminated that limitation. Residents will have a view corridor like never before. Now, your home isn’t bound to a single address – it moves with you, taking you to the world’s most breathtaking destinations.”

Marisa Galbut, President of Crescent Seas, added:

“Imagine traveling the world without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. With our ownership model, families can share once-in-a-lifetime experiences seamlessly. Forget the hassle of planning vacations—embrace the freedom of remote work while exploring the world from your own residence at sea.”

Crescent Seas plans on adding three more luxury residence cruise ships over the next five years.

There is currently only one fully dedicated residential cruise ship sailing right now, The World. Villa Vie Residences also has a ship that you can buy a cabin and live in, but they also offer short term rentals.