my home at sea cruise ship

A new residential cruise ship will let travelers live at sea while it sails around the world every 3 1/2 years — take a look at its condos starting at $100,000

• Villa Vie Residences says its  residential cruise ship  will travel the world every 3 ½ years from May 2024.
• Travelers can buy a cabin starting at $100,000 or travel on segments of the itinerary.
• Villa Vie's CEO says the company will close on a ship by the end of this year.

A new residential cruise ship startup has plans to begin sailing around the world in May 2024. But unlike the only one currently in operation (a luxury concept with multimillion-dollar condos), cabins on Villa Vie Residences' future ship start at $100,000 .

Over the past year, condominium-at-sea concepts have flooded the market. Relatively new companies such as Victoria Cruises Line and Life at Sea Cruises say they'll give travelers the chance to spend years at sea sailing and living on refurbished ships. Both of those, however, have faced shake-ups such as postponements or a change in vessels .

Storylines is taking a different approach by building its own residential ship, though the company has had to delay its sail date as well.

As of now, The World is the only company like this in operation.

And it's been operating for the past 20 years. But good luck purchasing a room: Ten to 12 of its luxury condos go on sale annually, each costing $2 million to $15 million.

But if all goes to Villa Vie’s plan, the floating-condo industry could get its next competitor on May 15, 2024, when the startup's ship begins its global journey from Southampton, England.

Villa Vie says that from there its vessel will embark on a 3 ½-year circumnavigation of the globe , stopping at 425 ports in 147 countries on its first go-around.

The itinerary includes travelers spending 87 days in Northern Europe, 105 days in North America, 68 days in Africa, and 76 days in South Asia.

There'll also be multiday stops at some ports, including a 12-day dry dock scheduled in Singapore, the company's brochure says.

And there’s no need to purchase a cabin just to join this trip — travelers can instead book 'pay-as-you-go' segments from 35 to 120 days.

These start at $4,360 for the final 35-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona, Spain, to West Palm Beach, Florida.

Cruise giants such as Royal Caribbean also sell segments of their world cruises .

But for those who want to buy a residence, 15% of the ship’s 630 cabins are available to purchase.

Prices range from $100,000 for an interior stateroom to $250,000 for one with a balcony. But this doesn't include monthly fees, which start at $3,500 for a double-occupancy interior stateroom.

It doesn't have to be a lifelong commitment — these residences can be leased or sold.

Irina Strembitsky, the startup’s director of sales, says there'll be about 800 to 900 guests on board at any given time.

The company has seen more than 50 buyers since sales launched in mid-September, according to a sales report viewed by Insider.

Both short-term itinerary and cabin buyers must secure their spot with a 10% refundable deposit.

On board, the startup says, travelers will have typical world-cruise comforts such as educational programs, restaurants serving global cuisine, pools, and live entertainment.

But unlike most cruise ships, Villa Vie says the vessel will also have a business center with a library and offices (WiFi will be included) and a "culinary arts center" with programs such as cooking classes.

For furry friends, the ship’s plans also include a "pet spa and resort."

And for the fitness enthusiast, there's set to be a gym and golf simulator. And in case you injure yourself, the company says there'll be a medical center with doctors and nurses as well.

Say goodbye to mopping your floor and doing the laundry: Travelers on the ship won’t have to do the same chores they do on land.

Several cruise lines have cut back on housekeeping services . On this residential ship, they're set to be offered weekly with an additional biweekly laundry service.

But like other residential cruise startups, there’s one problem: Villa Vie is 7 months from embarkation and doesn’t have a ship yet.

Mikael Petterson, the startup's founder and CEO, told Insider that on October 6, the company submitted an offer to purchase a vessel that's in service "from an active operator of several cruise ships."

Due to processes that come with buying a cruise vessel, Petterson said he expected to close on the ship by the end of this year.

But the CEO said he'd “built more than enough time” into the schedule to account for hiccups.

"We don't need as much of a runway that Life at Sea did," he said. "What we need is to make sure that we close on this ship, do it appropriately with proper funding, and not rely on customer deposits to do the trick."

Petterson, a cruise-startup consultant, has been a consistent figure in the residential-cruise industry. Before starting this company, he and Strembitsky worked with both Life at Sea Cruises and Storylines .

To fund this purchase, Villa Vie plans to use cash from private investors, loans, partners, and members of its Founders Club.

It's a minimum $25,000 investment to join the latter, according to the company's brochure.

After the acquisition, the team is set to spend two to three weeks and several million dollars refreshing the vessel.

This will include updates such as adding the golf simulator and a light update of the staterooms, the company says. Strembitsky said that because Villa Vie was looking to acquire a ship that was in operation and "good condition," this shouldn't be too big of a lift.

So, if all goes to plan, Villa Vie Residences could soon become a viable and significantly more affordable competitor to The World.

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World’s First Affordable Cruise Ship You Can Live On, Cabins/Condos Start at $155,000

Whichever you choose, you’ll find full washrooms, hardwood floors, carpeted living spaces and tasteful furnishings throughout. Storylines has worked with award-winning design firms and decorators to give the spaces a clean, modern feel, with efficient use of space, plenty of storage and up-to-date technology.

The itinerary is set only from point-to-point every 2 weeks to allow for provisioning and safe running of the vessel. All other ports and locations in between those dates are voted on by you, as a cabin-condo owner, via their app. This innovative approach allows the on-board community to choose destinations just a few days in advance.

All the necessities of daily life are provided for you and included in your fee. Meals, drinks, housekeeping services, access to all facilities, even an on-board medical staff are included.

The company is offering a range of attractive financing options to match your budget, cash flow and time frame. Reserving your cabin-condo is easy, with a fully refundable $5,000 deposit subject to terms and conditions of the agreement.

The five tiers of cabins condos offered are:

Tier 1 ($155,000 – $400,000) – The most affordable cabin-condos make excellent use of space without sacrificing comfort, and exterior options are available that add natural light to the space. Area: 183 sq. ft. – 248 sq. ft.  Monthly service fee: Starting at $4770 per person (per cabin, based on double occupancy)

Tier 2 ($345,000 – $515,000) – Nicely furnished living areas give this class of cabin-condo cozy places to relax and socialize. Some exterior cabins even have large sash windows that give them a light, airy feel. Area: 258 sq. ft. – 291 sq. ft. Monthly service fee: Starting at $5204 per person (per cabin, based on double occupancy)

Tier 3 ($415,000 – $580,000) – The midrange cabin-condos strike a balance between affordability and luxury, with extra touches like private balconies and full bathtubs. Area: 301 sq. ft. – 355 sq. ft. Monthly service fee: Starting at $5479 per person (per cabin, based on double occupancy)

Tier 4 ($585,000 – $630,000) – These premium cabin-condos offer the feel of a spacious urban studio apartment, with large living areas, comfortable seating and ample storage. Area: 366 sq. ft. – 452 sq. ft. Monthly service fee: Starting at $8928 per person (per cabin, based on double occupancy)

Tier 5 ($990,000 – $1,400,000) – The most spacious and exclusive offerings, these expansive exterior cabin-condo suites allow for maximum privacy and luxury, with living/dining areas separate from the sleeping quarters. There’s a two-deck duplex layout with a study, main-level living/dining area and upstairs bedroom, and a large single-deck suite with private terrace. Area: 570 sq. ft. – 624 sq. ft. Monthly service fee: Starting at $9533 per person (per cabin, based on double occupancy)

Storylines goal is to build a fleet of affordable cruise ships and thriving communities that they call “My Home At Sea”.  Their first ship will launch in 2019 with a second cruise ship to follow soon after.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

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The ship looks to be the Marco Polo rejuvenated. She is already 45 yrs old and ready for the scrap yard, let alone being transformed into a floating residence. Is this company for real, or simply wishing to cash in on sales, then claim insurance when the ship finally breaks down beyond repair or fails sea worthiness inspections over the coming years. If she was a new ship, and the purchase prices were higher I could see interest in the project, but for a 45 yr old ship ready for retirement, maybe not!

yes… that maintenance fee is much higher than the price you could cruise on a much nicer ship almost ten times that ship’s size, and with much better entertainment, activities, and socialization.

Hey! The ship will first set sail in August 2019 after receiving a $40 million renovation.

I’ll be a single retiree but do not want to pay a fee for minimum of two occupants. A single person, half price, fee is very do-able for my world travel interest. Bummer… Looks like a Costa Rica beachfront, tree-top condo for me.. Cheers!

Obviously singles/solos not welcome.

Service fees are ridiculously high, even for this world traveler.

I’m not sure if We’re ready to make the plunge/. Ut would like to Talk

Hi Rick, Hi Allen, We actually have cabins right now from just $155k purchase price and $1,700 per month fees for 2 people for your all-inclusive living; that’s food, drinks, spa, massage, hair salon, entertainment, room cleaning the list goes on. You can review the full package inclusions on our website and feel free to reach out to us to see what cabins are still available that may suit your requirements.

Hi Alister What is your website? The prices you are quoting are better for us as we are from Canada and we have to pay approximately 30-35% more on our monies. Also we have problems with the government with our limit of being out of the country for 183 days, or lose our pensions and health care.

The cheapest cabin has an almost $5,000 PER MONTH PER PERSON fee! I don’t consider that affirdable!

Rick, I agree. The cost of the cabin itself is very reachable for the middle class but the maintenance/service fees seem incredibly high. Storyline says it costs about the same to live in a major city but I can’t believe that. Who spends $10k a month per couple above their mortgage/rent costs? Only the wealthy. I assume you would have to pay that fee even when you are not using it. That is well over $300 per day for the small cabin. You could go on a very nice cruise for just the cost of the maintenance fees. Also the quoted maintenance fee does not give you much. You still have to pay extra to get room cleaning, tips, etc.

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You Could Permanently Live at Sea on This Residential Cruise Ship

The vessel will navigate the globe indefinitely, and residences start at $1 million..

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The 547-room ship will set sail in 2024.

Courtesy of Storylines

After a few days of living the high (seas) life aboard a luxury cruise ship, spending time exploring exciting port towns and sampling the all-inclusive restaurants and amenities onboard, you might consider what it would be like to stay on the ship forever.

Sure, you could book a room on a round-the-world sailing , but even then, you’re not really living on a cruise ship.

One residential cruising company, however, is working toward making a permanent seafaring life a viable option. In late 2024, the Croatia-based cruise company Storylines is slated to launch a new residential ship, dubbed MV Narrative , where people can purchase an apartment onboard and sail indefinitely.

The floating community will feature 547 residences, including fully furnished studios with Murphy beds (at 237 square feet), one- to four-bedroom apartments, and two-story penthouses (that range between 1,378 and 1,970 square feet each). The outright purchase price for one of the accommodations starts just shy of $1 million and will go up to $8 million. Like any other home, the residences can be rented out or sold in whatever manner the owner chooses. A select few abodes are also listed for 24-year leases (starting at $600,000, or roughly $25,000 per year). After the initial purchase or lease price, each unit will also be charged a yearly fee, ranging from $65,000 to $200,000, to cover meals, amenities, and maintenance. But once onboard, residents would only need to open their wallets for food, experiences, and trinkets during their time ashore—most everything onboard will be covered by the fees (with the exception of things like premium alcohol, certain medical and veterinary services, childcare, and items from the onboard store).

A one-bedroom cabin aboard MV Narrative

While it’s not an entirely new idea— The World residences at sea has been sailing since 2002, and Somnio , a residential yacht liner, is expected to set sail in spring 2024—it’s currently the least expsensive option for those who wish to live at sea. ( The World and Somnio ’s smallest accommodations have an estimated starting price of $3 million and $11 million , respectively.)

Storylines was founded in 2016 and is run by Alister Punton and Shannon Lee, two men who previously worked in land-based real estate and construction projects. Per the website, MV Narrative is intended to be more a lifestyle choice and less of an extended vacation. As such, Storylines notes that it will interview potential residents to determine whether they’re a fit for the community.

The plans for the MV Narrative include 20 restaurants across 18 decks, a 10,000-book library, three pools, a garden, a bowling alley, a fitness area with a running track, and a microbrewery. The ship will also house some services not commonly found on other cruise ships due to the nature of its offering, such as a post office, hospital, school (for grades up through 12), bank, and office spaces, to make it feel more like an actual city, just at sea. There will also be outdoor pet exercise areas in case residents want to bring their four-legged friends along for the ride.

The vessel is slated to begin its 1,000-night maiden voyage in late 2024. During that initial nearly three-year-long sailing, the ship will visit six continents and will stop at various ports for one to five days at a time.

One 88-day sample itinerary shows the cruise slowly working its way around most of Italy’s coast over the course of a month, including three days in Rome, four days in Palermo (Sicily’s capital city), and single days in San Leone, Sciacca, and Marsala, among other ports. From there, the ship would spend a few days each in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania, before doing a 24-day deep dive into Greece, and then heading to Turkey. Along the way, there would be “Residents Choice” days, where those aboard could vote on where they’d like to go by using a special phone app for residents.

The slow travel schedule, the company states on its website, is part of its sustainable travel initiative, as being in the harbor for days at a time and going shorter distances between stops burns fewer fossil fuels. Other elements include waste-to-energy tech, growing vegetables in the hydroponic garden, and committing to only using biodegradable or reusable items instead of single-use plastics.

'The ship is now our home': This couple is spending their retirement on cruise ships

When Nancy and Robert Houchens retired, they downsized, selling their house and most of their belongings.

"We had a 3,000-square-foot home full of furniture ... and everything we own now would fit in the back of a pickup truck," Robert, 64, told USA TODAY.

But the Virginia couple has another preferred means of transportation: cruise ships. They spend as much time as they can at sea, and sailed for about nine months during the first year of their retirement. Nancy, 71, also reached a milestone in early July, sailing 1,000 days with Carnival Cruise Line since the 1980s. Robert hit the 1,000-day mark later in the month.

The avid cruisers spoke with USA TODAY about how they plan their voyages, how to pack for an extra-long trip, and the ways a vacation is different from living at sea. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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What made you decide to spend 1,000 days at sea?

Nancy: That was not a goal, the amount of days that we were cruising, but we cruised when the children were young, and it was probably the best deal. And when it came time, we always thought when we retired, we'd buy a big rig and be full-timers – sell the house, the cars, you know, not have any other worries.

And we'd already been cruising and we'd been cruising on Carnival the most, and Carnival has great perks for those that are loyal. They do our laundry and, of course, they cook your meals, clean your cabin, and we kind of put the pencil to the paper and I thought for the amount of money that we could spend, why do we need to drive somewhere? I still have to cook, still have to clean, still have to do laundry, so let's spend our retirement as much as we can on cruise ships.

Did you end up selling your house and cars?

Nancy:  We sold all of our estates except for a little condominium we have in Florida, so when we get too old to cruise, we have somewhere to live. And we did keep two vehicles, and what we kept is in half of (Robert's mother's storage unit) which is, I don't know, 10x10 or something. We just walked away from everything.

When you go home for the holidays, for instance, do you go to Florida or Virginia?

Robert:  That's in Virginia. My mother is still alive and so we actually reside with her. That's our mailing address, that's where our vehicles are titled and tagged, within that state, and so we actually live there when we go back home.

When you take a long trip and you get off the ship between cruises, do you stay in a hotel for a night and get back on? How does that work?

Nancy:  Well, I guess it depends. The first year, (Robert) planned that out for us, and I think we actually got off of the ship. And he planned it, so we left Florida and when we got to New Orleans, then we got off of that ship and walked down the pier and got on the next ship. And I think in that long time that we were gone, I don't think we spent but two nights (onshore). I think we had side by sides a lot of the times. So, we try very hard just to get from one ship to the other without having to spend the night, and it can be done very easily if you plan it.

When picking your trips, do you have favorite itineraries you like to sail, or do you like to try new places?

Nancy:  At first, we wanted to go all over the place. And then, we've been to the Caribbean enough that, like, if we go to St. Thomas, we'll run to Kmart or something instead of doing something else. It's like living on a ship.

Our whole attitude was, "If I'm on the ship for more than a week" – and we try to do a minimum of 14 days – "I don't have to go to the restaurant and eat all the lobster, 10 lobster tails because I'll be there next week." It's like your stateroom is your bedroom and the ship is your house. ... Now, we're looking (to see) different places, but we still follow the crew because they're our family. You kind of figure out who's going to be on what ship and, "Oh, let's see where they're going, and can we stay with them?"

How do you think about packing for a long trip like the ones you take?

Nancy:  You don't have to pack a whole lot of clothes if you've got a bathing suit, a pair of flip flops, a couple pairs of underclothes, nightgown, and maybe a pair of shorts or something. ... Just make sure you bring scotch tape and baggies, paper clips (for papers and cash), and your medicine, and you're in good shape.

Robert: For somebody that has cruised not much at all, their first-time cruise maybe, they will tend to pack a whole lot more than someone who's had 100 cruises. ... If you're going to the Caribbean where it's warm, you just don't need a whole lot of stuff, cause you're in your bathing suit more than you think.

Nancy:  And if people see you in the same twice, what difference does it make? You don't know them anyway, they're never going to see you again. Don't worry about it.

When you decided to spend most of your time on ships, were there things in your daily life that you had to put on pause? How did you prepare to be spending that much time at sea?

Nancy: Learn how to pay bills online, number one. Obviously, you don't have as many bills, either, and you don't have to worry about getting junk mail. That's for sure. I don't know I think our thing was we always vacationed on a cruise ship.

I think the biggest thing was the mindset in doing this, and this is not going to be the same for someone who's doing a vacation. But for us, the mindset was, when we were vacationing, we had to have a balcony or we had to have a suite because you're on vacation, and you're going to spend $4,000 or $5,000 or $6,000 or $7,000 on a week or two weeks, whatever you're taking because that's a once a year thing. ... Our mindset had to switch to where the ship is now our home.

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It sounds like you love it, but does being at sea so much ever get monotonous?

Nancy:  (Robert's) mom, my mother-in-law, said, "Don't you get bored going to the same ports all the time?" And I said, "Well, you've been going to the same Walmart for 50 years." So, I mean, it can't be any more monotonous than it is at home. Don't you think that life is what you make of it no matter where you are? And at sea, we meet lots of different people, right? At home, you see the same people all the time, but on a ship, you see lots of different people from all walks of life. There's so much to do, and so many people to meet and talk to.

Robert:  I don't think I've ever gotten bored being on a ship for any amount of days. I will say on some of the longer cruises, like coming across the Atlantic Ocean on a transatlantic cruise, you'll have four, five, six sea days in a row sometimes. And so when you get to the next port, sometimes I'm ready to get off the ship just to put my feet on the land.

 SOME WILL CALL IT THE CRUISE OF A LIFETIME. BUT A SELECT FEW WILL CALL IT HOME.

INTRODUCING

THE BLUE WORLD RESIDENCES

THE ONLY CRUISE LINE 100% DEDICATED TO SPORTS & WELLNESS

Here’s your chance not only to sail on this intimate “five-star casual” vessel, but to own a piece of it.

Ocean-going lifestyle. ocean-going residences..

The 38 spectacular one and two-bedroom Residences will soon be available for purchase. We invite you to be among the first to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity.

The moment you step onboard you realize it’s not like any cruise ship you’ve ever encountered.

Blue World Residence owners are successful people, passionate about their own good health, so we’ve dedicated one entire deck to sports and fitness including a state-of-the-art golf school and another deck dedicated to spa and wellness with world-class services.

When you own a Residence, you may share it with family, friends and colleagues, ensuring everyone in your inner circle has the chance to enjoy our spectacular wellness and spa amenities, and something you would not expect on a cruise ship: farm-to-table dining.

Two-Bedroom Split-Level Residences

YOUR HOME AT SEA, EXTRA LARGE

Two-Bedroom Residences are available in Classical or Contemporary design options. The Classical option is shown in the walk-through video.

1,200 SQ FT / 111.5 SQM Priced from US$3,520,000

The spacious two-bedroom Residences features a split-level design with a living area that opens to a large balcony. The second level includes primary and guest bedrooms, both with walk-in closets and luxurious bathrooms. The primary bedroom has its own private balcony.

All Residences are offered turnkey and ready to live in. All furniture, wall coverings, floor coverings, décor, linens, comforters, blankets, pillows, and towels are included in the price of the residences, All you have to do is bring your toothbrush!

One-Bedroom Residences

ONE SPECTACULAR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

One-Bedroom Residences are available in Classical or Contemporary design options. The Classical option is shown in the walk-through video.

850 SQ FT / 79 SQM Priced from US$2,470,000

The single-floor one-bedroom Residences feature a spacious living area complemented by a large bathroom and walk-in closet. You will have the choice between two designs, one classical and one contemporary, both with expansive balconies and generous outdoor living space.

We are working with talented architects and interior designers including Juan Poggi Design whose approach is fresh, personalized, and intended to “wake up the eye,” and Tomas Tillberg Design International, one of the most respected names in maritime design.

Good as new? May we be so bold as to say better than new.

Our adaptive refit™ design integrates the soul of classic cruising with modern yacht-like design for downsized passenger capacity, and the latest in green energy technology to support our sustainable practices..

We have downsized vessels originally built to carry 1500 passengers to now carry just 500, enabling us to create uncrowded shipboard venues conducive to an ‘open-air’ healthy lifestyle from stem to stern, making them the ‘healthiest ships at sea’.

Our owners will find comfort in the fact that those who choose a 25 year right of use plan will keep on enjoying their memorable cruise experiences onboard the same healthy vessel 25 years from now – and beyond.

We are 100% committed to environmentally sustainable ships and tourism

OUR GOAL IS TO LEAVE ZERO FOOTPRINT

BRILLIANT INVESTMENT. BRILLIANT LIFESTYLE.

Register now and begin your path to ownership.

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Residence Features

• Purchase of a 25 year right of use
• Choice of two designs, one classical, one contemporary
• Interior design by Juan Poggi Design and Tomas Tillberg Design International
• Residences delivered with furniture, wall coverings, floor covering, and décor
• All linens, comforters, blankets, pillows, and towels included
• Generous lock-up space for personal belongings and sports equipment
• Full-height sliding doors to private balcony with wake views
• Spacious bathroom with walk-in closet in dressing area
• Downsized vessel originally built to carry 1500 passengers to now carry just 500
• Uncrowded shipboard venues conducive to an ‘open-air’ healthy lifestyle
• Yacht-inspired design featuring generous spaces and graciously appointed common areas
• Self-laundry on both decks
• Daily cleaning
• Free internet

Owner Benefits

• Residences can be rented, assigned, transferred or sold
• Owners Club membership
• Rental program by Blue World
• Personal butler service
• Concierge desk
• Access to dedicated Residence amenities (Residences sun deck, lounge, galley chef’s table and private dining room)
• Food and beverage included
• Most excursions included
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Fire breaks out on world's largest cruise ship

Crew on board the world's largest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas, were called on to tackle a fire this week as the gigantic vessel was berthed in a port in Mexico.

The "small fire" was "quickly extinguished" after it broke out on Tuesday, the ship's operator Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed to CNN Travel. The cruise line said there were no injuries and the overall on board impact was "minimal."

The video featured is from a previous report.

The record-breaking Icon of the Seas - which is nearly 1,200-foot-long and 250,800 gross tons - was docked in Costa Maya, Mexico when the incident occurred. The vessel briefly lost power, but back-up power was activated right away.

The Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed crew members controlled the blaze, explaining all crew are trained to handle such situations.

During the incident, on-board announcements alerted passengers about what was happening, according to the cruise line. Social media users on an Icon of the Seas Facebook group spoke of minor disruption to their day, but proceedings were quickly back to normal.

The $2-billion Icon of the Seas made headlines when the vessel launched earlier this year, with its seven swimming pools - including a record-breaking 17,000-square-foot water park. The vessel's current itinerary hasn't been impacted by the fire and the ship is now en route to the Mexican island of Cozumel.

In March, a fire broke out on a Carnival Cruise Lines ship, with footage captured by a passenger of the ship's tail ablaze.

Speaking to CNN Travel, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said minor fires are "not common, but also not uncommon" on cruise ships, but are usually handled swiftly and with minimal disruption to passengers.

(The-CNN-Wire & 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.)

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These Cruise Ship Cabins Are the Best to Avoid Seasickness, According to a Captain

Looking to score the best room on your next cruise? This is it.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Heading out on your first cruise? Take this extremely helpful advice: Book a cabin in the center of the ship, especially if you're traveling through rocky waters. 

While every room on a cruise is a great one — because it means you're setting sail — there are rooms that are better than others when it comes to avoiding seasickness. 

"Cabins toward the center of the ship on lower decks are the best if you can get them," Captain Alessandro Genzo, who is celebrating his 20th year working on Princess cruise ships, told journalists aboard the Discovery Princess on a cruise from Seattle to Alaska. 

As Genzo noted, this section of the ship tends to rock the least when the waters get rough. And really, he's the guy to trust. Before joining Princess, Genzo studied at one of the oldest nautical schools in Europe and served in the Italian Navy, so he knows the motion of the ocean all too well.

But he's not the only expert offering this sage advice. "The most coveted space on a cruise ship is midship, which is the middle of the ship going from the bow to the stern," Don Bucolo, the co-founder of Eat Sleep Cruise , shared with Travel + Leisure . "This is where travelers are less likely to feel the motion of the ocean. Thus, cruisers concerned about getting seasick should consider booking a cabin midship on a middle deck."

Graham Copeland/Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

However, there is a major caveat to consider. "These tend to be the most expensive [cabins] and book up fast. That is why we always suggest booking at least six to eight months in advance to ensure the best cabin selection," Bucolo added. 

There are, of course, some other factors to take into account, including any mobility issues that may make getting around a ship more difficult. In this case, Bucolo suggests picking a stateroom near an elevator so you can fully enjoy the experience. 

And, if you're looking to get some serious shut-eye on this trip, Mark Trim, the founder of Complex Travel Group, says it's key to check the deck plans for your ship and stay as far away from the bars or entertainment center as possible. 

"Our number one tip is to check the deck plan both below and, importantly, above your cabin. Is there a bar, theatre, or restaurant directly above? This could result in noise disturbances late into the night. The sound of a moving chair is extremely frustrating to hear in your cabin, as is any thundering bass from a nightclub or late-night venue," Trim said. "Looking at a 3D view of the cruise ship and locating any of these potential issues in advance is ideal."

Want a great view? Both experts suggest booking a room with a veranda or a balcony — especially if this is your first sailing. 

"We suggest aft-facing verandas," Bucolo said. "These veranda balcony cabins tend to offer more interior space. But the big draw is the oversized balconies that face outwards, overlooking the back of the ship." 

"We'd recommend that it's best to start with a balcony/veranda cabin for any new cruisers and then see how you feel about not having a window to open," Trim added. "An inside cabin can be great for some who don't mind not having a view, especially if you're doing a cruise where the sun may not set to avoid the sun coming in around the curtains." Travelers cruising to Antarctica or the Arctic Circle during their respective summer seasons may experience 24-hour sunlight.

Still not sure you've got the best room? As our experts stated, it could be a good idea for first-timers to book through a travel advisor who will likely know the schematics of every cruise ship like it's their own home and can ensure a smooth sail ahead. 

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I sailed on Silversea's new ultra-luxury cruise ship and was blown away by all the perks you get for $650 a day

Posted: July 2, 2024 | Last updated: July 2, 2024

• Silversea invited me on a complimentary five-night cruise on its new 728-guest ship, Silver Ray . 
• The ship's cheapest 2024 itinerary is a seven-day cruise for $4,550 per person.
• See all the amenities wealthy cruisers get on Silver Ray, from caviar room service to butlers.

Silver Ray is not where you go to watch travelers in their mid-20s drink cheap margaritas.

No. Silversea's new 728-guest ship is the cruise to go on when you want to be surrounded by 60-some-year-olds who enjoy Champagne, quiet vacations, and $180, 11-course dinners.

In mid-June, the ultra-luxury cruise line's latest and 12th vessel, Silver Ray, set sail on its maiden voyage. At 801 feet long and 54,700 gross tons, it's markedly larger than Silversea's previous ships. And with it, an equally large price tag, starting at $4,550 for a weeklong cruise in 2024.

A vacation that costs $650 per day might sound outrageous, but wait until you see the ship's amenities.

Silver Ray upholds Silversea's long-standing promises of good food, drinks, and service.

In an attempt to capture the next generation of wealthy cruisers, Silver Ray's design moves away from some "stereotypical" luxury ship elements — which Andrea Tonet, Silversea's vice president of product strategy, told reporters in mid-June includes being "very closed and, to some extent, also boring" — in favor of a modern yet understated flair.

The ship is filled with light, and the decor has stylish and contemporary sensibilities without being too unapproachable. Even the elevators have sweeping ocean views.

No need to fear dingy interior staterooms. Every cabin on Silver Ray has a balcony.

The ship's accommodations range from 357 square feet to 1,324 square feet.

The largest suite on Silver Ray , of which there are two, comes with a private hot tub, a library, and a starting cost of $17,000 per person.

However, even the smallest accommodations still have walk-in closets and marble bathrooms.

Most cruise lines offer butlers to guests who've booked the most expensive suites.

On Silversea's cruise ships , every guest has a butler who helps with tasks like booking restaurants, packing luggage, and setting up the dining table for room service caviar.

No need to stay in your cabin to indulge in fine cuisine.

Silver Ray has eight restaurants. Three — the French, Japanese, and chef's table — are up-charged. But if you can't resist a mid-day sushi and sashimi combo, the Japanese restaurant Kaiseki is complimentary during lunch.

It's not the only place that serves up lunchtime sashimi.

The lunch buffet also features raw fish of Kaiseki's quality, as well as stations of pasta, poached seafood, and freshly carved meats, for example.

In the morning, the breakfast buffet includes customizable smoothies blended to order, classic American breakfast items, and even congee.

In the evening, the dining room transforms into the Italian restaurant La Terraza, serving options like whipped mortadella with pecorino chips.

If you prefer more traditional cruise fare (think steaks and lobster tails), there's Atlantide.

But if you want a dinner experience akin to a jazz club, go to Silver Note. There, guests can dine on small plates of beef tenderloin and caviar while being serenaded by a jazz singer and pianist.

(Pro tip: If you forget to reserve a table at Silver Note, you can still enjoy the live music at the restaurant's bar.)

Like the buffet, Silver Ray’s alfresco dining room also wears several hats.

In the morning, the open-air restaurant serves relatively healthy breakfasts. The menu switches to pizzas, salads, and grilled fare during lunch.

In the evening, it transforms into a casual grill-it-yourself restaurant with tabletop hot rocks. Think Americanized Korean barbecue but with shrimp and steaks instead of bulgogi.

Guests in the mood for a more upscale dining experience can pay for La Dame and SALT Chef's Table instead.

For $160, travelers can dine on several courses of fine French cuisine at La Dame.

Or, for $180, they can book one of the 18 seats at the interactive SALT Chef's Table. The 11-course meal showcases regional dishes and ingredients — all plated in front of diners while the chef explains each small course.

During the day, Chef's Table is home to Silver Ray's complimentary cooking class, SALT Lab.

SALT — an acronym for "sea and land taste" — is one of Silversea's prized programs, putting cuisines local to the itinerary's region at the forefront of the cruise.

This means guests who sign up for the cooking class on a roundtrip Portugal cruise could learn to cook Portuguese tarts with almonds, for example.

There's also SALT Kitchen, a more approachable and complimentary answer to SALT Chef's Table.

SALT Kitchen gives guests a taste of local cuisine without a $180 fee.

The menu is divided into two halves: one that remains consistent throughout the cruise and one that changes almost every day depending on the destination.

After dinner, travelers can have a nightcap at the SALT Bar. As you might've guessed, the venue puts a boozy spin on the SALT mentality, leading to cocktails like dry sherry with mint and sparkling lemonade, as an example from the Portugal cruise.

(I promise this is the last SALT-themed venue.)

It's one of eight bars and lounges on the ship, which include a Champagne-focused one and another for whiskey and cigar enthusiasts.

Bars like Panorama Lounge have an alfresco seating area. But if you're in the mood for some live music, head inside the lounge or go to Dolce Vita, both of which have a small stage for entertainers like pianists and violinists.

The bars are a great antecedent to the entertainment at the two-floor, 370-seat Venetian Lounge theatre.

Expect the typical song-and-dance cruise shows on Silver Ray, although the theater also hosts lectures and entertainment reflective of the ship's destinations.

All of the lounges have non-alcoholic cocktails.

But if you want a truly sober experience, go to the Arts Café.

Many new mass-market cruise ships now have a Starbucks. But who needs the coffee chain when you have a café that serves latte art-embellished espresso drinks and tea from TWG Tea?

The observation lounge also has a brew-it-yourself coffee and tea station.

Like any luxury ship, the lounge has sweeping ocean views, literature, and board games like Monopoly and Pictionary.

If none of the books are catching your eye, look for the door to the hidden library. Inside, you'll find a twinkling ceiling reminiscent of Rolls-Royce's Starlight Headlining. It's the perfect, isolated place to curl up with a book and a cup of tea.

You might need that caffeinated pick-me-up after a few hours at the spa.

Massages start at $299 for 75 minutes, while the cheapest facial costs $199 for 50 minutes.

Feeling wrinkly? The spa also offers dermal fillers and Dysport injections.

But if you want to relax without paying, the sauna, steam room, and thermal pool are complimentary for all guests. It's a great way to unwind after a workout at the adjacent gym, supplied with Technogym equipment.

Like any traditional cruise, the largest pool is on an open-air deck.

But unlike most ships, the pool isn't surrounded by lounge chairs. Instead, it's off-centered and closer to the vessel's edge, giving swimmers a panoramic view of Silver Ray's surroundings instead of sunbathers' toes.

Cruise classics like a casino and shopping also appear on Silver Ray.

The casino is notably small. So, if you get bored there, you can spend your money on the stores' perfumes, jewelry, and Silversea merchandise.

But that's assuming you haven't already blown past your vacation budget just by booking the new vessel.

The cheapest Silver Ray cruise starts at $4,550 per person for a seven-day roundtrip sailing from Fusina, Italy, to destinations in Croatia and Italy.

If you want a fare inclusive of shore excursions, it'll be $5,000 per person. (For reference, a spokesperson for Silversea told Business Insider that a SALT cooking class excursion in Lisbon's Time Out Market would be about $219 per person.)

For an additional $1,500, Silversea will also organize your airfare and airport transformations.

But if all you want to do is wine, dine, and relax, the base fare will do. It may be steep, but that's the price of being on a ship filled with fresh-cut flowers, unlimited cocktails, and room-service caviar.

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The 4 newest royal caribbean ships.

Explore the newest amenities onboard including surf simulators, fine dining and more.

The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated Icon of the Seas is set to debut in 2024.

The world's biggest and most ambitious cruise lines never stop building out their fleet of ships, and Royal Caribbean International is no exception. The Florida-based cruise line currently boasts 28 incredible vessels for cruisers of all ages, including the four newest ships that have been added to the fleet since 2021. An even newer ship, Star of the Seas, is also being constructed with a planned launch date during the summer of 2025.

If you're interested in trying out one of the most over-the-top cruise ships sailing the world today, consider Royal Caribbean's newest vessels from the last few years. Read on to learn about the brand-new Icon of the Seas, the jaw-dropping action offered on the Wonder of the Seas, the Utopia of the Seas and the Odyssey of the Seas and all the amenities and unique experiences they have to offer.

Book a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Icon of the Seas

Scheduled to set sail in early 2024, the Icon of the Seas is one of the most celebrated and anticipated new cruise ships across all the major cruise lines. This Icon Class vessel was built to dazzle and entertain cruise passengers of all ages, and it features eight unique neighborhoods, seven pools and the largest waterpark at sea.

In total, Icon of the Seas offers 2,805 individual staterooms with space for 7,600 guests at maximum and 2,350 crew members. The vessel is 1,198 feet long with gross tonnage of 250,800.

• Sails to: The Icon of the Seas will offer alternating seven-night sailings between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The vessel's Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas . The alternative itinerary also stops at the cruise line's private island , as well as Basseterre in St. Kitts and Nevis and Charlotte Amelie in St. Thomas. All itineraries will depart from Miami .
• Cabin types: Cabins on the Icon of the Seas are spread across eight unique neighborhoods with their own themes and amenities. Cruisers will find the basic interior, ocean view and balcony staterooms they would expect. The ship also features 179 suites that vary in size and in terms of their features, with some really spacious and over-the-top options. For example, the vessel's Ultimate Family Townhouse (UL) is more than 1,700 square feet with three stories, a multi-level slide, an outdoor space with a ping pong table and more.
• Dining options: Icon of the Seas offers 11 included dining options plus room service that's available 24/7. There are also nine unique specialty restaurants on board, including options like Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, the Empire Supper Club and Chops Grille Steakhouse. A Starbucks is also available.
• Features: The Icon of the Seas boasts the largest cruise ship pool at sea, as well as seven pools and nine whirlpools in total. There are also six record-breaking waterslides located in what Royal Caribbean says is the largest waterpark at sea. Nightlife and entertainment options run the gamut from the ship's dueling piano bar to its jazz and blues club to its AquaTheater with mesmerizing shows that feature incredible diving feats and acrobatics.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is another vessel that is set to debut in 2024 with sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. This Oasis Class ship will offer up a total of 2,834 guest rooms and is 1,188 feet in length and 236,860 gross tons in size.

The ship has space for 5,668 passengers at double occupancy and eight different neighborhoods with cabins for guests. Interestingly, this huge ship will not offer seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean and will instead focus on offering three-night and four-night itineraries, at least at first.

• Sails to: The all-new Utopia of the Seas will offer shorter sailings to the Bahamas. The ship's three-night sailings will stop only at the cruise line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, whereas four-night sailings from Port Canaveral stop at the cruise line's private island and at Nassau, Bahamas.
• Cabin types: The Utopia of the Seas has interior rooms, ocean view rooms and balcony rooms just like other ships. Upgraded room options also abound and include a range of luxury suites at sea. For example, you can book the iconic Ultimate Family Suite, a Solarium Suite with Wraparound Windows, a Royal Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: There are 10 different included dining experiences on the Utopia of the Seas, with room service also offered 24 hours a day. These include a Main Dining Room experience, several cafe options, a pizzeria, a coastal kitchen with California and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and more. In addition, there are 10 different specialty restaurants that can also be booked on the Utopia of the Seas, and a Starbucks is on board. Special dining experiences include a hibachi and sushi restaurant, a seafood restaurant, a Chef's Table experience for up to 16 diners at a time, a Johnny Rockets and more.
• Features: Utopia of the Seas has everything you would expect in a new Oasis Class ship from Royal Caribbean. For example, passengers will find five huge pools, eight hot tubs, three water slides, 23 different bars and two on-board casinos. Other features include an ice-skating rink, two rock climbing walls, a zip line, a basketball court, two FlowRider Surf simulators and of course the line's famous AquaTheater. Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia of the Seas also features special spaces for kids and teens, including dedicated clubs, an Imagination Studio and an on-board arcade.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

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Wonder of the Seas

Sailing the friendly seas since March 2022, the Wonder of the Seas boasts more individual rooms and suites than Icon of the Seas. The Oasis-class ship features 2,867 staterooms with a total guest capacity of 7,084. There are also eight unique neighborhoods for cruisers to choose from, each with its own decor and flair.

This Royal Caribbean vessel is also huge at 1,188 feet long and 235,600 gross tons. A total of 2,204 crew members run the ship and assist guests.

• Sails to: Wonder of the Seas is currently sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida and offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Eastern itinerary includes stops in Charlotte Amelie, St. Thomas and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay. Meanwhile, the Western loop stops at the cruise line's private island as well as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.
• Cabin types: Wonder of the Seas also offers all the normal cabin types you would expect, including interior rooms, sea view rooms and balcony staterooms. There are also over-the-top suites to choose from, including an Ultimate Family Suite, a Royal Suite, an Owner's Suite and more.
• Dining options: Nine complimentary dining options are included on the Wonder of the Seas, with a main dining room, a buffet option and plenty of other eateries available to grab a bite to eat. There are also 11 unique specialty restaurants on board, including a steakhouse and a seafood restaurant, a Johnny Rockets, a sushi and hibachi restaurant and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. For coffee lovers, a Starbucks is also on board.
• Features: The Wonder of the Seas has its own Central Park, along with 11 different bars, as well as special kids and teens-only areas like a social club and an arcade. Other notable features include the vessel's AquaTheater, rock-climbing walls, whirlpools, laser tag and more. There are also 19 swimming pools, an ice rink and a casino on the Wonder of the Seas.

Read: The Top Cruises for Teens

Odyssey of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship that's smaller than the other newest vessels from the line. The impressive ship completed its first sailing in 2021 when it became the first ship of its class to sail from the United States. Odyssey of the Seas currently departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and other ports and offers a range of six-night and seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean in the coming months.

Up to 4,198 guests can sail on the Odyssey of the Seas with double occupancy, and 1,612 crew members are on board to tend to their every need. The ship is approximately 1,138 feet long and is 167,704 gross tons.

• Sails to: Odyssey of the Seas will depart from various ports in the United States and elsewhere in the world in the coming years. For example, there are upcoming six-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale that include stops in Labadee, Haiti and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay. The vessel will complete a 14-day transatlantic cruise in April and May of 2024, which begins in Fort Lauderdale and ends in Rome, Italy. From there, the vessel will offer Greek Islands cruises from Rome before moving back to Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey in the fall of 2024. At that point, itineraries will include stops in Port Canaveral, Florida, Nassau in the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Cabin types: Odyssey of the Seas offers interior staterooms, ocean view rooms and balcony staterooms. Guests can also book interior rooms with a virtual balcony that boasts a floor-to-ceiling virtual view of the outdoors. Over-the-top suites available on the Odyssey include an Owner's Loft Suite, a Royal Loft Suite, a Grand Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: As a smaller vessel with considerably fewer passengers than Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has fewer dining options overall. Guests can dine at seven included eateries including a main dining room, a bistro, a cafe and the main ship buffet. There are also seven specialty restaurants and experiences on board including the Chef's Table, a Chops Grille and a sushi and hibachi restaurant. Like other newer ships from Royal Caribbean, the Odyssey also has its own Starbucks.
• Features: The Odyssey has eight dedicated bars and lounges on board, bumper cars, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, an outdoor movie screen and a casino, along with kid and teen features like an arcade, a kids' splash area and a social club. A FlowRider surf simulator is on board, as well as a sky diving simulator. Note that the Odyssey of the Seas doesn't have an AquaTheater like Oasis Class ships.

Find a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

Look Out for Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is already offering limited information about its newest ship, the Star of the Seas. This vessel will also be an Icon Class ship like the Icon of the Seas, meaning it will be big and beautiful with all the bells and whistles.

The Star of the Seas is scheduled to debut in 2025.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel expert and content creator who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised dozens of times with most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to write this article, along with information provided by Royal Caribbean.

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• Icon of the Seas Review
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival
• Cruise Line Drink Packages
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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