A new cruise line wants to revolutionise the way we live by transforming travel into a permanent way of life, offering full-time residency across the seas aboard a luxury cruise ship, for up to $10 million.
You grew up dreaming of adventures on the high seas, and The Old Man and the Sea is one of your Kindle favourites? The idea of ending up in an old people’s home freaks you out? Or you would rather show your kids the ‘Nemos’ of the seas and give a taste of Below Deck glamour across cultures than spend the next decade behind the same school desks? A maritime cruise company now offers you the possibility of living your life… at large.
“Imagine travelling the world without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. With our ownership model, families can […] Forget the hassle of planning vacations and embrace the freedom of remote work while exploring the world from your own residence at sea”, says Marisa Galbut, president of the company, explaining the dream behind the idea.
The concept was first popularised in I May Be Homeless, but You See My Yacht, the story of Lee Wachtstetter, aka “Mamma Lee”, who sold her house to go live permanently on a cruise ship and made the headlines in 2017. Complete with everything from dedicated medical staff to shops, entertainment, gym rooms and an endless flow of companions, her floating home seemed like a much nicer – and cheaper – alternative to a retirement home and cost her less. The idea gained even more appeal during the COVID pandemic when the rise of digital nomads proved that work, or life, no longer needed to be tied to a fixed address.
Building on that vision, Crescent Seas promises not just luxury, but a fully functional floating city. Its ships will feature co-working spaces, wellness centres, spas, restaurants, cafes, and even educational facilities for children!
The project is led by Russell Galbut, former chairman of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and his daughter Marisa. As Galbut explains, “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”. He adds: “Now your home [is no longer] bound to a single address – it moves with you, taking you to the world’s most breathtaking destinations”.
Unlike traditional cruises, Crescent Seas offers full property ownership. Residences are sold as real estate – assets to own not just to rent – with prices ranging from $750,000 to $8 million aboard The Navigator, and up to $10 million on The Insignia. A third ship, The Ocean, has also been announced. Owners pay yearly common charges starting at $235,000 (around $20,000 per month), which cover services such as meals, housekeeping, medical care, and port fees. For those seeking serious bragging rights, the most luxurious penthouses command top-tier prices.
Suites can be co-owned by families or groups, ‘like a timeshare but for travellers’ and promise a far more glamorous address. In addition, they gain a floating home that will travel to over 140 cities in 7 continents, with no need to ever pack or unpack again.
Founded in March 2025, Crescent Seas plans to launch its first ship, The Navigator, in 2026, followed by a refitted version of Oceania Cruises’ Insignia in 2027. In 2032, The Ocean will join the fleet as the brand’s third ship and first new build. Two more vessels are scheduled to join the fleet in the next five years.
