The Surprising Side Effect Of Living On A Cruise Ship

He’s spent 25 years living on cruise ships. Not holidays. Not back-to-back sailings. Living.

Mario Salcedo, better known to Royal Caribbean fans as “Super Mario”, reached his 1,000th cruise with Royal Caribbean in early 2025, marking the achievement on a sailing aboard Explorer of the Seas. But the milestone isn’t the most surprising part.

It’s the unexpected side effect of life at sea that most cruisers never think about.

A Life Spent at Sea

Salcedo first stepped aboard a cruise ship in 1997. By 2000, he had effectively moved in.

Since then, he’s lived almost continuously on Royal Caribbean ships, spending around $101,000 a year on balcony cabins while continuing his investment management work remotely. Crew members have even set up a designated “Super Mario’s Office” area onboard certain ships.

His 1,000th sailing took place on Explorer of the Seas, an 11-night itinerary from Miami to Panama and the southern Caribbean.

But when asked about his most memorable voyage, he didn’t choose a luxury itinerary or exotic port.

Instead, he pointed to something far more unusual…

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The Most Unusual Cruise of All

In 2017, Salcedo was aboard Enchantment of the Seas when it was repurposed into a four-day “cruise to nowhere” to evacuate Royal Caribbean’s shoreside employees and their families ahead of a hurricane.

“I may have been the only real guest onboard,” he recalled.

The sailing carried nearly 3,000 employees and their families out of Miami and away from danger, giving Salcedo the rare opportunity to meet and socialise with the company’s shoreside teams.

“It was a new and truly unforgettable experience.”

The Unexpected Side Effect of Life at Sea

But the most surprising part of his story isn’t the storm.

After decades at sea, Salcedo says he’s lost his “land legs.”

“I’m swaying so much I can’t walk in a straight line. I’m so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land.”

The condition is known as mal de débarquement syndrome, and it can affect people who spend extended periods aboard ships.

It’s a recognised neurological condition where the body struggles to readjust to stable ground after a prolonged time at sea.

Follow in Super Mario’s Footsteps

Living on a cruise ship might sound like a dream come true, offering the chance to travel the world while enjoying all the perks of luxury living.

If it’s something you’d be interested in, there are a number of ways you can do it:

1. Booking Back-to-Back Cruises

One of the more accessible ways to live at sea is by booking a series of short cruises with mainstream cruise lines, back-to-back.

While this gives you flexibility in choosing itineraries, it comes with logistical challenges. For example, it’s essential to book well in advance, as popular cabins can fill up quickly, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to keep the same room across multiple sailings.

You may also need to move cabins between voyages or, in some cases, switch ships entirely. This lifestyle requires a lot of planning, and it can be stressful to ensure you always have a spot reserved.

2. World Cruises

If you’re looking for a more immersive long-term experience, world cruises are an excellent choice.

These typically last several months, with some itineraries covering up to six months. However, they are not back-to-back, so once a world cruise concludes, you’d need to book another journey.

These cruises offer the convenience of staying aboard for extended periods and are often all-inclusive, but the costs can be high. While world cruises may suit those who prefer a structured schedule, the financial outlay may not be feasible for everyone.

Suggested read: 9 Tips For Planning A World Cruise

The Rhapsody of the Seas cruising the ocean

3. Residential Cruise Ships

For those seeking a truly permanent solution, residential cruise ships are designed for long-term living.

Unlike traditional cruise lines, these ships offer cabins for purchase or long-term lease, allowing you to live at sea year-round without worrying about booking new cruises constantly.

The World and Villa Vie Odyssey are two options currently sailing. These ships are aimed primarily at retirees or those looking for a lifestyle change, and they operate much like a floating community. But anyone is welcome to purchase a cabin.

There are also other newer residential ships in the pipeline, although some of these are still in the development stage.

The cost of purchasing a residence can vary, and in addition to the outright purchase price, there will also be annual fees for maintenance and services on top.

4. Working on a Cruise Ship

If you’re seeking to live on a cruise ship without the substantial costs of owning a cabin, working on board might be the most practical solution.

Crew members receive accommodation and meals as part of their employment package, making it a cost-effective way to experience life at sea.

However, working on a cruise ship comes with its own challenges, as you’ll need to work long hours with few days off. It’s far from the leisurely lifestyle most people envision when thinking about living on a cruise ship, but it could be a viable option for those willing to trade work for accommodation and meals.

Anthem of the Seas Captain Cruise Director and Hotel Director

Final Word

Living on a cruise ship full-time isn’t just a fantasy. It’s a lifestyle choice that comes with costs, logistics and, occasionally, unexpected side effects.

For Mario Salcedo, the trade-off has been worth it. After 1,000+ voyages, life on land now feels unfamiliar.

And that might be the clearest sign of all that he truly found where he belongs.