A man who is famous in the world of cruises for being one of the most experienced cruise passengers in the world has revealed fascinating details of his life in an interview.
Mario Salcedo is particularly well known by fans of Royal Caribbean cruises, as he has spend the past 25 years essentially living on the cruise line’s fleet.
Salcedo – affectionately known as ‘Super Mario’ – has opened up on his life spent aboard cruising, after recently reaching his 1,000th voyage with Royal Caribbean.
And unusually, he said that his most memorable cruise wasn’t a long itinerary or a super-relaxing voyage, but a rare cruise to nowhere caused by a hurricane.
Salcedo explained that he was onboard Enchantment of the Seas in 2017 when it was repurposed to evacuate Royal Caribbean’s shoreside employees and their families, embarking on a ‘four-day cruise to nowhere’ to ensure their safety away from the storm’s path.
“I believe the ship carried nearly 3,000 employees and families as she sailed out of Miami and out of harm’s way for a four-day cruise to nowhere. I may have been the only real guest onboard...
“That sailing gave me the unique opportunity to meet, chat, and socialise with many shoreside employees. It was a new and truly unforgettable experience,“
‘Super Mario’ also shared an odd side effect of his life at sea – he no longer has ‘land legs.’
I’ve lost my 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 – formally known as mal de débarquement syndrome – is actually quite common among those who spend extended periods aboard ships.
Salcedo spends around $101,000 (roughly £81,000) annually on his cruises, preferring a balcony cabin.
His cruising lifestyle is funded by his investment management work. On occasion, the crew of certain ships have even gone as far as to set up a designated ‘Super Mario’s Office’ area on deck, complete with cordoned-off tables and chairs, marked with signs bearing his nickname.
Salcedo’s milestone 1,000th voyage was aboard the Explorer of the Seas, a ship capable of hosting 3,286 passengers.
It was a remarkable 11-night journey, departing from Miami to Panama and the southern Caribbean.
Despite reaching such an extraordinary milestone, Salcedo remains remarkably laid-back about his life at sea.
After years working in the business world and travelling for international clients, Salcedo found a more fulfilling lifestyle at sea. His first cruise in 1997 hooked him, and after trying a few different lines, he settled on Royal Caribbean for their preferred ships.
He has been living aboard their vessels almost continuously since 2000, only taking a few days ashore each year, with a brief break during the Covid-19 pandemic.
His daily routine consists of working for about five hours, followed by leisure time. “It’s zero stress,” Salcedo explained. “The best lifestyle I can find.”
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 (-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 ensuring 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
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 as well as the outright purchase price there will also be annual fees for maintenance and services on top.
Read more: You Can Live Permanently On A Cruise Ship! Here’s How Much It Costs
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.
Suggested read: Dream Jobs at Sea – The Top Roles Cruisers Would Love To Do!
Final word
While living on a cruise ship full-time is an exciting prospect for some, it requires careful planning and consideration of the costs, logistics, and lifestyle changes.
Whether opting for back-to-back cruises, booking a world cruise, or investing in a residential ship, the dream of life at sea is becoming increasingly attainable for those who are willing to embrace the unique challenges it brings. And Super Mario is living proof.
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- You Can Live Permanently On A Cruise Ship! Here’s How Much It Costs
- Royal’s Most Loyal Passenger Hits 1,000th Cruise Landmark
- Cruising With A Cat on the Villa Vie Odyssey
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
