Assisted Living from a different perspective 2

Another option that some follow, it is more expensive than a Holiday Inn is to book a Cruise. world! Mario Salcedo has spent the last 20 years aboard cruise ships. According to Traveler Magazine, Salcedo budgets around $60-70,000 per year for his travels, paying for the voyages by credit card so that the miles earned will cover any flights in between sailings.

Life aboard a cruise ship can be glamorous, exciting, and extremely luxurious — assuming anyone will ever feel safe enough after the pandemic to set sail.

Cruising can also be a lot cheaper than living at home — especially if you need help maintaining your property.

Yard work, house cleaning and preparing meals can be a struggle and hiring help are beyond the budget for most retirees.

So, why not sell or rent out the home and set sail for a life on the high seas?  Aboard a cruise ship, your meals and homemaking are all taken care of, you have a built-in social life and can see the world at the same time.

Cruise web lists 40 different benefits of living at sea compared to life in a retirement community or assisted living facility.

Senior Living at Sea vs Typical Land-based Retirement Options

Benefit or Feature	Senior Living at Sea*	Retirement Community*	Assisted Living Facility*
International Travel	YES	No	No
Full-time Travel Services	YES	Varies	No
Custom Travel Excursions	YES	No	No
Port-to-Port Transportation	YES	No	No
Interactive Community	YES	YES	Varies
Daily Social Events & Activities	YES	Varies	No
Regular Social Invitations	YES	Varies	Varies
World-renowned Speakers & Lectures	YES	No	No
Onsite Spa Services	YES	Varies	No
World-class Entertainment	YES	No	No
Live Music & Dancing Lounges	YES	No	No
Fulltime Entertainment Staff	YES	Varies	No
Onsite Movie Theater	YES	No	No
Onsite Computer Center	YES	Varies	Varies
Onsite Library	YES	Varies	No
Onsite Billiards / Casino	YES	No	No
Onsite Salon & Barber	YES	Varies	Varies
Onsite Boutique Shopping	YES	No	No
Fitness Center	YES	Varies	No
Swimming Pools	YES	Varies	No
Accommodations for Family	YES	Varies	No
Onsite Banking Services	Limited	Varies	Varies
Onsite Billing / Account Services	YES	YES	No
Maintenance-free Living	YES	YES	YES
Daily Housekeeping	YES	No	No
Self-service Laundry	YES	Varies	YES
Valet Laundry Service	YES	Varies	No
Meals Per Day	3+	Meal Plan Options	3+
Formal & Casual Dining Venues	YES	No	No
Top Name Chefs	YES	No	No
Complimentary 24-Hour Room Service	YES	No	No
Themed Dinner Parties	YES	Varies	No
Medication Administration	No	No	YES
Medication Consultation	Optional	Optional	YES
Medical Facility	YES	No	Varies
Licensed Medical Professionals Onsite	YES	No	Varies
Mobility Assistance	Limited	No	YES
Accept Wheelchairs	YES**	YES	YES
24-Hour Security	YES	Varies	No
Loyalty Program	YES	No	No

 

Naysayers point out that price comparisons between cruises and assisted living are flawed, if you need medical assistance and not just help with activities of daily living.