We save £2,000 a month after swapping our home for cruise ships

We save £2,000 a month after swapping our home for cruise ships

Katrina Middleton and her husband Kevin have transformed their lives by leaving behind their Scottish roots for a nomadic existence at sea. The couple, who sold their £200,000 Arbroath home in February, now live full-time on a cruise ship, embracing a global lifestyle while managing to cut their monthly expenses significantly.

The Adventure Begins

After residing on cruise ships since September of the previous year, Katrina and Kevin made the bold choice to sell their property and fully commit to life aboard. “This was the best decision we could’ve made,” Katrina, 29, reflects. “We love the idea of unpacking once and exploring the world without the hassle of settling into a new home.”

“The fear of the unknown felt overwhelming at first, but now I’m excited to see where life takes us,” she adds.

Their journey has taken them to the Caribbean, Mauritius, and Miami, with Kevin working remotely as an IT consultant and Katrina managing CRM marketing from their luxury cabin. The couple initially downsized from a £310,000 home to a £200,000 property in September, a move that proved pivotal for their financial strategy.

A New Perspective on Work-Life Balance

Living on the ocean has allowed them to streamline expenses. Previously, their monthly costs in the UK soared to £6,510, covering a £1,300 pcm mortgage, £2,500 pcm for two vehicles, and additional bills like energy. Now, they spend just around £4,500 a month, including the cruise fare, meals, Wi-Fi, and excursions.

“You don’t realize how much you’re spending on daily conveniences like coffee or car fuel when you’re at home,” Katrina explains. “On the ship, everything is calculated, and it’s much more affordable.”

Despite the financial benefits, the couple faces challenges. They must adhere to UK working hours, which can mean waking up at unusual times depending on their current time zone. To manage this, Katrina creates spreadsheets each trip to track their location and adjust schedules accordingly.

Breaking Common Misconceptions

Katrina and Kevin have dispelled the notion that cruising is only for older adults or lacks excitement. “People assume it’s boring or that you’re trapped on a ship, but that’s not the case at all,” she says. “Cruising has let us visit places on my bucket list that I never thought I’d reach.”

Their plans for 2027 include more voyages, with no intention of returning to traditional living. “We’re not going back,” Kevin confirms. “The flexibility and savings make this lifestyle more appealing than anything we’ve experienced before.”

Missing the Familiar

While the couple enjoys their new way of life, they occasionally miss the comforts of home. “I miss my family and the little things like home-cooked meals and the convenience of a kitchen,” Katrina admits. “Even the coffee and tea from our own cups feel special compared to what’s available on board.”

However, these minor sacrifices are outweighed by the freedom and experiences they’ve gained. With their savings and travel adventures, Katrina and Kevin continue to prove that living on a cruise ship isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality that’s reshaping their future.

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