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 discovered a way to explore the globe while significantly cutting their monthly expenses, saving nearly £2,000 in the process. The couple made the shift from their Scottish home to life aboard a cruise ship, a decision that has redefined their lifestyle and budget.
A New Chapter at Sea
After living on a cruise ship for over five months, the pair sold their £200,000 Arbroath house in February. This move has allowed them to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, residing on the ship full-time. ‘We believe this was the optimal choice, and we’re undeniably happier,’ Katrina, 29, shares. ‘My passion for cruising began years ago, but the convenience of unpacking once and experiencing the world is something we truly appreciate.’
Adapting to Life Aboard
Initially, the transition was a bit intimidating. ‘The fear of the unknown was there, but now I’m thrilled to be moving forward,’ she says. Since their departure from Scotland, the couple has visited the Caribbean, Mauritius, and Miami, managing their work remotely from their upscale cabin.
Cost Savings and Daily Life
Katrina explains that living on the ship has been more economical than their previous life in the UK. ‘Previously, our monthly expenses totaled £6,510, covering a £1,300pcm mortgage, £2,500pcm for two cars, and £600 in energy bills, not to mention recreational spending,’ she notes. Now, their costs amount to around £4,500 a month, including the cruise, meals, Wi-Fi, and excursions.
Katrina’s career as a CRM marketing manager and Kevin’s role as an IT consultant have made this lifestyle feasible. ‘We were amazed at how much less we’re spending,’ Katrina adds. ‘On land, you don’t notice daily expenses like coffee or car fuel, but at sea, there’s no need to buy anything. It’s a refreshing change.’
Challenges and Productivity
One challenge they face is adhering to UK work schedules, which often requires waking up at unconventional hours depending on their current time zone. ‘I create a spreadsheet each cruise to track the time zone, ensuring we can complete tasks efficiently,’ Katrina explains. They also take annual leave strategically, only when a port stop is on their list of must-see destinations.
Breaking Stereotypes
‘Many people assume cruising is for older adults or that it’s boring and restrictive,’ Katrina says. ‘But it’s not like that at all. We’ve visited places on my bucket list, like Mauritius, that I never thought I’d actually see.’
Despite their love for life at sea, Katrina admits to missing certain home comforts. ‘I’m close with my family, so I definitely miss them, and small things like home-cooked meals or a good cup of tea,’ she mentions. ‘Even the ship’s food is amazing, but nothing beats the warmth of a home kitchen.’
Looking Ahead
The couple has no intention of returning to traditional living. ‘The misconceptions about cruise holidays are just that—misconceptions,’ Katrina concludes. ‘We’re already planning our 2027 voyages, and we can’t wait to continue this journey.’
‘People think you’re not actually working and you’re just sitting by the pool having a cocktail but when you’re working, you’re working,’ Katrina says. ‘There are distractions, but you choose where to focus. We’ve found we’re more productive and then when the day is done we feel like we switch off a lot better than when we’re home.’
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