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This 3-year Cruise Visits 135 Countries on 7 Continents — and It Might Cost Less Than You Pay in Rent

Welcome to the Work From Ship life.

Want to set sail and just keep going? Life at Sea Cruises just announced it’s accepting reservations on its first-ever, three-year cruise, which will travel 130,000 miles, visit 135 countries across seven continents, and stop in 375 ports of call, all aboard the MV Gemini .

At each port, the vessel will stay docked for multiple days to allow its passengers to explore at their leisure. It visits 13 wonders of the world, including Egypt's Pyramids of Giza and Mexico's Chichén Itzá, and more than 100 islands, including numerous Caribbean and Central American visits. The cruise also spends 98 days in South American and Antarctica.

Courtesy of Life at Sea

The ship provides everything one would need to live at sea for several years, including spacious cabins, dining and entertainment options, recreational areas like a wellness center, sun deck, and pool, and plentiful work spaces for those who want to live the digital nomad life at sea. That includes a business center with meeting rooms, 14 offices, and a business library for all Zoom call needs. 

“Professionals need connectivity, the right amenities, and the functionality to perform their jobs. There is no other cruise product that offers this sort of flexibility to their customers,” said Mikael Petterson, the managing director of Life at Sea Cruises, in a statement released to Travel + Leisure .

The ship also has other practical amenities, including a 24-hour hospital, which offers guests free medical visits, learning experiences for guests like lectures and classes, and volunteer opportunities at various ports. 

“Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home,” Irina Strembitsky, director of sales and marketing, added in the statement. “It’s your home at sea with the world as your backyard.”

The three-year voyage departs from Istanbul on Nov. 1, 2023, with additional pick-ups in Barcelona and Miami later in 2023. Pricing begins at $29,999 per year. The company also offers payment options starting from $2,499 per month, which includes food and beverage. Cabin options range from 130-square-foot interior rooms to 260-square-foot balcony suites. See more about the sailing and make your booking at lifeatseacruises.com . 

This Three-Year Cruise Visits 148 Countries on All Seven Continents

By Rachel Chang

Sailing around the world in 80 days may be legendary, but sailing around the world in 1,001 days is now a reality. This fall, Life at Sea Cruises ’ inaugural three-year cruise aboard the MV Lara will hit the high seas, taking passengers to 382 ports in 148 countries on all seven continents, all on one epic itinerary.

“The demand for long-term extended cruises has been growing in popularity in recent years,” Life at Sea Cruises CEO Kendra Holmes says. “This, coupled with more people able to work remotely and the increased cost of home ownership and renting showcased an opportunity to offer travelers the chance to embark on an adventure—except, in our case, the vacation doesn't have to end.”

Mixing work and play in this innovative way isn’t just efficient, it also cuts down on the hassle of constantly planning travel to dream destinations one at a time. After all, the 130,000-mile mega itinerary checks off major bucket list sites, including the Great Wall of China, Pyramids at Giza, Rome’s Colosseum, Petra in Jordan, Machu Picchu in Peru, India’s Taj Mahal, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, and Ecuador's Galapagos Islands . Also on the docket: Yosemite National Park , Victoria Island, and Glacier Bay in North America; Wat Arun Temple, Ha Long Bay, and Pink Beach in Asia; and Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, France’s Mont Saint Michel, and UK’s Windsor Castle in Europe.

The beauty of the extended voyage is that there isn’t that constant rush to get back to the ship. “Our longer port times truly empower residents to make the most of their time in each port,” Holmes says. “Days-long port times mean that residents can get the most out of each city we visit.”

Another perk is the mindfully curated sailing route (which is especially impressive on this interactive Google Earth map ). “Our itinerary places the MV Lara in the Northern Hemisphere in the summers and the Southern in the winters, so it’s always summer for Life At Sea Cruises,” she adds. Those sunny days include ringing New Year’s Days in Buenos Aires, Papua New Guinea, and the Maldives , and enjoying Valentine’s Days in Colombia, the French Polynesia , and en route to South Africa, as well as being in Asia for the Singapore Food Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival in South Korea, and Gion Matsuri in Japan.

In between the port stops, life on board is packed with possibilities, too. The ship is equipped with a pool deck, gym, spa, and auditorium that will host everything from movie screenings to live performances. International cuisine is offered at its multiple bars and restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual eats. Daily activities will include dance lessons, karaoke sessions, and yoga practices, among others.

Inside a cabin on the new ship.

While the cruise is, at its core, a three-year getaway, the company realizes the need to stay connected with real life back on land, too. Remote workers can access free high-speed Wi-Fi and use the business center facilities. (Private office space is also available for rent for those who want to run their businesses from the ship.) Also, friends and families can visit by just paying the local port taxes and fees and staying in the cabins for free. Some guest cabins may also be available.

The all-inclusive fare for the three-year getaway starts at $43,860 per person per year, based on double accommodations. (A previously lower rate that started at $38,313 per person per year has already sold out.) Solo travelers will be charged a single supplement fee. Meals and weekly housekeeping are all included, but alcohol outside of dinner, shore excursions, spa services, and other premium services are an additional fee. Basic medical visits are also covered, while dental care, medical procedures, and prescriptions are offered at extra cost.

Operated by Aegan Sea operator Miray Cruises, the 629-cabin MV Lara can accommodate 1,266 passengers, but will only be run at 80 percent capacity. The ship is an upgrade in size from the MV Gemini that was originally announced for this journey back in March, according to CNN . Amid immediate skyrocketing demand, many of those working for the cruise company quit, reportedly because of disagreements over the ship that would be used. (Some of those who defected are now working on a rival cruise called the Villa Vie Residences that embarks on a three-and-a-half-year long itinerary to 420 destinations, starting May 15, 2024, from Southampton, England.)

Now back on track, the Life at Seas 36-month itinerary takes off November 1, 2023, from Istanbul, offering passengers the opportunity to embark in Barcelona on November 5, the Bahamas on November 15, or Puerto Rico on November 18, eventually returning after three trips around the sun to Istanbul on November 1, 2026. 

“Accomplishing a travel feat like this one outside of our voyage would be extremely difficult, logistically and financially,” Holmes says. “If people are interested in traveling the globe while enjoying life at sea, then our voyage is the right choice for them. “

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Cruise, Live and Explore the World from your Home at Sea

Sailing on November, 2024

Cruise the world.

Home and Community

Work From Home

Explore the globe.

Embark on a 3 Year Ultimate Bucket List World Cruise.

Come onboard for a first of its kind 3-Year World Cruise  aboard the beautifully revitalized MV Lara . The first reasonably priced, all-inclusive world cruise starting from only $77,026 per year based on double-occupancy that will cover over 130,000 miles across all 7 continents and 140 countries, 382 ports

Experience the World, One Country at a Time

The Art of Adventure

Visit 13 of the 14 Wonders of the World and embark on a journey of a lifetime that will take you through the most Hidden Gems the world has to offer

Adventure at Every Turn

Experience a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment, from Golf and Fitness to live shows and performances, we've got something for everyone.

Cultural Immersions and Discoveries

Explore and learn about different cultures, cuisines, and landmarks through our curated excursions and educational opportunities, each tailored to enhance your overall travel experience.

Live at Sea

Where neighbors become family.

Life at Sea Cruises is the first World Cruise specifically tailored to guests wanting to Cruise, Live, Work and Explore from their Home at Sea. Free Medical Visits, from Free WIFI to the ability to invite Friends and Family, we have thought of everything you need on an everyday basis to live your life to its fullest

Dive Around the World

Explore the depths of adventure.

Break the routine, renew your life and explore new horizons

Redefine the Everyday

Wake up with new Backyard Every Morning, Make Friends who become Family, Learn Something New Every Day and Elevate your Taste Buds to the Next Level.

Relax and Rejuvenate

Take a pause from life, and indulge in the replenishing sanctuary with invigorating treatments and services to beautify, unwind and replenish your physical and mental wellbeing. Our Salon staff are trained internationally in face, body, hair, and nail treatments, and will provide a wide range of reasonably priced treatments for everyone.

Experience More

With everything taken care of, you have time to explore in every port for more immersive experiences. Visit the Hidden Gems away from the populous and explore off the beaten paths.

Life at Sea Highlights

Golf around the World, Invite your Friends & Family to Visit Onboard, and 2-3 Days in port for Immersive Experiences.

In the News

Financial Times

Travel + Leisure

The Guardian

Office duties from anywhere in the world.

We have developed a first of its kind Business Center at Sea with Meeting Rooms, Offices, Relaxing Lounge and a Self-Service Café. Loaded with Screens, Conference Equipment, WIFI, Printers and staff ready to assist. Making money at Sea has never been easier, and with the Tax Benefits of an International Residence, you may keep more of what you earn!

Tax Benefits

Speak to your Tax Accountant about the advantages of being an international resident aboard a ship.

Star link internet

Always stay connected to the real world with the fastest internet available at sea

Explore every Corner of the World

Visit 382 Destinations, 6 Equator Crossings to all 7 Continents and 140 Countries. Over 100 Tropical Islands to explore and Countless Hills to climb, the opportunities to explore are truly endless!

All you need, included in a single package

Starting from $77,026 per year.

Included all Essentials, World Class Local Cuisine, Wash-Fold Laundry, Entertainment and endless Learning Opportunities just for You.

All-Inclusive Dining

Savor every bite with our all-inclusive dining options featuring a wide variety of cuisines and dishes, expertly prepared by our talented chefs. With all meals, snacks, and selected beverages included, you can indulge in culinary delights without a care in the world.

Get Started

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the ultimate all-inclusive lifestyle onboard our cruise ship. Book your reservation online now for the fastest and most convenient way to secure your spot.

The details of what is included in the all-inclusive package can be found on our all-inclusive page.

No, dogs are not allowed on the cruise ship.

There is no charge for additional guests staying in your cabin, however family and friends are responsible for paying the local port taxes and fees($33 Per-day). Guest cabins are available, subject to availability and seasonal rates.

Cabin can be transferred to a 3rd person with 2 weeks prior notice to Life At Sea Management

The fitness center on our cruise ship offers a variety of state-of-the-art equipment and amenities, including treadmills, weight machines, exercise bikes, and free weights. Our fitness center is open 24 hours a day and is staffed by certified personal trainers who can assist you

Yes, global Star-Link Wi-Fi is available and included in package.

Ready to join us on this journey?

Send your request now.

All four corners, one epic voyage.

The Ultimate World Cruise

The most epic world cruise ever to set sail.

Get ready to see the world in a whole new light — introducing the Ultimate World Cruise onboard Serenade of the Seas®. You can spend 274 nights bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries across all seven continents. Or pick a corner of the globe and explore every inch of it on one of four Ultimate World Cruise℠ segments — each an immersive voyage of 60+ nights. Connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankind’s boundless imagination.

Or call your local travel advisor . For more information, call the Ultimate World Cruise Contact Line at 800-423-2100.

Dive deeper into the world's wonders

Ultimate world cruise.

Visit 150+ destinations and 8 World Wonders, across 7 continents and 60+ countries. The Ultimate World Cruise features four distinct segments that traverse the globe in one incredible journey.

Dec 10th – Feb 11th

Ultimate Americas Cruise

Feb 11th - May 9th

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise

May 9th - July 10th

Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe Cruise

July 10th - Sep 10th

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise

Chichén Itzá, Cozumel, Mexico

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Machu Picchu, Lima, Peru

Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Australia

Great Wall of China, Beijing, China

The Taj Mahal, Cochin, India

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Berlin, Germany

Copenhagen, Denmark

New York, New York

Dec 10th 2023 – Feb 11th 2024

Venture across Three Continents

36 Destinations, 64 Nights

Arica, Chile

Your once-in-a-lifetime journey begins December 2023, embarking from in Miami on the first segment of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ — the Ultimate Americas Cruise. Go from postcard-perfect Caribbean shores—including the ABC islands —to viewing abundant wildlife like sea lions, penguins and whales roaming glacier-studded Antarctica as you round Cape Horn. Along the way, discover World Wonders in South America, including man-made marvels and extraordinary natural phenomena.

Take in the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Behold the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazú Falls near Buenos Aires. And explore Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic symbols of Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. Then sail up to the Yucatàn Peninsula to discover hidden coves and dramatic rock formations along Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas before exploring Ensenada.

Feb 11th 2024 - May 9th 2024

Far East. Down Under. And up for anything

40 Destinations, 87 nights

Taj Mahal, India

Venture miles from ordinary in Australia and Asia on this leg of the Ultimate World Cruise SM . Explore Hawaii and discover the crystal-clear waters of Mo’orea and Tahiti in unspoiled French Polynesia. Set out for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef — the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Trek from pristine natural beauty in Bali to one of the most iconic man-made World Wonders, the Great Wall of China. And discover the unparalleled culture and modern architecture of Tokyo, then take in one of the most breathtaking sights in the world — The Taj Mahal.

May 9th 2024 - July 10th 2024

Beauty beyond belief

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise

39 Destinations, 63 Nights

Walvis Bay Sandwich Harbour

Explore the orange sand dunes of the world’s oldest desert in Namibia. Bask in the beauty of idyllic beaches in Cape Town. And hike mist-topped rainforests along the Ivory Coast. Plus, go back in time as you wander through the Colosseum in Rome and get lost in the Venetian-style streets of Corfu.

Then your journey continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like the fortified walls of Split, Croatia and the cobblestoned streets of Barcelona, Cannes and Provence.

July 10th 2024 - September 10th 2024

Set a course for the north

40 Destinations, 63 Nights

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive cultural exploration starting in the Med heading north. Discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Gaudi’s Sagrada Família. Savor flavors across continents — like a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco.

Go from taking in fjords in Norway to biking through Copenhagen. Finally, experience another natural marvel — the other-worldly geothermal seawater at The Blue Lagoon in Iceland before stopping in New York and Perfect Day at CocoCay on your way back to Miami.

Amenities Included in your entire adventure

Join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks and amenities — all included in your adventure. So you can complement back-to-back discoveries onshore with all your favorite comforts onboard, plus thoughtful touches to elevate every moment.

*New World Wonders Shore Excursions included for Crown & Anchor® Society Platinum members & above

Business Class Airfare

Premium Transportation Between Airport, Hotel and Ship

Pre-cruise Hotel & Gala

New World Wonders Shore Excursion*

Deluxe Beverage Package

Wash & Fold Laundry Service

VOOM Surf & Stream

A World Wandering Fleet Favorite

Designed with acres of glass offering panoramic vistas of sea, sky and land, Serenade of the Seas® is the perfect ship for scenery-scoping. Take in captivating views of Norway’s majestic fjords, gaze at glaciers in Antarctica, and soak up the sun and the sights while cruising through French Polynesia. In between adventures onshore, you can unwind poolside or tee off on the mini golf green. Settle in for dazzling entertainment or dance until dawn beneath the stars. And with top-notch restaurants onboard, every meal turns into a global taste-tour that’s as immersive as your Ultimate World Cruise.

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Cruise Details & Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ultimate World Cruise?

The Ultimate World Cruise is a never-before-offered Royal Caribbean adventure that takes you on a 274-night journey around the world from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024. The adventure begins and ends in Miami, Florida, visiting all 7 continents, 65 countries, 150 ports of call, with 16 overnights and 8 World Wonders. More than 40 of the ports you’ll visit are either rarely available on our other itineraries or brand new to Royal Caribbean, so get ready for the exploration of a lifetime. Book The Ultimate World Cruise early to ensure the best accommodation throughout the entire voyage.

What is the starting price for the Ultimate World Cruise and its 4 individual segments?

Ultimate World Cruise Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your 274-night Ultimate World Cruise fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate World Cruise complimentary amenities like business class airfare, pre-cruise hotel and gala, Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, wash and fold laundry service, and more.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses of $4,667 USD per person are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

Ultimate World Cruise Segments Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your Ultimate Cruise segment fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate Cruise segment complimentary amenities like Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, and wash and fold laundry service.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

What are the 8 World Wonders the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments will visit, and on what dates?

Ultimate Americas Cruise: December 10, 2023 – February 11, 2024

Chichen Itza: via Cozumel Dec 13, 2023

Christ the Redeemer: via Rio de Janeiro Dec 31, 2023

Iguazu Falls: via Buenos Aires Jan 5, 2024

Machu Picchu: via Lima Jan 29-30, 2024

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise: February 11, 2024 – May 9, 2024

Great Barrier Reef: via Airlie Beach and Cairns March 13-14, 2024

Great Wall of China: via Beijing April 7-8, 2024

Taj Mahal: via Cochin May 1, 2024

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise: May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024

Colosseum: via Rome July 1, 2024

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise: July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024

There are no World Wonders visited during this Ultimate Cruise segment.

What benefits are included when booking the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

Guests who join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise will receive the following inclusions:

Embarkation Amenities

Round-trip business class airfare

Pre-cruise hotel and gala

Premium transfers between airport, hotel and ship

Onboard Amenities

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire voyage

VOOM Wi-Fi internet for entire voyage

Gratuities for entire voyage

Wash and fold laundry service

Our Crown & Anchor Society guests who hold Platinum status and above will also receive the exclusive benefit of included excursions to the 7 New World Wonders.

Guests who join us for one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments will receive the following inclusions:

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire segment

VOOM Wi-Fi for entire segment

Gratuities for entire segment

Wash and fold laundry service for entire segment

Will I receive the same stateroom for the entire duration of my Ultimate World Cruise or Ultimate Cruise segment?

Our Ultimate World Cruise team will ensure that you get the same stateroom for the entirety of the cruise when purchased within the exclusive booking window through November 2021. If you are purchasing your Ultimate World Cruise after the Ultimate Cruise segments have opened for sale, our team will work with you to make every effort to secure the same stateroom for your entire time onboard, based on the remaining available inventory.

What is the payment schedule for the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

To reserve a stateroom on the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments a non-refundable deposit is required. Final payment must be received by Royal Caribbean 180 days prior to cruise departure. For bookings created within 180 days prior to cruise departure, final payment must be received within 48 hours of booking.

How long do I have to place my deposit for the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

If outside of final payment, our Ultimate World Cruise and Ultimate Cruise segment guests are able to place a two-week hold to lock in their preferred stateroom and price before deposit is required. Your deposit must be placed within the two-week offer period to secure your selected stateroom.

Are there travel insurance options available on the Ultimate World Cruise or the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

There are travel insurance options available to guests who meet certain qualifications. For more information, please call 800-423-2100 or contact your Travel Advisor.

Why are the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments only offered as nonrefundable?

Our Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments are a unique adventure that has never before been offered by Royal Caribbean and we want to ensure that our guests who are committed to sharing this experience with us receive priority placement. To preserve this unique experience, all sailings onboard Serenade of the Seas from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024, will be offered as exclusively nonrefundable.

Explore More

This 3-Year Cruise Will Visit 148 Countries on All 7 Continents

The epic journey departs from istanbul in november, with sailings (including accommodations and meals) starting at $38,500 per year..

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Your home at sea: The 1,074-passenger MV Gemini will be where guests “live” throughout the three-year journey.

Courtesy of Life at Sea Cruises

How do you pack a suitcase for a trip that includes ogling emperor penguins in the Falkland Islands, lazing on the beach in Hawai‘i, and spending nights out in major cities like Cape Town and Beijing? It’s a question you’ll have to ask yourself if you sign up for Life at Sea Cruises’ new around-the-world itinerary.

The Florida-based Life at Sea Cruises, a spin-off of ship management company Miray Cruises, recently announced a three-year cruise , during which guests will sail roughly 130,000 miles, stop in 375 ports across 148 countries, and visit every continent.

The vessel will depart from Istanbul, Turkey, on November 1, 2023, before making additional stops (where passengers can also embark) in Barcelona and Miami. In the more than 1,000 days that follow, the ship will explore much of South America, Antarctica, the Caribbean, Central America, the USA (including California, Hawai‘i, Washington, and Alaska), northern Asia, the South Pacific, Australia, countries on the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, southern and western Africa, and coastal Europe.

The balcony suites feature a queen bed, bathroom, and living room area.

During that time, the sailing will deliver passengers to myriad iconic and UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Great Wall of China, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, and India’s Taj Mahal.

While other around-the-world cruises typically spend a day or two at each port, the advantage of this much longer sailing is that it will dock for up to seven nights in some larger cities, like Shanghai and Singapore.

The cruise was originally slated to take place on the MV Gemini, which could accommodate up to 1,074 passengers, but due to demand, the company has since switched to the MV Lara , which allows for 1,266 passengers.

Cabin sizes range from 145 square feet for interior staterooms (which include a double bed, a bathroom, and a desk) to 220 square feet for balcony suites (which have an additional living room area).

Pricing, which includes all meals, drinks (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic), laundry, Wi-Fi, gratuities, housekeeping, and port fees, starts at $38,513 and goes up to $98,226 per year based on accommodations. There isn’t the option to do shorter legs; however, it is possible to go in on one room with family and friends and divvy up the costs with who is on the boat at any given time. The company is also offering a matchmaking scheme, where passengers co-own a cabin with another group and split time on board.

For meals, passengers can choose to dine at either of the two main restaurants, visit the café on the pool deck, or order room service. The ship’s amenities include a swimming pool, sun deck, a golf simulator, a fitness center, and a hospital staffed with healthcare providers and a dentist and outfitted with a pharmacy and medical equipment such as X-ray and ultrasound machines and defibrillators. (According to the cruise line, the medical staff “even has the capability to perform certain surgeries.”) For those who want to work from sea, there’s also a large business center (replacing a former casino) with meeting rooms, dedicated office spaces, a library, and a lounge area.

In the past year, as cruisers have returned to the sea with a fervor following the pandemic pause in global sailings, cruise lines have been witnessing incredible demand for around-the-world sailings —one of Oceania Cruises’ 180-day itineraries sold out in 30 minutes last year. Life at Sea Cruises isn’t the only cruise line that has introduced the idea of a multi-year sailing. Another cruise company, Storylines, recently unveiled plans to launch a residential cruise ship, MV Narrative , that will sail indefinitely starting in 2024.

This story was originally published in March 2023 and has since been updated with new information.

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3-Year Cruise Itinerary at Sea Miray | Intended Rute, Expected Costs and 2024

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Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

If your goal has been to see the world, this may be the way to do it. Life at Sea Cruises is setting sail for the world’s first — and only — three-year world cruise, visiting 135 countries and seven continents. 

“Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate bucket list cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home,” says Irina Strembitsky, director of sales & marketing at Life at Sea Cruises. “It’s your home at sea with the world as your backyard.”

About Life At Sea Cruises

Life at Sea Cruises is owned by Miray International , which has been bringing unique cruising experiences since 1996. It owns and operates the MV Gemini throughout the Aegean Sea, and the vessel Amor , which gives dinner and entertainment river cruises.

3-Year Cruise Itinerary at Sea Miray

The 130,000-mile journey begins on November 1st , 2023, from Istanbul , with pickups in Barcelona and Miami. The MV Gemini will visit 375 ports, allowing travelers to spend multiple days in some to explore. 

This ultimate bucket list cruise will take passengers to South America and Antarctica visiting 11 countries in 98 days. You’ll be able to explore cities, glaciers, and ice formations. 

For 67 days, the ship will explore the Caribbean and Central America with 29 destinations including Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the ancient Mayan ruins of Mexico and Belize. 

In North America and Hawaii, 98 days give you the chance to explore landscapes in Alaska, stunning beaches, interesting cultures, and go on adventures. 

On this sea cruise, you will visit 23 destinations including ancient temples and vibrant cities in northern Asia. Stops in Tokyo, Seoul, Jeju Island, and Shanghai give plenty of time to explore over 70 days. 

While on the longest leg of the journey for 206 days in the South Pacific and Australia, you’ll visit Sydney and Melbourne, the beaches of Fiji, the mountains of New Zealand, and the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. 

Visit the ruins of Angkor Wat while sailing the South China Sea and Serengeti, Zanzibar, and Madagascar in southern and western Africa. You’ll spot big game on a safari and experience local culture in ancient cities. 

In Europe, you’ll sail from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean visiting 38 countries and exploring art, historic monuments, and rich culture. 

‘MV Gemini’ Amenities 

It might seem hard to imagine living on a ship for three years, but the amenities on the MV Gemini make it possible. It has 400 cabins and room for up to 1,074 people. It has world-class dining, onboard entertainment, activities, and modern workspace facilities, which include a first-of-its-kind business center with 14 offices, a lounge, and a business library. 

There will also be a 24-hour, on-call hospital, which will include free medical visits, learning and enrichment classes, and opportunities to volunteer. 

“Professionals need connectivity, the right amenities, and the functionality to perform their jobs. There is no other cruise product that offers this sort of flexibility to their customers,” says Mikael Petterson, managing director of Life at Sea Cruises. 

Cabins range from 130 square feet for Virtual Inside and Oceanview staterooms to 260 square feet for Balcony suites. Cruisers can enjoy a state-of-the-art wellness center, sundeck, swimming pool, and plenty of dining options. 

Cost To Cruise The World 

The three-year Life at Sea Cruises offers a starting price of $29,999 per year. Passengers have payment options from $2,499 per month. There is also the possibility that travelers can get additional tax benefits when working as international residents aboard the ship.

This cruise has been canceled . 

2024 Update

Why was life at sea’s 3-year cruise cancelled.

The  MV Gemini cruise ship was scheduled to set sail on November 30, with the original departure date having been rescheduled several times.

However, less than two weeks before its maiden voyage, Life at Sea has acknowledged to anxious passengers that there is no ship and that the once-in-a-lifetime trip has been canceled or ‘‘postponed’’, according to the company.

Miray Cruises said that anyone requesting a refund will get one and that it will reimburse travel expenses related to the cruise. The cruise company also claims it is planning a similar trip in 2024.

Future Still Looks Bright for Multy-Year Cruises in 2024

About a month after Life at Sea Cruises canceled its debut three-year voyage, Villa Vie Residences company upped the stakes by announcing plans to sail the world in 3.5 years. 

The price starts at $89 per day and includes food, laundry service, weekly housekeeping, and internet service. At an added charge you’ll get spa and bar services, and shore excursions. 

The ship will feature eight decks that will house three restaurants, a communal kitchen, a large pool with four Jacuzzis, a business center, and space for entertainment.

What Happened With Life at Sea’s 3-Year Cruise?

Life at Sea Cruises announced canceling its three-year voyage in November 2023 because the cruise company couldn’t secure a ship after plans had already been delayed several times. 

Is Miray Cruises Still Planning a 3-Year Cruise in 2024?

It’s quite possible. Miray Cruises owner Vedat Ugurlu said in a statement that the cruise wasn’t canceled but postponed until May 2024. He also stated that the reason for this postponement is the need for a bigger vessel capacity of more than 600 cabins.

What Did the Life at Sea’s 3-Year World Cruise Itinerary Looked Like?

The original itinerary was supposed to last 1,095 days, starting from Istanbul and Europe and then heading to South America and the Caribbean. The voyage would continue through the Panama Canal before visiting the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska and then heading west across the Pacific.

What UNESCO World Heritage Sites Can Be Visited on Life at Sea’s 3-Year World Cruise?

During the cruise of the seven continents, the passengers would see the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Great Wall of China, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, and India’s Taj Mahal.

Does Any Other Cruise Company Offer a 3-Year World Cruise?

Yes, Villa Vie Residences, plans to sail the world in three and a half years, after purchasing a 924-passenger ship that is expected to launch in May. The MS Breamer ship will undergo a renovation that will begin early in 2024 and take roughly eight weeks to complete.

Allison spent almost 20 years of her career as a TV news anchor. She’s covered everything from political conventions to Super Bowl LV to hurricanes and, most recently, the pandemic. She is a two-time Emmy award-winning journalist. She's been recognized for her work nationally and regionally by organizations including the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists.

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World’s first three-year cruise announced – and it might cost less than renting on dry land

The voyage ‘offers the ultimate bucket list cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home’, article bookmarked.

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The world’s first three-year world cruise is now open for bookings

The ambitious voyage, operated by Life at Sea Cruises , will cover more than 130,000 miles and visit 375 ports across 135 countries and seven continents.

Embracing the recent shift towards remote-working, the cruise enables guests to live, work and explore from a single base .

The MV Gemini vessel, which has 400 cabins and room for 1,074 passengers, will set sail from Istanbul on 1 November, with pick-ups in Barcelona and Miami .

Guests can visit 13 of the 14 Wonders of the World on what it calls “the first reasonably priced, all-inclusive world cruise, starting from only $29,999 (£24,926) per year”.

Working out as less than £70 per day, this unique opportunity to travel the world could cost less than renting on dry land.

The fee includes access to all dining venues and alcohol with dinner, a state-of-the-art wellness centre, sundeck and swimming pool, high-speed internet, entertainment, “enrichment seminars” and housekeeping.

The ship will also include a 24-hour on-call hospital with free medical visits.

Digital nomads can take advantage of the onboard business centre, which includes meeting rooms, 14 offices, a lounge and business library.

“Professionals need connectivity, the right amenities and the functionality to perform their jobs. There is no other cruise that offers this sort of flexibility to their customers” says Mikael Petterson, managing director of Life at Sea Cruises.

And if you’re feeling homesick, friends and family are permitted to make free visits.

Life at Sea Cruises director of sales and marketing Irina Strembitsky said: “Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate bucket list cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home.

“It’s your home at sea with the world as your backyard.”

It’s not the only cruise company catering to guests looking to swap dry land for sea for the longer term.

Storylines Narrative ship is positioning itself as a “floating town” where cruise fans can live and travel full-time .

Due to set sail in 2025, the ship is selling units to cruisers who want to relocate to the open seas.

Narrative is planned to circumnavigate the globe every 1,000 days, stopping at each port for several nights. Residents will be able to leave the main ship via a nifty “Marina” on the aft side, where they can board smaller boats or jet skis to explore.

Units on the ship start at £300,000 for a 12- or 24-year lease, with the most luxurious costing up to £6m to buy outright.

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Want more time on a cruise? This voyage will sail for three years for $29,999 a year

If a week or two isn't enough time on a cruise, Life at Sea has an alternative for you. The brand from Miray Cruises will offer a three-year cruise around the world visiting nearly 400 ports, the brand announced Wednesday.

The cruise will take place on the MV Gemini ship, which was originally built in 1992 and underwent renovations in October, Mikael Petterson, managing director of Life at Sea Cruises, said in an email. The vessel, which can accommodate nearly 1,100 passengers, will spend multiple days in each port during the voyage.

"Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate bucket list cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home," Irina Strembitsky, Life at Sea Cruises' director of sales and marketing, said in a news release. "It's your home at sea with the world as your backyard."

How long can you be on a cruise?: Why some passengers opt to sail for 6 months or longer

Can travelers still find cruise deals?: Yes ... for now

When is Life at Sea's three-year cruise?

The cruise will depart from Istanbul, Turkey on Nov. 1. In addition to the previous renovations, the ship will be "completely revitalized" this fall prior to setting sail on the three-year trip, Petterson said.

Cabins range from 130 square feet for Virtual Inside and Oceanview rooms, to 260-square-foot Balcony Suites, according to the release.

Where will the cruise sail?

MV Gemini will make its way to destinations across the globe, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Australia and Asia.

In addition to amenities like a swimming pool, sun deck and fitness center, the ship will feature a large business center with meeting rooms, 14 offices, a library and a lounge, so guests can work from the sea. The vessel will also have medical facilities.

How much does Life at Sea's three-year cruise cost?

The sailing starts at $29,999 each year, per person based on double occupancy, and includes all meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, service charges and more, according to Life at Sea Cruises' website . There is also a monthly payment option.

Life at Sea Cruises has a matchmaking program that allows residents to buy a cabin together for different periods and seasons, as well.

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'A completely unique experience': Sail to Greenland's northern tip on this expedition cruise

One-way economy flights from New York to Istanbul start at $533 and $1,824 for business class, according to Google Flights .

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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This 3-year cruise around the world is called off, leaving passengers in the lurch

Bill Chappell

When the Life at Sea cruise line failed to purchase the German cruise ship AIDAaura, seen here in 2020, its plans for a worldwide cruise embarking in November began to unravel. Marit Hommedal/NTB Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

When the Life at Sea cruise line failed to purchase the German cruise ship AIDAaura, seen here in 2020, its plans for a worldwide cruise embarking in November began to unravel.

They were promised the world. But cruise company Life at Sea recently told customers who bought passage on a three-year voyage that rather than visiting 140 countries, their trip was called off.

Those customers are now scrambling to make new plans for where they will live for the next three years — and to extract refunds from the cruise line. The intense fallout is drawing comparisons to infamous debacles such as the Fyre Festival — the "luxury" music festival that was more like a "disaster relief area."

Here's what to know about the cruise around the world that was called off

What was promised? The world.

The original itinerary mapped 1,095 days of travel, heading from Istanbul to Europe and then to South America and the Caribbean. Passengers would then pass through the Panama Canal before seeing the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii and Alaska and then head west across the Pacific.

"We are going to be following summer the entire time that we go around the world," then-Life at Sea CEO Kendra Holmes told prospective passengers in a Zoom webinar in September.

$73,499-Per-Guest World Cruise Sells Out In Less Than 3 Hours

Voyagers were to see seven continents, visiting 140 countries. They would spend roughly 300 days at sea, 795 days at port and have 413 overnight port stays, Chief Operating Officer Ethem Bayramoglu of Miray Cruises, the Turkish parent company of Life at Sea, said in that online session.

Along the way, they would explore wonders of the world, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and have plentiful chances to go diving and snorkeling, the company said.

The three-year voyage was to begin on Nov. 1, departing from Istanbul. Some passengers reportedly only learned of the cancellation after arriving in Turkey.

What are customers saying?

"Some people read the headlines and think, 'Oh, that was a scam,' but I really did my homework before I put a deposit down," Keri Witman of Cincinnati told NPR. She had attorneys check the company's background, for instance.

Witman, who owns a marketing agency named Clever Lucy, was planning to work remotely aboard the ship, using its Starlink internet service. And as a single woman, she had been looking forward to exploring the world with a group.

"Having a like-minded community of people that all were interested in travel at the ready was really appealing to me," she said.

When the cruise missed its planned departure date, the company promised to resolve lingering issues. But after further delays, the trip was canceled.

Witman says the company has begun the refund process, accepting her requests for other expenses to be paid, from airfare to the costs of foreign visas. But some of her fellow customers seem more frustrated.

20 years ago, the supersonic passenger jet Concorde flew for the last time

"Still waiting for my refund. And now you've gone belly up?" a woman who identified herself as a Life at Sea customer said recently on the company's Instagram account . The woman, a retired educator, did not respond to NPR's message seeking further comment.

Former flight attendant Meredith Shay was looking forward to the trip as a centerpiece of her retirement.

"How did I feel about it?" Shay said in an interview on ABC's Good Morning America . "Devastated, disappointed, sad. I packed up my belongings, put them in storage, sent four boxes to Miray Cruises."

Witman says she also shipped boxes to have on the cruise, back in early October.

"I'm following them along on my AirTags today," she said. "They're on their way back."

How much did the Life at Sea cruise cost?

The cheapest packages started at $196,000 for a single traveler, and $231,000 for couples, according to the company's website . Costs ranged much higher for guests staying in premium rooms.

In exchange, passengers — or residents, as the company called them — were promised a long list of amenities, including an onboard hospital and doctor. Some cabins could host cats; travelers were also promised high-speed internet, free dining, alcohol and laundry service, and "enrichment seminars."

Terms of the deal help illuminate the would-be passengers' financial and logistical plight. Life at Sea set initial deposits at 30% of the overall cost. Under its 12-month payment plan, the first draw came due one month ahead of the sail date.

And rather than portioning the cruise for sale in smaller stages, the company required customers to commit to the full three years.

"Our residents are changing their lives for this opportunity, and we are honored to be a part of their personal journeys," Holmes said in June .

A wide range of passengers had booked cabins.

"The age group is split pretty much between 35 and 85" years old, and the passengers included a large number of Americans, Holmes said.

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Paradise lost: luxury music festival turns out to be half-built scene of chaos, did the cruise line actually have a ship.

"In two days' time, we own this vessel," Life at Sea itinerary planner Robert Dixon said in late September , speaking in a promotional video from the bridge of a ship he called the "MV Lara."

But the company wasn't able to close that deal, and the ship in question — the 20-year-old AIDAaura — was instead sold in November to Celestyal, which specializes in Mediterranean cruises.

Miray's attempts to purchase the ship dragged on for weeks, and it eventually stalled after investors balked, according to a company message obtained by CNN and other outlets.

Environment

In warmer climate, a luxury cruise sets sail through northwest passage.

"If you're focused on the ship, this is not the journey for you," Holmes said in the September webinar. But two months later, she would leave her leadership post at Life at Sea and Miray, as plans for the ambitious cruise unraveled.

Holmes was trying to allay concerns about the quality of the vessel. But it seems that it was the company's focus, not the public's, that was the problem.

Warning flags went up earlier this year, when the company changed course from its initial plan to refit one of its ships, the MV Gemini. For the lengthy worldwide voyage, it planned to deploy the larger "MV Lara" — a ship that never materialized.

What does the cruise company say now?

It's complicated. On Sunday, Miray Cruises issued a statement in Turkish , denying that the cruise is canceled. Instead, the company said the voyage is postponed — and it blamed a lack of enough passenger bookings, rather than problems finding an appropriate ship.

But responding to a social media comment about that same statement, the company sought to clarify that its other operations are unaffected — and in doing so, it stated , "The cancellation in question is related to our 3-year world tour project."

The company said that anyone requesting a refund will get one, and that it will reimburse travel expenses related to the cruise. Miray also says it plans to mount a similar trip next year.

Witman, for one, says she's still interested in a worldwide cruise.

"There are two other companies that have been working on a similar concept" that have also run into delays, she said.

19-Hour London To Sydney 'Test Flight' Shows How To Make Long Hauls Tolerable

"I think one of them will make it happen in 2024," Witman said. "And I'm hopeful that it will, because I'd like to be on it. I still believe in the concept. I think it's a really perfect opportunity for me."

Despite the setback, Witman says she's been able to form connections with other would-be passengers, who have been keeping in touch via apps and group texts. Some of them are even making plans to travel together this winter.

"I don't regret at all going down this path," Witman said. "It moved me forward in a way that I wouldn't have done without this instigation. And I'm really thankful for it. I'm disappointed, but I'm ready to go for whatever opportunity comes up next."

• cruise ship

You can live at sea from $38,500 a year on this cruise ship that will circle the globe for three years — see inside

• Life at Sea Cruises will operate a three-year cruise around the world starting in November.
• The cruise starts at a little over $38,500 per person per year for a 145-square-foot interior stateroom.
• See what life will be like aboard the roughly 30-year-old MV Gemini.

Travelers who have dreamt of living at sea can finally do so this November.

Life at Sea Cruises will give travelers the opportunity to spend three years on a cruise ship while sailing around the world. Pricing starts at a little over $231,000 per person for the full three-year itinerary.

The vessel will begin its globetrotting affair in Istanbul on November 1, but will also pick up guests in Barcelona and Miami.

The ship has 627 cabins to accommodate up to 1,074 travelers. Throughout the three years, these seafarers will travel over 130,000 miles to 375 ports in 135 countries.

Along the way, they'll see all seven continents while visiting destinations like several of the Wonders of the World; Half Moon Island, Antarctica; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Seoul, South Korea.

Most around-the-world cruises spend several hours or up to two nights at ports of call.

But industry veteran Mike Petterson, the managing director of Life at Sea Cruises and the brainpower behind the new brand, said this isn't enough time to explore larger destinations like Beijing, China.

So instead, the Gemini will dock for up to seven nights in one destination.

This includes one week each in Shanghai and Singapore, which will also double as wet docks. If the ship has to head into a dry dock for repairs, Life at Sea passengers will be put up in a hotel.

Petterson conceived of Life at Sea before the COVID-19 pandemic and partnered with Miray International's Miray Cruises in late 2022 to turn this concept into a reality.

The new company will use Miray's cruise ship workers and the Gemini, one of its three ships.

Throughout the three years at sea, the Gemini will spend 288 overnights at different ports, averaging about two nights per destination.

A trip to any of these locations could cost the typical globetrotter hundreds or thousands of dollars in travel and accommodation fees.

However, passage on Life at Sea's Gemini will alleviate upfront costs for travelers by giving them the option to spread payments out over the course of three years.

But don't expect a glittering new hotel at sea with all the bells and whistles of a novel mega ship.

The upper-premium, 30-year-old vessel was refurbished last year. And the team is now spending an additional $10 million renovating the interior.

Think of the Gemini as a floating city with its own security, medical center, and offices with Starlink WiFi.

Source: Life at Sea Cruises

No city would be complete without a jail and a morgue. Luckily (or unluckily) the Gemini has both.

Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have seen record-breaking demand for giant cruise ships that can accommodate thousands of travelers.

Source: Insider

But Life at Sea is taking a more scaled-down approach to the floating hotel.

Seafarers will have access to typical cruise ship amenities, which include four lounges, a golf simulator, and a sundeck with a pool.

For meals at sea, passengers can dine at one of the two primary dining rooms, the restaurant on the pool deck, or order food anywhere on the ship using its app.

But unlike the average cruise vessel, the Gemini will also have amenities like a robust business center and a hospital with a pharmacy and dentist.

Like any all-inclusive cruise, these extras — including hospital visits — won't come at an additional cost.

These around-the-world cruises are often booked by retirees.

But Petterson says Life at Sea is targeting an incrementally younger demographic: pre-retirees, generally people between 55 to 65 years of age.

To accommodate the remote workers, the business center — which will replace the ship's casino — will have meeting rooms, offices, and a library.

Days at sea with no land in sight is inevitable for transoceanic itineraries: Travelers on the Gemini will have at least 300 of these sailing days.

To stave off boredom, travelers can spend their days around the ship's lounges, attending seminars and shows, or resting in their cabins.

Source: Life at Sea

The cheapest and smallest stateroom measures 130 square feet and starts at $90,000 per person for the three-year trip.

Like any cruise ship, interior staterooms can feel dingy.

To prevent this, these cabins will come with screens that will display a live view of the ocean, creating a virtual "window."

For those looking to spend more cash, the most expensive cabin — a suite with a balcony — will run travelers nearly $330,000 in total.

Source: Life At Sea Cruises

These staterooms pale in comparison to the over 1,000-square-foot suites on several modern cruise ships.

But according to Petterson, at least they're more affordable: "It's meant more for the mass market and retirees as opposed to doctors with trophy wives."

Travelers can either pay monthly or pay the entire three years upfront with the option to finance the payment.

However, they can't book shorter legs of the trip. It's all three years or nothing.

For those with commitment issues, there's also the option to divide travel with another passenger, taking turns spending time on the ship.

Three years without seeing friends and family can be a long time. Luckily, they're welcome as well.

They can either crash on a roll-in bed in a resident's stateroom, stay in a guest cabin, or stay in a passenger's stateroom while they are off the ship.

Reservations for Life at Sea's Gemini open on March 1.

Petterson says the company already has about 20 people who are ready to book.

Launching sales seven months ahead of the journey may seem risky for an industry that often relies on bookings a year in advance.

Source: Insider  

However, Petterson, a self-described "optimist," expects the ship will sail at an over 55% occupancy rate at any given time as world cruises have skyrocketed in popularity over the last two years.

Over the last few years, around-the-world sailings have been booking well despite the long-term commitment.

For travelers like retirees and remote workers, this extended life at sea promises peaceful afternoons and the opportunity to slowly travel the world with minimal planning.

Monthslong around-the-world cruises have been selling in record time in 2021 and 2022.

Source: Insider , Insider

But for travelers who'd rather spend years vacationing at sea, there's also Storylines, Victoria Cruises Line, and now Life at Sea.

Source: Insider , Insider  

Victoria Cruises Line's Victoria Majestic, a former Holland America Line vessel, will begin sailing around the world indefinitely in May…

…while Storylines' residential cruise ship, the MV Narrative, will begin its own nonstop circumnavigation in 2025.

Some floor plans on the Narrative are already sold out, a testament to the rising success of these floating condominiums.

• Main content

Home » News » World’s first 3-year-long cruise has officially been revealed

World’s first 3-year-long cruise has officially been revealed

The post-holiday blues can be a real kicker, but a cruise line is solving this with its three-year long cruise that has been revealed.

That’s right, Life at Sea Cruises is taking its own name a bit too literally and offering a three year itinerary that visits 135 countries for about AUD$45,000 per year.

The world’s first – and only – three year cruise will depart from Istanbul on MV Gemini in November 2023 and visit over 100 tropical destinations. The ship, which will cover nearly 210,000kms across all seven continents, has 400 cabins and space for up to 1,074 passengers.

MV Gemini cabin (Source: Life at Sea Cruises) 

But this cruise isn’t just for retirees (or those who have recently inherited a small fortune). MV Gemini will accommodate those who still need to remotely work, with the vessel able to assist with “office duties from anywhere in the world” through its Starlink Wi-Fi.

“We have developed a first of its kind Business Center at sea with two meeting rooms, 14 offices, a business library, relaxing lounge and a café,” the company website reads.

The site added that the Business Centre also comes fitted with screens, conference equipment, Wi-Fi, printers and staff ‘ready to assist’.

And if that wasn’t enticing enough, the tax breaks of these international residents means that cruise-goers can keep more of what they earn.

Mikael Petterson, Life at Sea Cruises’s managing director, echoed this sentiment in a written statement: “Professionals need connectivity, the right amenities and the functionality to perform their jobs.”

“There is no other cruise that offers this sort of flexibility to their customers.”

Included amenities onboard include all essentials, ‘world class’ local cuisine, entertainment and wash-fold laundry.

MV Gemini Pool (Source: Life at Sea Cruises)

“Life at Sea Cruises is the first World Cruise specifically tailored to guests wanting to Cruise, Live, Work and Explore from their Home at Sea,” the cruise line’s website writes. “From a pod system embarkation process to free medical visits, from free wifi to the ability to invite friends and family for free, we have thought of everything you need on an everyday basis to live your life to its fullest. 

“All you need, included in a single package.”

For those with a penchant for the more lavish things in life, the balcony suites can go up to AUD$165,000 per year.

Alongside the 400 cabins is a sun deck, swimming pool, wellness centre, gym, salon, and a sun deck.

Email the Travel Weekly team at [email protected]

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This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!

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Three Year World Cruise Ready to Sail Nov. 1

• September 15, 2023

Life at Sea Cruises is ready to begin its three-year world cruise, sailing the Lara from Istanbul on Nov. 1.

Cruise Industry News caught up with Kendra Holmes, CEO of Miray Cruises, on the project.

Can you give us a general update on Life at Sea Cruises?

Due to the enthusiasm of potential cruisers who wanted to join the voyage but felt they did  not have enough time to plan for a November 1st embarkation, we recently announced additional embarkation points between December 2023 and July 2024 in hopes of encouraging more people to join who needed additional time to get their affairs in order. While we were the world’s first three-year cruise, we have now become the first ‘cruise that never ends’ where passengers can sign on for a minimum three year commitment at various times throughout the original journey and those who are beginning the voyage with us in November will have the option to extend indefinitely after the first three years.

 Are you still preparing to sail on Nov. 1?

Yes, we are departing from Istanbul on November 1, with pickups in Barcelona on November 5 and Freeport, Bahamas on November 15.

Can you reveal what ship you will be using?

We are not able to release any details of the potential vessel due to confidentiality of the contract, but we can share that MV Lara has 42,289 gross tons, 634 staterooms and space for 1268 passengers.

Your website says you will only use partial occupancy – why not sell 100%?

Our plan is to book up to 85% occupancy as we want to accommodate as many adventurers as possible without compromising on comfort and space on the ship. Our intention is to give the ship a ‘neighborhood’ feel where people can get to know their fellow cruisers without feeling cramped or crowded while onboard.

What work will be done to the ship prior to starting the world cruise? What are the highlights? 

Cabins are going to be refurbished and the public spaces and deck concepts will be reimagined. The pool will be updated, and a new observation deck will be added for stargazing. For our Business Center (a first of its kind at sea), we’re creating soundproof private offices and shared working spaces.

Do you still have room? How do I book a cabin?

Yes, we still have availability onboard. More information – and to book a reservation – can be found at LifeAtSeaCruises.com.

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