Couple Sells Home to Live Full-Time on Cruise Ships: 29 Voyages and Counting
Staff Editor Couple Sells Home to Embark on Full-Time Cruising Adventure
Victoria Carter and Kirk Rickman have taken the concept of “living on vacation” to a whole new level. In December 2022, the couple sold their home and embarked on a journey to become full-time cruise ship residents, turning their passion for sea travel into a permanent lifestyle.
Since making this bold decision, Carter and Rickman have completed 29 cruises, with their longest voyage lasting an impressive 68 days. The couple’s adventurous lifestyle is supported by income from their rental properties, allowing them to pursue their dream of traveling the world by sea.
The genesis of their cruising lifestyle, dubbed the “KirkTori Story,” can be traced back to a two-night cruise in 2005, which the couple considers their first date. Over the years, their love for cruising grew, culminating in approximately 100 vacations at sea. By 2021, the idea of living on cruise ships full-time had become a serious consideration.
“We’ve always loved cruising, but a series of personal hardships really motivated us to take the plunge and make this our permanent lifestyle,” Carter explained.
The couple’s transition to life at sea involved selling their home and moving their belongings into storage. Both had retired from their previous jobs and now focus on managing their real estate investments to fund their travels.
Carter and Rickman approach their unique lifestyle with careful planning and budgeting. They typically plan their cruises about six months in advance, preferring voyages of at least 14 days and avoiding repeat itineraries. Their travel strategy includes ship-hopping based on desired destinations and cruise schedules.
“We prefer balcony cabins, but we’re not afraid to choose ocean-view staterooms if it helps us stick to our budget,” Rickman shared.
The couple spends an average of $7,340 a month on their cruising lifestyle, viewing each ship as a destination in itself. They tend to avoid the party atmosphere of shorter cruises, with Rickman favoring Holland America and Cunard for relaxation, while Carter enjoys Costa for its entertainment offerings.
Despite the costs associated with their chosen lifestyle, Carter and Rickman find it a worthy trade-off for the experiences and freedom it provides. “You don’t need to be extremely wealthy to live this way,” Carter emphasized. “As long as you have enough to sustain your happiness and travel ambitions, it’s entirely possible.”
As Carter and Rickman continue their seafaring adventure, they serve as an inspiration to those looking to break free from conventional living and embrace a life of constant exploration and new experiences.
