Man ditches his flat for life on a luxury cruise – and manages to save money | Cruise | Travel

A US man has found the ultimate way of living as rents continue to skyrocket in many countries.

Austin Wells from San Diego will be moving out of his apartment and living on a “floating apartment complex” for a surprisingly low amount.

Ditching the dry land for the great seven seas, Wells snapped up a studio apartment onboard a cruise ship.

He will soon be calling a residential vessel known as MV Narrative, described as being “thoughtfully designed to include every amenity”, his new home.

The concept is quickly gaining traction among intrepid nomad travellers, and with the surprising amount it has cost him, it could be a reality for many others, too.

Alongside waking up to some of the most epic views imaginable, the MV Narrative also boasts of a number of exclusive add-ons.

The ship includes a number of swimming pools, restaurants, bars, a microbrewery, a bank, a spa, bowling alley, cinema, medical facilities and even a library.

Guests onboard are also given access to a private gym, 24-hour room service, private kitchens and a farmer’s market.

All of this, including sailing across the continents, comes out at a cool £1,608 ($2,000) per month.

The price is far more reasonable than what an average flat in San Diego would cost. According to the Sun, they can come in at around £2,010 ($2,500) per month.

MV Narrative offers a range of accommodation options, including either a permanent or a temporary home.

Speaking to CNBC, Wells explained: “I’ve always been interested in large ships, I think they’re such a marvel of modern engineering and economics that go into powering one of these ships is just unbelievable.”

Wells plans on working remotely whilst living the ultimate dream, with lunch breaks looking very different than what they did before.

He said: “What I am most excited about is going to places that ships can only uniquely go and there are a number of harder to get to destinations.

“This is probably the first time ever that there is even the ability to have a standard job and even consider working and living from a floating apartment complex”.

Storylines are the cruise company behind this living concept, which allows people to “live abroad”.

And for those feeling extra indulgent, there are also “luxury homes” up for grabs which include separate bedrooms, queen-sized beds, balconies, ample storage space, sound proofing and even mood lighting.

Wells added: “It’s just like owning a condo – you can sell it, you can rent it. Storylines help navigate all of that as well.”

Roughly 1,000 residents are set to call the MV Narrative home when it sets sail in 2027, with Storylines adding that “the vessel will continuously circumnavigate throughout its lifespan.”

Wells revealed that he had paid £238,00 ($300,000) for his 12-year lease for the apartment onboard the MV Narrative.