Retired at 52 & Living on Cruise Ships for $39K/Year — Our Complete Budget Breakdown
My husband and I have been minimalists and nomads for 16 years and on cruise ships full time for the past 3 years. ** How can we afford this?!? ** I share the 3 factors that enabled our cruising and nomadic lifestyle and my early retirement, including minimalism and affordable cruises. I also break down how much it really costs to live this way. I’ll walk you through my monthly and annual budget for 2026, including every expense — both cruise‑related and non‑cruise‑related. As minimalists living on a strict budget, I’ll explain the reasoning behind each expense and how it fits into our lifestyle. And finally, I’ll share my current situation for health and travel insurance. My personal recommendations and referrals: Wise - I use Wise because it makes international transfers and transactions simple, fast, and transparent — no hidden fees, no surprises, and it saves me money with its great exchange rates. I highly recommend it for travelers and nomads. Using my referral link will allow you to make your first transfer up to $600 for free! https://wise.com/invite/ihpc/elizabethr2790 ExpressVPN - Get 30 days free to try it out. https://www.expressvpn.com/refer-a-friend/30-days-free?referrer_id=13359535 Princess Cruises - Get $25 bonus Onboard Credit. https://refer-au.princess.com/Elizabeth0!11b228fd37!a MY BOOK: “Hotel Sweet Home” by Libby Rome (2019) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1074431987?tag=libbyrome-20