Boat ‘N Shore ‘N Sun ‘N Sea

Let’s start with some statistics: the majority (84%) of people want to retire near the water; The majority (71%) of people over 40 like to cruise, with many (40%) of those surveyed citing the weather as the most important consideration when choosing a place to retire. Is there somewhere we can turn these stats into a neat and affordable package? How about living in a converted cruise ship?

I had the opportunity to tour the “Joy” (the ship’s working name meaning joy or happiness), which is undergoing its final transformation into a floating community before docking at its permanent home, Cape Canaveral, Florida. Here’s the concept: when you buy one of the 100 staterooms (160 to 340 square feet), you also become 1/100th owner of the ship. Prices range from $159,000 to $399,000 and there is also a monthly maintenance fee which entitles you to all meals on the ship, weekly maid service, local country club membership (golf and tennis), port fees and bus transportation. Residents will determine the ship’s itinerary (monthly sailings to the Bahamas, annual Central America and/or Caribbean cruises). The ship also offers 12 rooms (the cabins without windows) for visitors, free! – meals included. There will be a full time nurse on board.

Is this kind of lifestyle for everyone? Staterooms are compact and while they may contain a microwave and/or small refrigerator, they will not have an oven or stove. So if preparing your own meals is a passion and you need a lot of space in your residence, this is not the place for you. But, if you’d be happy to eat most meals out, you’re looking for a ready-made social group (the setup would be ideal for singles), and you like the idea of ​​living on the water at an affordable price. Priced with wonderful weather and amenities nearby, and without leaving home while traveling, this kind of living may be for you. About a third of the condominiums have already been sold.