Save 2 000 A Month Swapping Home Cruise Ship 27260169

We save £2,000 a month after swapping our home for cruise ships

Sarah Taylor March 7, 2026

Table of Contents

We save £2,000 a month after swapping our home for cruise ships

Katrina Middleton and her husband Kevin had always dreamed of leaving Scotland and exploring the globe, but they never anticipated how much they’d save financially by making the switch. After selling their £200,000 Arbroath house in February, the couple now embrace a full-time seafaring lifestyle, navigating the world aboard cruise ships since September of the previous year.

Living aboard has allowed them to ‘see where life takes them,’ with no fixed address and a constant stream of new destinations. ‘This is the most transformative move we’ve ever made and we’re definitely a lot happier,’ Katrina, 29, shares. ‘My passion for cruising began long ago, but what we love most is how you unpack once and experience the world without the hassle of constant relocation.’

The Cost of Freedom

Initially, the transition felt intimidating. ‘It’s the fear of the unknown,’ Katrina admits, ‘but now I’m excited to get going.’ The couple’s financial strategy has proven rewarding: their UK expenses, which previously totaled over £6,500 monthly, now hover around £4,500. This includes the cruise cost, onboard meals, Wi-Fi access, and excursions, with a significant reduction in fixed costs like a £1,300 mortgage, £2,500 for two cars, and £600 energy bills.

They also downsized from a £310,000 home to a £200,000 property in September last year, which they’ve since sold. ‘You don’t realize how much you spend daily on coffee, lunch, or fuel until you’re not in a fixed location,’ Katrina explains. ‘At sea, you don’t need to buy anything—just the essentials, which makes everything more affordable.’

A New Work Ethos

Despite the freedom, the couple faces challenges. They’re required to stick to UK working hours, sometimes waking at ‘silly o’clock’ depending on the time zone. To manage this, Katrina creates spreadsheets during each voyage to track their schedule. ‘We only take annual leave when there’s a port stop we want to visit,’ she adds, emphasizing the balance between work and travel.

While some may assume they’re not working, Katrina clarifies: ‘People think you’re just lounging by the pool, but when you’re on a cruise, you’re working just as hard.’ She notes that productivity depends on their chosen space aboard the ship. ‘We’ve found we’re more focused and better able to disconnect after a long day, which is a big plus compared to traditional home life.’

Living aboard has also expanded their travel horizons. ‘I used to feel limited by annual leave when we were in Scotland,’ Katrina says. ‘Now, we’ve visited places like Mauritius and the Caribbean that were always on my bucket list—things I never thought I’d actually get to see.’

Though they appreciate the comforts of home, like a home-cooked meal or a proper cup of tea, the savings and experiences have made the trade worthwhile. ‘We’re not planning to return to traditional living anytime soon,’ she concludes. ‘The myths about cruising being boring or for older people just don’t hold up. It’s a lifestyle that works for us—and we’re already booking our 2027 adventures.’