Couple Saves £2,000 Monthly by Living on Cruise Ships Full-Time
Katrina Middleton, 29, and her husband Kevin, 43, have embarked on an unconventional lifestyle that is not only fulfilling their wanderlust but also boosting their bank accounts. By selling their £200,000 home in Arbroath, Scotland, and transitioning to full-time life on cruise ships since September last year, they are saving nearly £2,000 each month. This dramatic shift has allowed them to explore destinations like the Caribbean, Mauritius, and Miami while maintaining their professional careers remotely.
Financial Freedom on the High Seas
The Middletons' decision to leave behind traditional living stemmed from a desire to travel the world without financial strain. Previously, their monthly outgoings in the UK totaled a staggering £6,510, which included a £1,300 mortgage, £2,500 for two cars, £600 energy bills, and substantial recreational spending. In contrast, their current expenses on cruise ships average around £4,500 per month, covering accommodation, all meals, WiFi, and excursions.
Katrina explains, "We realized this is more affordable and we're actually saving money. Day to day, you don't realize how much you're spending on coffees, lunches, or car fuel. When you're in the middle of the ocean, those costs vanish." The couple had initially downsized from a £310,000 home to their £200,000 property before selling it, providing additional funds to support their new lifestyle.
Remote Work Challenges and Benefits
While the savings are significant, the Middletons face unique challenges as remote workers. They must adhere to UK working hours, which sometimes means waking up at unconventional times depending on their time zone. Katrina creates detailed spreadsheets to track time zones and ensure productivity. "People think you're just lounging by the pool with a cocktail, but when you're working, you're working," she says. Despite distractions, they have found themselves more productive and better at switching off after work compared to their life in Scotland.
The couple only takes annual leave for port stops they are eager to explore, maximizing their travel experiences. Katrina notes that living on cruise ships has allowed them to visit places she never thought possible, breaking free from the constraints of limited vacation time.
Embracing a New Way of Life
The Middletons are committed to their cruise ship lifestyle, with plans already in place for 2027 voyages. They aim to dispel common misconceptions about cruising, such as it being only for older people or boring. "Cruising made it possible to visit Mauritius and other bucket-list destinations," Katrina shares. Although she misses family and home comforts like a home-cooked meal, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
They encourage others to consider this path, advising starting with a shorter cruise to test remote work setups. "We're just going to go for it and see where life takes us," Katrina adds, highlighting the sense of adventure and financial prudence that defines their journey.
