Cruise Ship News

Yes, I know this subject has been talked about before, but no cruise line seems to be taking the topic seriously, even though there are many “Baby Boomers” getting ready to retire in the very near future. What if a current cruise line took a chance to see how this would work?  Has any line even done a market analysis on this yet? 

Here are my suggestions:  Maybe start with 2-3 cabins.  They must be “rented” for a minimum amount of time. (3,6,12 months).  Of course the prices should be comparable to or less than if the “renter” just purchased back to back cruises for the same amount of time.  Renter gets a break on the price, cruise line has an occupied cabin at a guarenteed rate.  Renter may even work on/for the line.  Assuming these are retirement age people the possibilities would be babysitting for the tourists’ kids, teaching bridge, computers, etc. 

How many people would actually give up everything to live on a cruise ship?  I don’t know, but I do know that baby boomers (myself included), want “something different”, not our parents idea of “retirement”, but something that keeps us active and in touch with the world and technology.  Traveling offers so many opportunities to learn about history and other cultures.  Wouldn’t it be great to have everyday be a new experience while your basic needs (food and shelter) are being met?  Perhaps eventually the ships could have a reciprocity deal.  After your contracted time is up on one ship you can move to another ship (or maybe just switch with another couple).  It would work like the all inclusive resorts where you can go to different restaurants but it’s still part of one package.  I have more ideas concerning this topic and would be happy to be the first participant should any cruise line be interested.  (I would need a little bit of lead time to sell the house and everything in it. )