In a world where telecommuting is increasingly popular, one adventurous soul from San Diego, 28-year-old Austin Wells, has taken the trend to the next level. He decided to leave the hustle and bustle of city life and embark on an extraordinary journey, staying on a luxury cruise ship. This bold decision has piqued the curiosity of many as it challenges conventional notions of where and how we live and work.
The story of Austin Wells is a testament to the changing environment of work and lifestyle. With an apartment aboard a luxury residential cruise ship, he embarked on a course that offered not only comfort and adventure but also a fascinating insight into the possibilities of the modern workforce.
This story begins with a 28-year-old man named Austin Wells who, like many people his age, finds himself at a crossroads. The daily rush of city life with its traffic jams and office cubicles no longer held the appeal it once did. Wells longed for something different, something that would break the monotony and provide a new perspective on work and life.
Wells’ story took a unique turn when he decided to take a leap of faith and explore an unconventional living arrangement. He bought an apartment on a residential luxury cruise ship called the MV Narrative and set sail for an extraordinary adventure. It wasn’t just an escape from everyday life; it was a bold statement that challenged the conventional boundaries of work and lifestyle.
The cruise ship itself is a marvel of modern living and is equipped with stunning amenities that rival luxury resorts. It boasts 20 dining options, bars, a microbrewery, a library with 10,000 books, a cinema, three swimming pools, a gym, an art studio, and even an on-board doctor. The boat offers a self-contained world of comfort and entertainment, making it an attractive choice for those looking for an alternative to traditional living.
With all these benefits, you might think that living here would be more expensive than renting an apartment in the city, but the expenses might surprise you.
For about three and a half years, Wells is expected to travel to multiple destinations after agreeing to work remotely at the Meta.
The trip, scheduled to depart in 2025, is scheduled to visit Rome, Naples, Venice, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey, according to a sample itinerary.
Luckily for the 28-year-old, he works in an augmented and virtual reality technology business that allows for full remote work, allowing him to travel constantly without having to miss weekly meetings at the office.
For the 12-year lease, Wells will pay $300,000 (£246,465) for studio accommodation on the residential luxury cruise ship MV Narrative.
Finding the ideal work-life balance has become more important than ever for those of us working now that the pandemic is over, and Wells seems to have it all figured out.
“My work hours will shift to evenings, nights, and very early mornings,” he told CNBC.
But it gives me the opportunity to tour the city in the afternoon or early evening before starting my work day at 6-7 p.m.
“It’s probably the first time ever that there’s an option to have a standard job and even think about working and living from a floating apartment complex.”
Additionally, Wells has the choice of renting out his apartment if he wants to travel back home, or inviting friends or family aboard for a month if he starts feeling seasick and misses family and friends.
Don’t worry though, as it looks like there are still some apartments available on board the ship if you like the idea of ​​ditching your expensive city apartment and hitting the road too.
Wells’ decision to invest in MV Narrative’s 12-year charter is both a personal and a professional choice. It allows him to live a life that combines adventure and work, and shows that work can adapt to suit our desires and aspirations, rather than the other way around. His willingness to embrace this unconventional lifestyle serves as a beacon of hope for those who dream of escaping the mundane and exploring the world.
The affordability of this lifestyle, Wells points out, challenges preconceived notions about the cost of living on a luxury cruise ship. While some may assume this is an extravagance reserved for the wealthy, Wells’ experience shows that with careful planning and consideration, it can be a feasible and cost-effective option.
This story also underscores the changing dynamics of work in a post-pandemic world. As companies embrace remote work and flexible schedules, individuals have more freedom to choose where and how they want to live. It’s a reminder that work is no longer confined to a physical office, but can adapt to our individual needs and desires.
As we say goodbye to the traditional 9-to-5 office routine, more people can find inspiration in the story of Austin Wells. The concept of living on a cruise ship is not all about comfort and luxury; it’s about embracing a new way of life that defies convention and redefines the boundaries of work and play.
Whether you’re an adventurous soul looking for a unique lifestyle or someone longing for a more flexible work-life balance, Austin Wells’ journey offers a glimpse of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. It’s a reminder that the world is changing and the way we live and work is changing with it. Perhaps in the near future, more individuals will choose to make their homes on the high seas, just as Austin Wells did, in search of adventure, fulfillment, and a less ordinary life.