Condos often come at a premium, leaving many individuals struggling with exorbitant costs for cramped spaces and often limited scenic views.
This predicament is particularly pronounced in regions such as California, which is known for its high cost of living. A cursory glance at rental listings is enough to highlight a harsh reality: Homeownership remains out of reach for the average American due to skyrocketing housing prices.
However, in the midst of this housing conundrum, are there unconventional solutions offering an alternative lifestyle, for example on board a cruise ship?
Meet Austin Wells, a San Diego resident who dared to take the unconventional leap of investing in a suite on a cruise ship. His compelling claim? It is more economical than his previous residence in California. The cherry on top? Travels daily without the constraints of a typical work schedule. Imagine waking up from your bedroom to a window that frames the vast expanse of the world.
Now the ship is under construction and its launch is scheduled for 2025.
Wells revealed to CNBC that he paid $300,000 for a studio at MV Narrative, which was leased for 12 years. It is a huge cruise ship with some amazing features. Well’s room is 237 square feet and there are a whopping 500 private rooms and suites on board. It also has a pantry, a shower, a desk, and a folding bed.
Residents like Wells, who are always on board, have access to private kitchens, a farmers market, 24-hour room service, and a fitness center. In addition, they have access to medical services. In addition, the ship has a bank, a cinema, 20 restaurants and bars, a school, a library and a swimming pool! Talk about projection sophistication.
Wells, 28, revealed:
“The thing that excites me the most is that I don’t have to change my daily schedule to travel the world. I’ll be working later in the evening and early in the morning. But this allows me to see the city from midday to late afternoon.
Operation from a cruise ship
He continued, “It’s probably the first time ever that there’s an opportunity to have a standard job and even consider working and living from a floating apartment complex.” He also hopes to meet a lot of interesting new people on the cruise. Make some friends, maybe. He has friends with whom he can really explore the globe.
According to The Sun, Wells will immediately save $500 on rent alone, as his room on the MV Narrative will cost him about $2,000 a month, compared to about $2,500 for an apartment in San Diego.
a brilliant concept conceived by Alister Punton and Shannon Lee, owners of the luxury houseboat Storyline, who were looking for a way to provide apartments at sea at a more reasonable price.
As MV Narrative nears completion in Croatia, she is set to welcome an estimated 1,000 passengers seeking a lifestyle beyond the conventional. The ship offers a range of living options with 11 different house types to suit different preferences, representing a revolutionary step in Storyline’s pursuit of affordable luxury at sea.
With permission, this article, which first appeared on Tiffy Taffy, is republished here.
In short, Austin Wells’ plunge into life at sea is not just a personal venture; is a symbol of the emerging trend in alternative housing solutions. This paradigm shift challenges traditional notions of home ownership and offers a life of discovery and comfort on the waves. As more individuals seek unconventional abodes, the allure of nautical living may become the new norm—a fusion of opulence, freedom, and a journey that’s as much about the destination as the journey.
In an age of evolving lifestyles and innovative housing solutions, MV Narrative is a testament to human ingenuity and the search for unconventional living. As this floating retreat embarks on its maiden voyage, it is more than just a vessel; it symbolizes the spirit of adventure, the fusion of comfort and discovery, and the bold pursuit of a life less ordinary. With thousands of souls ready to call it home, MV Narrative heralds a new era – one where the horizon is not just a line in the distance, but a frontier waiting to be explored from the comfort of a maritime sanctuary. As the ship sails into uncharted waters, it is not just a maritime expedition; it’s an odyssey of limitless possibilities that sets out towards a future where the line between home and world blurs into an exciting journey of discovery.