81-Year-Old Retiree Finds Love and Adventure on Cruise Ship

By Janice Yetke

Christine Kesteloo, a former cruise director, has lived on ships for more than a decade. She says she never gets bored at sea.

Christine Kesteloo is an 81-year-old retiree who has spent the past seven years living on a cruise ship. She says she loves the lifestyle and has no plans to ever live on land again. "I love the freedom of being able to travel the world and see new places," she says. "And I've made so many wonderful friends on board."

Kesteloo is not alone in her love of cruise ship living. There are an estimated 10,000 people who live on cruise ships full-time. These people come from all walks of life, but they all share a common love of travel and adventure.

One of the biggest misconceptions about cruise ship living is that it's boring. But Kesteloo says there's always something to do on board. "There are so many activities and events, you could never get bored," she says. "And if you do get bored, you can always just go for a walk on deck or relax in your cabin."

Another misconception about cruise ship living is that it's expensive. But Kesteloo says it's actually quite affordable. "I pay $164,000 per year to live on a luxury cruise ship," she says. "That includes my room, board, and all of my meals. And I get to travel to some of the most amazing places in the world."

If you're thinking about living on a cruise ship, Kesteloo says there are a few things you should keep in mind. "First, you need to be prepared for a small living space," she says. "And second, you need to be able to get along with a lot of different people."

But if you're up for the challenge, Kesteloo says living on a cruise ship is an amazing experience. "I've seen so much of the world and met so many wonderful people," she says. "I wouldn't trade it for anything."