Floating an alternative to assisted living

For bargain-hunting seniors in reasonably good health, cruise ships may be a more affordable housing option than assisted living communities. So claims a recent article in USA Today.

“Living on a cruise ship could be a lower-cost way for seniors to take advantage of similar amenities to those provided by assisted living facilities, like all-you-can eat meals, a swimming pool for low-impact exercise, regular companionship and entertainment, and even access to on-board doctors,” the newspaper suggests.

The story uses $3,750 a month as its baseline cost for assisted living. The average daily rate on a cruise ship was pegged at roughly $100 per day. The story assumed that those opting for the ship option also would need to pay about $200 a month in storage costs. It found that living on a ship would be roughly $6,000 cheaper.

The report notes that living at sea might not be advisable for those requiring higher care needs, or people who need to see a doctor regularly.

“But for relatively healthy seniors who can no longer handle the demands of living alone and who want a fun alternative, a cruise ship may just be the ideal retirement option,” the story notes.