If you’ve ever lamented that your holiday is over too soon, one cruise line has an enticing offer – if you have a few million euros to spare, that is.
Newly launched Crescent Seas, founded by former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings chairman Russell Galbut, is offering “floating homes” on its forthcoming fleet of residential cruise ships.
The first of these ships is due to set sail in 2026. But a permanent residence comes with an eye-watering price tag. The lowest price starts at €570,000. The highest? A jaw-dropping €8.8 million.
This cruise travels the world and never ends
The company’s first ship, a refitted version of the Regent Seven Seas Navigator, will host 210 private residences and embark on a global voyage, starting in December 2026.
Forever cruisers can expect four-day port stops in destinations like the Seychelles, Singapore, Iceland and Barcelona, with onshore excursions designed to immerse travellers in local cultures.
Three ships have already been confirmed: Navigator, Insignia – a former Oceania Cruises vessel set to relaunch in 2027 – and a new one dubbed The Ocean, expected to be finished in 2032. Two additional ships are in the pipeline for 2028 and 2029.
Onboard, Crescent Seas promises all the trappings of ultra-luxury living, from Michelin-inspired restaurants, wellness centres and Starlink-powered co-working spaces to cooking classes and “6-star” service by white-gloved butlers.
Residents are also required to purchase around €30,000 worth of annual food and beverage credits.
“As a developer, I know real estate has always been defined by location, location, location, as we say. With Crescent Seas, we’ve eliminated that limitation,” Galbut told The Telegraph.
“Now, your home isn’t bound to a single address – it moves with you, taking you to the world's most breathtaking destinations.”
From the seven seas to space, the ultra-rich look beyond
Crescent Seas isn’t the only venture offering the wealthy a radical rethinking of how – and where – we live. While some opt for floating mansions, others have looked to the stars.
From Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic to Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, billionaire executives have put space tourism on the map for the world’s elite.
Earlier this year, US-based company Space Perspective opened bookings for its space balloon experience. For around €120,000, travellers can ascend to the stratosphere in a capsule the size of a lounge room, complete with a bar and bathroom.
Elon Musk’s Space X, meanwhile, has set sight on Mars. Though a one-way ticket is not yet on sale, applications for future missions have already opened, and some ultra-wealthy pioneers are queuing up to trade beachfront views for an expanse of red dust.
Back on Earth, entire islands in places like the Maldives are being sold to buyers seeking the ultimate seclusion – like a gated community surrounded by the ocean.
‘Homes that move with you’
Crescent Seas isn’t the first floating home for the super-rich, either.
The World, a condo-like residential ship, has been circumnavigating the globe since 2002. Then there’s Ville Vie’s Odyssey. Billed as the world’s first perpetual cruise, the ship offers multi-year, residence-style packages starting at around €2 million.
Crescent Seas is aiming for a balance of both – privacy and full-time ownership, with the bonus of global adventure.
“Imagine travelling the world without ever leaving the comfort of your own home,” said Marisa Galbut, president of Crescent Seas.
For those with millions to spend, the dream of a home that moves with you, whether through the waves or the stratosphere, is no longer the stuff of fantasy, as the limits of luxury travel drift further from solid ground.
