Meet the Woman Who Has Lived on Cruise Ships Full-Time for 3 Years (Exclusive)

### Life Afloat: How Libby Rome and Her Husband Embrace a Nomadic Cruise Lifestyle

Libby Rome has spent over three years living aboard cruise ships with her husband, immersing herself in the joys of travel and adventure. Embracing a nomadic lifestyle that began long before they set sail, the couple now claims to have everything they own neatly packed into a single backpack.

At 52, Libby recalls their journey into full-time cruising as a natural evolution of their previous lives. Having spent 16 years living in hotels across various countries, they became disenchanted with the challenges of traditional travel, from flight schedules to the costs associated with accommodation. After their first cruise, which Libby describes as a delightful experience, they were hooked. “We fell in love with cruising,” she shared, marking the beginning of their maritime adventure.

When the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily stalled their plans, the couple remained undeterred. Upon the resumption of cruise operations, Libby and her husband began their life at sea, finding the experience liberating. With a passion for travel and a newfound appreciation for minimalism, they began to shed the material possessions that once weighed them down.

Reflecting on her move from Texas to Calgary in 2004, Libby remembers how the sheer volume of belongings she accumulated sparked a journey towards minimalism. “It was overwhelming,” she admits, realising that owning more than anyone could reasonably use caused her stress. After a significant downsizing—to the point where they eventually owned just two suitcases—they continued shedding items until they arrived at their current, more manageable lifestyle.

Their initial cruise was intended as a simple getaway, but it evolved into a full-fledged lifestyle. They began to discover a love for life at sea, realising they preferred the comforts of a ship to those of dry land. Before long, they were booking back-to-back cruises, often not needing to disembark to change vessels.

To finance their travels, Libby, an IT consultant, and her husband employed creative strategies to keep costs low. Through researching various resources, including YouTube channels, they learned how to take advantage of casino loyalty programs offered by cruise lines. “We could take it all year long back to back,” she said. With careful planning, their daily expenses plummeted to about £66 for both of them, which equates to roughly £2,000 a month. This sum covers accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment—all essential elements of their life at sea.

While cruising predominantly through Europe—largely due to family ties in the Netherlands—the couple enjoys a lifestyle free from the burdens of car ownership and home maintenance. Libby expressed that their existence onboard is filled with the excitement of waking up in a new country every few days. “I live a worry-free life,” she explains, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cruise passengers.

The couple has taken over 70 cruises, racking up nearly 900 nights on board, with significant time spent on Princess Cruise Line. Their schedule is fully booked for 2026, testament to the lifestyle they cherish. With no end in sight, they feel fulfilled and free, reveling in a life that prioritises experiences over possessions.

Libby finds joy in both the onboard offerings—from arts and crafts classes to culinary experiences—and the friendships cultivated with other like-minded travellers. She highlights the thrill of reconnecting with familiar faces and the engaging conversations shared with fellow cruise enthusiasts. “These are my cruise friends,” she shares warmly, drawn to the interesting people she encounters along the way.

Looking ahead, Libby and her husband see no reason to return to a land-based lifestyle. The beauty of the ocean and the ever-changing landscapes are part and parcel of their joyful experience. “We absolutely love it,” she reflects, encapsulating the essence of their adventure: a stress-free existence buoyed by curiosity and the freedom of the seas.

For those considering a similar lifestyle, Libby’s story offers an inspiring look at how one couple transformed their dreams of travel into a sustainable reality. As they navigate the waves, it’s clear that life aboard a cruise ship can be a fulfilling adventure filled with new cultures, friendships, and endless horizons.