In a world where the cost of living seems to rise with every passing year, one man has found an unconventional solution to avoid high rents while fulfilling his passion for travel. Austin Wells, a 31-year-old from San Diego, has made waves in the real estate world with his surprising decision to buy an apartment—not on dry land, but aboard a luxury cruise ship. His story not only highlights an innovative approach to affordable living but also raises questions about the future of residential spaces and what it means to live “on the move.”

A New Kind of Home: The Floating Apartment Complex

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest surrounding cruise ships as more than just vacation getaways. Enter the MV Narrative, a revolutionary residential vessel developed by Miami-based shipbuilding company Storylines. Unlike traditional cruises that sail for a week or two, the MV Narrative will serve as a floating community, designed with everything you need to live, work, and thrive—permanently.

Storylines’ goal is simple: to provide a home away from home. The ship is set to sail across six continents, offering residents a chance to live in a constantly changing environment with stunning waterfront views every day. The residential ship is being carefully constructed in Croatia and is slated to set sail in 2027, making it an exciting opportunity for those looking to live an adventurous lifestyle. Learn more about Storylines’ concept here.

Storyline’s ship is scheduled to set sail in 2027 (**Storylines**)

Social Media Buzz: What People Are Saying About Life on a Cruise Ship

The idea of living on a cruise ship has sparked plenty of conversation on social media. From people expressing excitement to those questioning the feasibility of such a lifestyle, it’s clear that the floating apartment complex is making waves. Here are some social media posts that shed light on the growing interest:

Instagram Post by @NomadicLiving:
“Who needs a traditional apartment when you can travel the world with a home on the seas? 🌍🚢 The #MVNarrative is the future of living—work from anywhere and explore new destinations every day! #RemoteWork #FloatingHome #Storylines”Check out the post on Instagram
Twitter Thread by @TechTravels:
“Imagine waking up with a different view every morning—no more packing, no more renting! Living on a #cruise ship sounds like the ultimate remote working dream. The future of homes is on the water. 🌊💡 #MVNarrative #DigitalNomad #HousingInnovation”Read the full thread on Twitter
Facebook Post by @GlobalNomad:
“Living on a cruise ship isn’t just a vacation, it’s a lifestyle. Austin Wells just took the plunge and purchased a condo on the #MVNarrative—a floating city! 🏙️ Who else is ready to live the nomadic dream? #AdventureAwaits #RemoteLife #LivingOnTheSea”Join the discussion on Facebook

These social media posts reflect a wide range of reactions to this innovative way of living. Whether it’s excitement about the possibilities or curiosity about the practicalities, it’s clear that many are intrigued by the idea of a floating home.

Why Move Aboard a Cruise Ship?

The decision to purchase a floating apartment may seem unusual to some, but for Austin Wells, it was a no-brainer. The concept of combining living and travel in one package is something that caught his attention from the start.

Wells, who had been struggling with the rising costs of living in San Diego, realized that buying an apartment on the MV Narrative would not only allow him to explore the world but also save him money on rent. In fact, he will be paying far less than he would for a traditional apartment in San Diego.

Breaking Down the Costs: Is It Really Cheaper?

While San Diego’s rental market can cost residents around $2,500 per month for a modest flat, Wells found that living on the MV Narrative would only set him back about $2,000 per month for a 237-square-foot studio apartment. That’s a significant savings, considering that the price includes much more than just living space. With the ship offering amenities such as restaurants, bars, a microbrewery, a spa, a cinema, and even medical facilities, the value goes far beyond a simple place to sleep.

In fact, the MV Narrative offers full-time residents exclusive access to things like a private gym, farmer’s markets, and even 24-hour room service. If you’re thinking about the practical aspects of daily life, this floating community is equipped with everything you need. Forget about the hassle of scheduling flights, finding new homes in different cities, or worrying about how you’ll get groceries—on the MV Narrative, it’s all part of the package. Check out more about life on Storylines ships here.

An Innovative New Lifestyle: Living and Working on the Move

What truly excites Wells about this experience is the ability to work remotely while traveling the world. As an entrepreneur, he’s looking forward to using the internet and available communication tools to keep his business running smoothly from the comfort of his floating home. Imagine waking up in a new country every week, all while maintaining your normal routine—without ever having to pack a suitcase again.

Wells has already shared his thoughts on the transition from a traditional apartment to his new floating lifestyle. In an interview with CNBC, he stated, “The thing that most excites me is I don’t have to upend my daily routine in order to go see the world.” Instead of having to plan every trip carefully—buying plane tickets, finding accommodation, and adjusting to a new environment—he can simply live his life while the world travels with him. Watch the full CNBC interview here.

What Does the MV Narrative Offer?

For those wondering exactly what one can expect from life aboard a luxury cruise ship, the MV Narrative is designed to accommodate a wide range of preferences and needs. Whether you want a cozy studio or a larger multi-bedroom residence, there is an option for everyone. Here’s what the ship will offer:

Over 500 Residences: Choose from a variety of apartment styles, ranging from compact studios to spacious multi-bedroom homes.
Luxurious Amenities: Residents will have access to everything from a library and bank to a bowling alley and several swimming pools.
Community Living: With medical facilities, restaurants, bars, and more, the MV Narrative will be a self-sufficient community that residents can rely on, no matter where in the world they are.
Eco-Friendly Design: The vessel will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it a more sustainable option compared to traditional cruise ships. Learn about sustainable ship designs.

Austin Wells revealed how he had purchased a pad on the MV Narrative (**Storylines**)

And if you’re wondering about the cost of purchasing a residence, Wells shares that he paid $300,000 for a 12-year lease on his 237-square-foot studio. While this may seem like a hefty price tag, consider the fact that some of the luxury apartments on board are priced up to $10 million.

A Smart Investment with High Resale Potential

As with any real estate investment, the MV Narrative presents a unique opportunity. The residential model offers not only a living space but also the chance to invest in a floating property that can be rented out or resold. According to Storylines, high resale values are anticipated, making this a lucrative investment for those looking to cash in on the growing trend of remote living.

As Wells points out, “It’s just like owning a condo—you can sell it, you can rent it. Storylines helps navigate all of that as well.” This flexibility makes the ship even more appealing to potential buyers. Explore the investment opportunities with Storylines.

Could Floating Homes Be the Future?

As cities around the world become increasingly expensive, floating apartment complexes like the MV Narrative may offer an innovative and practical solution for those looking to escape the rising costs of living on land. Whether it’s saving money on rent, working remotely while traveling, or simply enjoying a more adventurous lifestyle, the appeal of living aboard a cruise ship is undeniable.

In a world where the future of housing is constantly evolving, the MV Narrative might just be the next big thing in how we think about homeownership. Read more about how housing trends are evolving.

Ready to Set Sail?

As the MV Narrative prepares for its launch in 2027, more people like Austin Wells are making the leap into this revolutionary way of living. With a thriving, engaged community onboard and the freedom to explore the world without leaving home, it’s easy to see why this “floating city” is garnering attention worldwide.

Are you ready to take the plunge into this futuristic lifestyle? Let us know what you think about this new way of living on the move, and whether you’d consider moving onto a cruise ship for good. Share your thoughts with us on social media.

Featured Image Credit: CNBC