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ebra Kilgore, a 63-year-old woman from Arizona, is taking the concept of retirement to new heights – literally. She's purchased a $1.9 million home on a cruise ship that will sail the world with residents voting on its next destination. Kilgore, who enjoys solo travel and has two adult children and two grandchildren, says she's looking forward to living on the ship alone.
Kilgore's fascination with living on a cruise ship began when a friend bought a unit on The World, a residential yacht that set sail in 2002. Residents of The World must be worth at least $10 million and sponsored by someone already living aboard. Kilgore says she thought it was "fabulous" but couldn't pursue the idea at the time due to her busy life raising four children and running a business.
Fast forward to February 2022, when Kilgore spotted an article about Storylines' MV Narrative, a new luxury residential liner dedicated to wellness and sustainability. She plunked down a $10,000 deposit on a one-bedroom unit just two weeks later. The ship has 530 furnished apartments ranging from 237 to 1,970 square feet in size.
Kilgore says she's excited about the freedom to explore destinations at her own pace and experience local recommendations. She plans to visit the Mediterranean, South Pacific, Greek islands, and Galapagos Islands, among other places. The ship allows up to four owners per unit, with options starting at $628,000 for shared purchase.
As an only child, Kilgore says she's comfortable being alone and values her independence. She'll have access to a 10,000-square-foot wellness center and "anti-aging clinic" on the ship, as well as 20 dining and bar options, coffee shop, wine bar, hair salon, and spa.
The annual fee for living on the ship ranges from $68,000 to $245,000 per unit, depending on occupancy. Single occupants like Kilgore will receive an 18% discount on the double-occupancy fees. The company says it has implemented safety procedures to prevent the spread of disease, including continuous filtration and sterilization of air in common areas.
Kilgore plans to fly back to the States occasionally to visit her family and isn't selling her house in Parker, Arizona. She's looking forward to a life of freedom and adventure on the high seas.
