If you’re intrigued by tales of unconventional living, Mario Salcedo’s story is one you won’t want to miss. Over twenty years ago, at the age of 47, Mario decided to trade his land-based life for one on the high seas, living full-time on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. This decision has transformed his life into a fascinating journey.
Mario, affectionately known as ‘Super Mario’ among the cruise staff, has truly embraced the cruising lifestyle. So much so that the crew has even reserved a dedicated spot for him to work aboard the ships, complete with a plaque bearing his name. His choice to reside on these floating resorts offers a unique glimpse into a life few could imagine.
According to Mario, living on a cruise ship is more comfortable than being on land. As of 2021, Mario revealed in an interview with All Things Cruise that the cruising lifestyle he leads seems to be the most fulfilling he has found. Spanning over 23 years, his life on Royal Caribbean ships has seen him sailing week after week, never tiring of the sea-bound adventures.
Mario’s time at sea is filled with countless memories, but one stands out above the rest: the ‘cruise to nowhere.’ He recounts this ‘unforgettable’ moment during the hurricane evacuation cruise on board the Enchantment of the Seas in September 2017. As Hurricane Irma approached South Florida, flights, hotels, and even car rentals were unavailable, leaving Miami residents with limited options for safe evacuation.
Mario describes how a visionary CEO decided to open up the Enchantment of the Seas to shoreside employees and their families, offering them a free evacuation cruise. Nearly 3,000 individuals, comprising employees and their families, found refuge on the ship as it sailed out of Miami, heading nowhere specific but away from danger. Remarkably, Mario believes he was the only genuine guest aboard the vessel during this voyage.
This unexpected journey provided Mario the chance to mix and mingle with shore-based staff, enriching his already expansive social network in an unanticipated way. “That cruise was a truly unique experience,” Mario recalls. “I cherish my relationships with the onboard crew, but spending time with shoreside staff was a brand-new experience for me.”
Living aboard a cruise ship, Mario has developed a knack for budgeting. He mentions that his basic living expenses average about $100 a day, although he advises that added expenses can mount quickly. In 2019, he shared insights into the costs of different accommodations; an inside cabin with no windows could set someone back $72,093 annually, while a cabin with a balcony would push the annual cost to $101,258. For those desiring a junior suite, the price tag could rise to $136,000.
For Mario, this investment is undeniably worthwhile. His love for the ocean, coupled with the unmatched lifestyle of exploration and community on a cruise ship, solidifies his choice to call the sea home. With over 9,000 nights spent sailing with Royal Caribbean, it’s clear that for Mario, cruising is not just a pastime; it’s a lifelong journey filled with adventure and camaraderie.
