Living aboard a cruise ship might seem like a dream vacation for most of us, but for some, it’s not just a getaway—it’s a lifestyle. While the idea of living on a cruise ship may seem unconventional, there’s a growing community of people who have traded traditional living arrangements for life at sea. Some avoid mortgages by living full-time on cruises, while others even buy permanent cabins to call home. Among them is Christine Kesteloo, who has turned this unique way of life into her everyday reality.
A Life on the High Seas
Christine Kesteloo lives aboard a cruise ship with her husband, who works as the Staff Chief Engineer. Her unique role as a “wife onboard” allows her to live on the ship without paying rent or food costs. She describes her life as a blend between being a guest and a crew member, granting her access to many of the ship’s amenities while still adhering to specific rules and boundaries.
Kesteloo shares insights about her life on TikTok, where her followers can glimpse the highs and lows of her life at sea. While her life may seem glamorous, it comes with certain restrictions that set her apart from typical guests and crew members.
The Rules of Life Onboard
Here are some of the key limitations Kesteloo faces while living on the cruise ship:
- No Gambling Onboard
One of the first rules Kesteloo mentions is that she’s not allowed to gamble while on the ship. She explained, “It would look a little weird if I, as the wife of the Staff Chief Engineer, won a big jackpot.” The rule ensures there’s no perception of bias or favoritism in the ship’s gaming activities. - Punctuality Is Crucial
Being late to re-board the cruise ship is a strict no-no. Just like guests, Kesteloo and her husband must be punctual, as the ship will not wait for them. Missing the ship could have serious consequences, especially for her husband, as someone else would immediately take over his role. “No, they will not wait for us,” she said, underscoring the importance of being on time. - No Filming Without Permission
With over 680,000 followers on TikTok, Kesteloo has a large audience eager to learn about her life at sea. However, she’s not allowed to film guests or crew members without their consent while onboard. “It’s disrespectful,” she explained, though she noted it’s a different story when filming takes place off the ship. This rule maintains privacy and respect for everyone on board. - Discretion During Emergencies
Another unspoken rule Kesteloo follows is to exercise discretion during emergencies. For example, if there’s a situation where a crew member or guest goes overboard, she avoids sharing videos of medical evacuations or rescue efforts. “I’m not showing you videos of the medical evacuation,” she said, adding that she discourages people from asking crew members about such incidents afterward.
Unwritten Rules and Personal Choices
In addition to these formal restrictions, Kesteloo has developed her own personal guidelines for ship life. One of her practices includes giving up space in guest areas like the pool during busy times. “It’s just the right thing to do,” she explained, showing her respect for paying guests who may have limited time to enjoy the ship’s amenities.
While food is free for Kesteloo, she does pay for sodas and alcoholic beverages. However, she enjoys a 50% discount on these items, as well as discounts in the ship’s shops, spa areas, and for internet services. These perks make her life aboard the cruise ship even more enjoyable and cost-effective.
A Unique Lifestyle
Despite the rules and restrictions, Kesteloo’s life aboard the cruise ship sounds like a dream come true for many. Free food, discounted luxuries, and the ability to travel the world make her lifestyle enviable. However, it’s clear that her respect for the crew, guests, and the ship itself helps her navigate the challenges of living in such a unique environment.
Living on a cruise ship may not be for everyone, but for Kesteloo, it’s a way of life that offers freedom, adventure, and a close connection to the sea. Her story sheds light on the reality of ship life—balancing the allure of luxury travel with the responsibilities and rules that come with being part of the crew family.
A Balanced Perspective
Kesteloo’s candid look at her life onboard has captivated her followers, many of whom are fascinated by the idea of living at sea. By sharing both the perks and the restrictions, she offers a balanced view of what it means to call a cruise ship home.
Would you trade your home on land for a life at sea? Let us know what you think about Kesteloo’s story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them to consider a more adventurous lifestyle!
@dutchworld_americangirl I go through four things I can, and cannot do it while living on the cruise ship with my husband #weliveonacruiseship #4things #alaskacruise #cruiseship #cruiseshiplife #cruise #alaska #caribbeancruise #cruiselife #livingstsea #getreadywithme ♬ Chill in a good mood, calm and fun(1263486) – zukisuzuki
