Travel consultant Estee Gubbay had dreamed of living on a luxury cruise ship for years, but there was just one problem: her husband, Paul, a C-level technology executive, wasn’t much on board.
“I have a travel agency, so I had heard about this concept about six years ago,” says Gubbay. “I thought it was the perfect lifestyle – but, at the time, my husband wouldn’t even set foot on a cruise. The last time I rode it in a small boat was 30 years ago.”
But Gubbay, author of a book called “Your Travel Bucket List,” wasn’t about to give up on checking off an item on her bucket list.
“I’m the kind of person who goes big—if you’re going to set a goal, set it big,” she explains. “So I put this on my vision board and started manifesting.”
She took small steps to make her husband comfortable on the cruise—and to shatter his preconceived notions.
“He thought cruises were for retirees and that he would get seasick or feel trapped on the boat,” she recalls. “But eventually, I took him on a very high river cruise and he loved it.”
She then took him on another smaller yacht cruise, which he also loved – and he started coming around.
“I’ve worked with him for a good six years to get him to the point where he’s now really excited about it,” says Gubbay.
Signing the agreement
Gubbay and her husband bought a two-bedroom abode on the Storylines MV Narrative cruise ship, which will set sail in 2027 and is being touted as a “residential community focused on wellness at sea.”
The ship’s 530 apartments are fully furnished and range from 237 square feet to 1,970 square feet, starting at $675,000 for a studio to $8 million for a four-bedroom.
If that price is too steep for your budget, Storylines also offers condominiums for shared purchase—allowing up to four owners per unit.
On top of the initial cost, there is an additional annual “all-inclusive” fee of $65,000 to $245,000 per unit—determined by the size and location of a residence and based on dual occupancy.
These annual fees will cover all meals; drinks; 24 hour room service; housekeeping; Wi-Fi; satellite television; Service for washing and folding clothes; spa services such as massages; fitness facilities; recreational and sports equipment; an oceanfront marina with direct access to water and watercraft; a yoga studio; an art studio; activities and events; hobby areas, including a digital driving range; health checks and visits with the doctor on board; a personal trainer; nutritionists and access to fresh food gardens.
Gubbay likes that it’s an all-inclusive lifestyle.
“That way, I know exactly how much it’s going to cost each month, and there’s a lot that’s going to be included—especially built-in travel,” she says.
Nomadic lifestyle with a twist
Gubbay and her husband are currently bicoastal, with homes in San Diego and Manhattan.
This will be their floating residence, in what she calls a “small town at sea”.
“Everything you could want is within walking distance,” she says. “There are 20 restaurants on board. I love how I can go down in the elevator and access all these things.”
On the ship, the couple will have all the comforts of home, including Wi-Fi to get their work done. They are also bringing their big dog with them.
They’ll also have a Murphy bed in the second bedroom/office, so their two 20-year-old daughters can join them from time to time.
A sound investment
The Gubbays are residential real estate investors and they see this as a golden opportunity.
“We’re getting in on the ground floor,” Gubbay says. “I think people really want to see this concept in action and that it will take off. People will get used to the idea that you can work on board and take the luxury with you as the journey comes to you.”
But this investment is not without risk. First, the ship the couple bought their apartment on hasn’t been built yet.
“It’s supposed to be ready in three years, and it could be longer,” notes Gubbay. “It’s like buying a home in a re-model home. You have to take the risk that it will come together.”
Community connection
Another aspect that sold Estee and Paul on this unique concept was the “Meet Your Neighbors” interviews that Storylines runs.
“Seeing the adventurous and interesting people who would be on board with us was really exciting,” says Gubbay. “I’m a community builder and connector — and I’m excited about the community that’s being built here. I don’t know how they cultivated such a large group of people who are willing to take chances and embrace change.”
She also gained peace of mind after hearing about the medical facilities available on board.
“There’s a mini-hospital on board with MRI equipment,” says Gubbay. “You’re at sea, so if you have a stroke or a heart attack, you need to get good medical attention right away. There is also a helipad on the ship, should you need to be transported. It really has it all.”
And furry friends will also have medical attention, with a veterinarian on staff 24/7.
The images below show what the rooms will look like on the ship.
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Image Source : nypost.com