Would you reside on a cruise ship for over two months?
Jack Reynolds, who runs the digital advertising and marketing and social media company SizzleHQ, is doing simply that. Reynolds set sail on August 31, 2025, with plans to spend 78 days on cruise ships.
Earlier this 12 months, he started receiving on line casino presents via Royal Caribbean’s Membership Royale web site, lots of them from September via November. Seizing the chance, he determined to try to get on as many cruises as he might, particularly on ships he hadn’t been on but.
Altogether, his journey spans 88 days, together with journey days from the UK and a post-cruise go to to Walt Disney World, and he plans to report his personal content material whereas onboard.
In an interview with Reynolds, which has been edited for size and readability, we spoke about why he selected to take 18 back-to-back cruises and what he hopes to realize from the expertise.
Why did you determine to ebook 18 back-to-back cruises?
(Credit score: Jack Reynolds)
I selected 18 cruises as a result of it was nearly on the most restrict of what I might obtain inside my 86-day whole interval, whereas nonetheless having a component of selection and giving myself house in case of emergencies!
They don’t seem to be strictly back-to-back, as I will likely be travelling from Fort Lauderdale to Miami to vary vessels, and I’ll spend at some point touring from Miami to Tampa by bus to get on the smaller cruise ships.
Aside from that, I solely have round 4 days on land! Most of these will likely be on the finish of the journey after I go to Walt Disney World in Orlando!
Was there some type of catalyst that helped you set your thoughts on it?
Not too long ago, I offered my home, so there was nothing holding me again! It was the right time to journey on a visit like this.
I simply turned 30, and it has been a nerve-racking 12 months! I’m additionally utilizing the climate, entry to good meals, and free entry to a health club for 3 months as a catalyst to get wholesome.
How lengthy did it take you to plan and ebook all 18 cruises?
Not too lengthy, possibly 3-4 weeks.
Probably the most drawn-out elements was ready to guarantee that my visa wasn’t going to expire in the midst of my travels. The ESTA visa waiver is 90 days, so 18 cruises for a complete journey size of 86 days was just about the utmost I might do.
I additionally stored my eye on the on line casino web site for extra appropriate presents.
What is the tough estimate for the way a lot this expertise is costing you?
This entire journey will value me roughly £4,300, together with my flights, tickets to Disney, meals on land, and many others. Fortunately, a number of that’s frontloaded earlier than the cruises begin. Some prices, like accommodations and transfers, could be paid on the day of, serving to to separate the prices up properly.
I additionally don’t have any dwelling prices, so I am spending roughly £52 per day, which is lower than it prices me to reside within the UK! Plus, I famous down the collective value for this. In the event that they weren’t on line casino comps on cruises alone, it will be £19,600 — I believe I received a deal!
Learn extra: How a lot is a Royal Caribbean cruise?
What’s been the largest logistical problem in planning 18 back-to-back cruises?
Actually, it is giving myself sufficient time to get to every port and never overplanning. Additionally, determining what I really want/need to do is one other problem; it is a whole psychological well being reset for me, however I do know Royal takes care of me!
I’ve had nothing however nice experiences on all courses of their ships!
Did you may have a technique that will help you maximize your “free” days at sea?
Technique? Probably not. I’ve my very own budgets.
I do not actually spend that a lot within the casinos, however I try to spend a little bit bit on every cruise. I’ve some free play (a complete of about $350) on these cruises, so it will contribute to additional excursions or web!
When it comes to on line casino technique, I assume I do the $1.50 x 8, $3 x 4, then $6 x 2 trick to double the probabilities of getting a reimbursement. After all, this additionally signifies that I have been recognized to rinse via cash in a short time. I’ve gotten just a few hand-pays in my time, although!
What number of ships are you occurring?
I am occurring 8 totally different ships, 6 of which I’ve by no means been on earlier than: Oasis, Marvel, Jewel, Utopia, Journey, Grandeur, Radiance, and Liberty.
Out of the 8, Marvel and Jewel of the Seas are the one ships I’ve sailed on earlier than.
Learn extra: Royal Caribbean ships by age — Latest to Oldest
How typically are you switching cabins, and what stateroom classes do you may have booked?
(Credit score: Jack Reynolds)
I am having to change cabins fairly steadily.
As a result of this has been preplanned, I’ve let the cruise on line casino know beforehand, and my cabin steward takes my baggage to the following room freed from cost, although I do tip after I can. Fortunately, my setup could be very simple and moveable.
There will likely be a few events the place I keep in a single cabin, although.
I’ve largely chosen inside cabins or whichever comps have been on the certificates I acquired — just a few of the certificates rewarded me with an ocean-view room!
On a latest cruise round Africa, I did not use my balcony a lot. The primary profit I received from the costlier cabin was the daylight!
Will you be alone for the whole cruise?
Not within the strictest sense! I’ve discovered cruises are a implausible option to meet new individuals in one in all just a few ways in which nearly preserve you throughout the neighborhood of like-minded individuals in your grownup life, together with college and work. In reality, I nonetheless have pals from cruises I took 2 years in the past!
Nevertheless, I’m touring solo, which has its advantages and perks! I am additionally working every morning on the cruise, so I positively will have the ability to be in contact and productive whereas onboard. Moreover, I telephone my household frequently on WhatsApp.
During the last 4 weeks and 6 cruises, I’ve made extra pals than I’ve within the final 3 years. Cruises repair loneliness, genuinely!
Do you may have any favourite areas that double as nice workplaces at sea?
(Credit score: Jack Reynolds)
To be sincere, I work finest when it is quiet, so I can focus. I have a tendency to stay my laptop computer in my room, as a result of I can play video games on it as properly, then keep out of my room for the remainder of the day!
I will likely be taking days the place I am going into ports and report content material, and even simply days off. Though I believed burnout was inconceivable on a cruise ship, I spent the primary two weeks resting and taking it simple.
Learn extra: I work remotely from a cruise ship on a regular basis, and much more persons are doing the identical factor
Did you ebook many pre-cruise add-ons (like drink packages, shore excursions, specialty eating places, and many others.)?
My first three cruises have been aboard Oasis of the Seas. I prebooked web and a soda package deal, as I am a fiend for soda. After these cruises, although, I turned a Diamond cruiser throughout the Crown & Anchor Society (I will even have hit 92 factors after these 3, as I get double cruise factors and sail for 14 nights whole).
Due to my new standing, I’ll take the free 4 drinks a day vouchers and purchase a soda or two. If I turn into Prime within the on line casino, I can all the time get drinks totally free there, too!
When it comes to eating, I’ve skilled many of the specialty eating places on Royal’s ships, and I have to say that I typically benefit from the Foremost Eating Room and included choices. The worth I get going right into a specialty restaurant is restricted. Perhaps I will go to a Chop’s lunch or one thing, however I’m not actually planning on doing so but!
How a lot is Wi-Fi costing you for 78 days on a cruise ship?
For the primary 14 days, it value $15 per day (so $210), however after that, as a Diamond cruiser and probably Prime within the on line casino, I get 1 free day and 30% off per cruise, and a number of the cruises are solely 3 nights! Which means that I will ebook on board for these.
In a while within the journey, after the twelfth cruise, I will turn into Diamond Plus, so I’ll get 3 free days of Wi-Fi per cruise and 5 drinks per day! In whole, I’ve calculated round $850 or £630 for almost 3 months of web at sea.
What are you trying ahead to probably the most?
(Credit score: Jack Reynolds)
I am trying ahead to the climate, relaxation, no duty (besides the place I am consuming), and the Royal Caribbean expertise! I like Royal (though I am not completely loyal), however above all, I like cruising! It is an incredible option to see the world and locations that I’ve by no means been earlier than!
I write music professionally and personally, so I additionally introduced an electrical guitar (with headphones, don’t fret) to report and play music to maintain me occupied in my leisure time!
