With over 25 years spent living on cruise ships, Mario Salcedo, or “Super Mario,” is famous in the cruise world. Originally a US-based investment manager, Mario has chosen a life of sailing, recently celebrating his 1000th cruise with Royal Caribbean.
Mario was born in Cuba and moved to Miami with his family in the 1960s. In Miami, he found his love for cruising, which led him to live at sea. His first big adventure was on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, a ship he’s always remembered fondly.
Unlike most people who cruise once in a while, Mario has made ships his permanent home. He loves the freedom, adventure, and relaxing life it offers. While some may find his choice unusual, Mario believes it perfectly balances his work, hobbies, and relaxation.
Mario is known by many in the cruise world not just for traveling a lot, but for his friendly relationships with both other passengers and crew. On Royal Caribbean ships, he often gets special treatment, and he sees the crew as part of his extended family.
Key Takeaways
Meet ‘Super Mario,’ a cruise ship resident who has spent over 25 years living on ships, recently celebrating his 1000th cruise with Royal Caribbean.
- Mario Salcedo, or ‘Super Mario,’ is famous in the cruise world for traveling extensively and forming close relationships with passengers and crew.
- Living full-time on a cruise ship can be costly, but Mario believes it’s worth it due to the freedom, adventure, and relaxation it offers.
- Mario’s story shows that more seniors are choosing to spend their retirement on cruise ships, attracted by the sense of community and safety they provide.
The financial reality
Living full-time on a cruise ship can be costly. Mario spends over $100,000 each year for his lifestyle, which includes staying in fancy cabins with large balconies and stunning ocean views. Although this might seem expensive, he thinks it’s worth it since it cuts out costs like property taxes, utilities, and home upkeep from living on land.
Even while enjoying life at sea, Mario keeps working as an investment manager. He works about five hours a day managing finances, which lets him afford this unique lifestyle. The ship’s staff sets up temporary offices for him, making sure he has a good workspace.
When not working, Mario enjoys activities that help him relax and soak in the environment. Whether he’s meeting other passengers, exploring new destinations, or just enjoying the ocean’s peace, he’s found the perfect balance at sea.
On his 1000th cruise, Mario sailed from Miami, made a stop in Panama, and traveled to the Southern Caribbean on the Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas. This journey showed his strong dedication to life on the sea and his close relationship with Royal Caribbean.
One of Mario’s remarkable experiences was during Hurricane Irma in 2017, when the Royal Caribbean ship Enchantment of the Seas helped evacuate employees and their families from Miami. Mario called it an “extraordinary hurricane evacuation journey,” showcasing the cruise line’s care for its staff and guests.
Social impact of a life
While Mario enjoys his life on cruise ships, it has meant making personal sacrifices. One major challenge is keeping up relationships back on land. After getting used to life at sea, he has trouble finding stability when he returns to land, both physically and socially. The constant motion of the ship has changed his balance, and being away for a long time makes it hard to reconnect with friends and family.
Despite these challenges, Mario’s story shows that more seniors are choosing to spend their retirement on cruise ships. Many are attracted to the sense of community and safety that cruises provide, making it a tempting choice instead of traditional retirement homes.
For seniors wanting to see the world without the stress of planning, group cruises are a great option. These cruises offer planned trips, social activities, and travel help, making the experience easy and fun. Mario’s life is a good example of how choosing a different lifestyle can bring personal happiness, even if it means living outside the norm.
As more seniors consider cruises for long-term travel, Mario’s story is inspiring. He shows that retirement doesn’t have to be about slowing down—it can be a time for ongoing adventure and enjoyment.
