We live on a cruise ship – people think we are mad but we love it and save money

A WOMAN has opened up about her luxurious lifestyle on board a cruise ship, and it cost less than $87 (£71.02) a week.

TikTok user Christine Kesteloo has lived on the high seas for 12 years, and shares her life unusual lifestyle with her thousands of followers.

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The former cruise and travel director was made redundant in 2020, but now lives as a “wife on board” a cruise ship for six months of the year.

Because her husband Piet is a staff chief engineer, the couple live in a lavish cabin with other perks including free meals and a free laundry service.

But the husband and wife duo don’t always eat for free.

In a recent video, Christine showed her followers what they can expect from a specialty dining experience.

She said: “As most of you know, we live on a cruise ship and tonight is our date night.

“Now tonight we’re at one of the specialty dining restaurants called Pinnacle Grill.”

The video panned to clip of a waiter pouring a creamy tomato soup from a teapot into a bowl then topping with a drop of double cream, and another clip showed a slab of steak with some onion rings.

Christine told Insider that eating out at the ship’s specialty restaurants usually sets her back between $20 (£16) and $50 (£40) per person.

On top of their meals out, they usually tip between $5 (£4) and (£8) $10 each time, but if they order free room service they’ll tip between $2 (£1.60) and $5 (£4) at a time.

Some of their other expenses include $20 (£16) a week for unlimited internet access, and a $10 (£8) cleaning tip that goes towards their steward.

Christine’s weekly spend costs $87 (£71.02) a week to sail around the world.

Many users have likened Christine’s lifestyle to being on holiday every day – and she agrees.

The married couple aren’t the only crew members who get a good deal living on board a ship, Ezra Freeman works as an entertainer aboard a luxury cruise liner, and spends less than £10 a day.

Austin Wells is also preparing for life on board a cruise ship, after he purchased a studio apartment for $300,000 (£246,465) on a mega cruise ship.

Even though it’s a fair wad, Wells is set to save himself $500 (£410.77) each month when he sets sail on the liner in 2025.

Meanwhile holidaymakers can also spend their time on a Disney cruise complete with an adult-only pool and live fireworks.

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