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Known As “Super Mario”, The Most Loyal Passenger Of Royal Caribbean Has Been Aboard For Almost 25 Years, Managing Sea Businesses And Showing That Living On Cruises Can Be More Affordable Than It Seems
Royal Caribbean honored its most loyal passenger, the Cuban Mario Salcedo, known among the crew as “Super Mario”, at the beginning of the year. The recognition came at the moment he reached an impressive milestone: his one-thousandth cruise with the company, which took place on January 13 aboard the ship Explorer of the Seas.
According to the company, this was “yet another incredible milestone in the cruising life” of a man who has made the ocean his permanent address.
The tribute was published on Royal Caribbean’s official Instagram, celebrating the achievement of the passenger who has lived at sea for almost 25 years.
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He revealed to All Things Cruise that he spends around US$ 100,000 (R$ 589,000) a year on cruises in a balcony cabin.
From Stressful Routine To Life On The Waves
Before making this unusual decision, Salcedo led a hectic life. He worked as an international finance director at an American company, a position that required constant travel and long periods away from home in Miami.
He spent more time in hotels than in his own home, which ultimately led him to seek a new pace of life.
After taking his first cruise, he was enchanted. The maritime environment, relaxation, and predictable routine convinced him to make a radical change.
At 47, he handed in his resignation and boarded again. And from there, he never stopped.
Almost The Whole Year At Sea
According to Royal Caribbean, the “legendary cruiser” started his travels in 1994, but it was in 2000 that he began to live fully at sea. Since then, he spends about 50 weeks a year on the company’s ships.
Among his favorite vessels are the Liberty of the Seas and the Navigator of the Seas, where he has spent much of his floating life.
The one-thousandth cruise took place on the Explorer of the Seas, the same ship he had already traveled on 54 times since 1994.
Even while living aboard, Salcedo remains professionally active. He remotely manages an investment management company and keeps an apartment in Miami, although he almost never uses it.
“More Comfortable At Sea Than On Land”
In an interview with Condé Nast Traveller in 2016, Salcedo stated that he feels “more comfortable on a ship than on land.”
He explained that life at sea has become natural and peaceful, something that aligns with his current lifestyle.
“I will continue living on cruises indefinitely, as long as I have good health and am having fun,” he declared at the time. Since 2022, however, he has chosen not to do any more interviews, preferring to keep his distance from the press.
Living On A Ship: Dream Or Real Alternative?
Living on a cruise ship is possible, as long as the person adapts to the maritime routine. This choice has shown to be appealing, especially for retirees looking for a different — and sometimes more economical — way to spend their lives.
According to financial analyst Tricia Tetreault from Fit Small Business, retiring on a ship can be more affordable than living in a traditional nursing home.
Additionally, the cost can include meals, accommodations, and entertainment, reducing expenses for maintenance and domestic services.
Those wishing to follow in Salcedo’s footsteps can opt for consecutive cruises or, in some cases, purchase apartments aboard vessels that offer this type of ownership. However, this option tends to be more expensive.
Living On Cruises Is It Cheaper Than Living On Land?
The cost of life at sea varies based on personal style and choices. According to the website SmartAsset, factors like cabin type, menu, comfort level, and desired entertainment directly influence the total amount.
The portal Cruzely estimated that two people would spend about US$ 193,907 a year to live aboard the Carnival Celebration, considering fares, port fees, taxes, and tips.
However, as a “Diamond Plus” passenger in the Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program, he has benefits that reduce costs — such as free internet, daily breakfast, and priority boarding.
A Permanent Lifestyle
As the price of real estate and mortgages in the United States remains high, many see Mario’s lifestyle as a curious alternative — and for some, even more affordable.
He is now a symbol of a life outside the norm, made of tides, routes, and horizons. For the “Super Mario” of the seas, each trip is more than just a journey: it is simply everyday life.
And it seems this everyday life will last a long time because he appears to have found, among the waves, the place where he truly feels at home.
With information from Newsweek.
Só pegando coroas solitárias.
Gostaria de fazer uma experiência de 1 mês.
Para sentir se é adaptável
Uma travessia para Europa são de 15 até 23 dias passando por Marrocos, Cabo Verde, Espanha, França e Itália o valor é praticamente o mesmo que de um cruzeiro de 7 dias no Brasil. Fica uma semana na Itália ou faz um outro cruzeiro do sul da Itália 7 dias conhecendo 5 ilhas Gregas e volta de aéreo da Itália vc terá uma experiência de 1 mês. É muito bom recomendo.
O preço brasileiro é justo. Em roteiros brasileiros você tem, por um custo módico, a emoção de um assalto real com possibilidade imensa de falecer ao desembarcar em qualquer estado. A falta absoluta de infraestrutura, o prazer de ser violentado e/ou massacrado, tudo isso e mais que não recordo agora. Ver o sul da Itália com ilhas gregas de quebra é muito infantil. É tudo monótono e sem a paixão do perigo. Por essas e outras que fico na minha cidade que o problema é às 18h com o trânsito de bicicletas e alguns veículos motorizados.
Um sonho que todos gostaríamos de viver, sem o stress da vida nas grandes cidades!