Would you reside on a cruise ship for over two months?
Jack Reynolds, who runs the digital advertising 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 yr, he started receiving on line casino gives via Royal Caribbean’s Membership Royale web site, lots of them from September via November. Seizing the chance, he determined to attempt to get on as many cruises as he may, 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 file 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 achieve from the expertise.
Why did you determine to guide 18 back-to-back cruises?
(Credit score: Jack Reynolds)
I selected 18 cruises as a result of it was virtually on the most restrict of what I may obtain inside my 86-day complete interval, whereas nonetheless having a component of selection and giving myself house in case of emergencies!
They are not strictly back-to-back, as I will probably 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.
Apart from that, I solely have round 4 days on land! Most of these will probably be on the finish of the journey after I go to Walt Disney World in Orlando!
Was there some form of catalyst that helped you set your thoughts on it?
Lately, I offered my home, so there was nothing holding me again! It was the proper time to journey on a visit like this.
I simply turned 30, and it has been a worrying yr! I’m additionally utilizing the climate, entry to good meals, and free entry to a fitness center for 3 months as a catalyst to get wholesome.
How lengthy did it take you to plan and guide all 18 cruises?
Not too lengthy, perhaps 3-4 weeks.
Some of the drawn-out elements was ready to make it possible for 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 may do.
I additionally stored my eye on the on line casino web site for extra appropriate gives.
What is the tough estimate for a 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 so on. Fortunately, loads of that’s frontloaded earlier than the cruises begin. Some prices, like lodges and transfers, may be paid on the day of, serving to to separate the prices up properly.
I additionally haven’t any dwelling prices, so I am spending roughly £52 per day, which is lower than it prices me to stay 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 feel I obtained a deal!
Learn extra: How a lot is a Royal Caribbean cruise?
What’s been the most important 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 need/wish to do is one other problem; it is a complete 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’ve got a method that can assist 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 attempt to spend slightly bit on every cruise. I’ve some free play (a complete of about $350) on these cruises, so this may contribute to further 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 possibilities of getting a reimbursement. In fact, this additionally signifies that I have been recognized to rinse via cash in a short time. I’ve gotten a number of hand-pays in my time, although!
What number of ships are you happening?
I am happening 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’ve got booked?
(Credit score: Jack Reynolds)
I am having to modify cabins fairly often.
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 subsequent room freed from cost, although I do tip after I can. Fortunately, my setup could be very straightforward and moveable.
There will probably be a few events the place I keep in a single cabin, although.
I’ve principally chosen inside cabins or whichever comps have been on the certificates I acquired — a number of of the certificates rewarded me with an ocean-view room!
On a current cruise round Africa, I did not use my balcony a lot. The principle profit I obtained from the costlier cabin was the daylight!
Will you be alone for the complete cruise?
Not within the strictest sense! I’ve discovered cruises are a implausible technique to meet new folks in one in every of just a few ways in which virtually maintain you throughout the neighborhood of like-minded folks in your grownup life, together with college and work. Actually, I nonetheless have buddies 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 undoubtedly will be capable to be in contact and productive whereas onboard. Moreover, I cellphone my household usually on WhatsApp.
During the last 4 weeks and 6 cruises, I’ve made extra buddies than I’ve within the final 3 years. Cruises repair loneliness, genuinely!
Do you’ve got any favourite areas that double as nice workplaces at sea?
(Credit score: Jack Reynolds)
To be trustworthy, 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 effectively, then keep out of my room for the remainder of the day!
I will probably be taking days the place I am going into ports and file content material, and even simply days off. Though I assumed burnout was unattainable on a cruise ship, I spent the primary two weeks resting and taking it straightforward.
Learn extra: I work remotely from a cruise ship on a regular basis, and much more persons are doing the identical factor
Did you guide many pre-cruise add-ons (like drink packages, shore excursions, specialty eating places, and so on.)?
My first three cruises have been aboard Oasis of the Seas. I prebooked web and a soda bundle, 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 complete).
Due to my new standing, I’ll take the free 4 drinks a day vouchers and purchase a soda or two. If I grow to be Prime within the on line casino, I can all the time get drinks free of charge 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 usually benefit from the Essential 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 doubtlessly Prime within the on line casino, I get 1 free day and 30% off per cruise, and among the cruises are solely 3 nights! Which means I will guide on board for these.
Afterward within the journey, after the twelfth cruise, I will grow to be Diamond Plus, so I’ll get 3 free days of Wi-Fi per cruise and 5 drinks per day! In complete, I’ve calculated round $850 or £630 for practically 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 accountability (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 a tremendous technique 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 file and play music to maintain me occupied in my leisure time!
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