Lynnelle, creator of the YouTube channel Poverty to Paradise, has turned heads with her decision to live full-time on cruise ships.
After a difficult 2024, she made a striking decision to change everything about her life – one she now documents for an audience of nearly 100,000 subscribers.
‘I did something bold,’ she explains in one video. ‘I sold my house, I got a divorce, I quit my job, and I got rid of nearly everything I own.’
Her choice to trade a traditional life on land for one at sea has become the heart of her channel, where she records both the challenges and rewards of this unconventional lifestyle.
And while some might assume that living on cruise ships would be far more expensive, Lynelle’s year-end financial round-up told a different story.
To the surprise of many viewers, the overall cost of her year at sea closely mirrored what would be spent on land.
So, how does Lynelle break down her finances?
In a June video, she gave viewers a full breakdown.
Her estimated annual income comes in just under $60,000 (£44,000), thanks to more than six million views on her ship tours, casino deals and retirement-at-sea content. She revealed that in January alone, her videos racked up more than 1.3 million views, bringing in over $14,000 (£10, 347) from YouTube.
Her yearly expenses – cruises, hotels, food and transport – add up to $25,211.23, or about $2,102 (£1,556) a month.
That’s well below the US average monthly cost for a single person, which sits at $2,924 (£2,186) – so maybe Lynelle really has cracked the code.
‘I normally aim to stay under $2,500 per month,’ she explained. ‘Even after YouTube expenses and taxes, it still more than covers my life full-time on cruise ships.’
Digging into the details, Lynelle revealed that last year she spent 267 nights on cruises, 73 in hotels, and 25 with family.
Cruises were her biggest expense at $15,397.90 (£11,465.28) – around $1,283 (£955) a month. She split her time across four major lines: 199 days over 24 cruises with Carnival, 54 days on 11 Royal Caribbean sailings, and one cruise each with Holland America and Princess.
All in all, more than two-thirds of her year was spent at sea –and she’s already got another 39 days booked.
Reflecting on life aboard, she told viewers: ‘This life has taught me that sometimes freedom looks like choosing your own version of paradise, whatever that version is for you. Even if nobody else understands it, even if nobody else wants you to do it, even if nobody else goes along with you’, she adds, ‘that’s what freedom is all about.’
Her comments section is packed not only with positivity but with proof of just how invested her followers are.
One fan wrote: ‘Your expenses are less than a majority of us living on land. Keep going, we really enjoy living vicariously through you.’
Another chimed in: ‘You are living your best life and no one can take that away from you or judge you for doing you! Can’t wait for year 2’
What’s not to love?
As dreamy as life on board can seem, full-time cruising isn’t without its downsides. In a June video titled ‘10 Things I Hate About Living on Cruise Ships’, Lynelle shared some of the challenges she faces at sea.
Ever-changing time zones
Constantly on the move, Lynelle admits her body clock is often out of sync.
Laundry woes
Laundry services don’t always measure up. ‘I don’t know how they actually do my laundry,’ she says. ‘My clothes don’t always come out as clean as if I’d used a washing machine and dryer.’ Paying a premium for less-than-perfect results? Not ideal.
Crowds
Pools, gyms and cinemas are often packed, especially at peak times. With so many passengers chasing the same activities, things can quickly get overwhelming.
Lack of privacy
‘You’re never alone unless you’re in your cabin,’ Lynelle explains. With only a small personal space, escaping for a breather isn’t easy. Unlike life on land, there’s no option for a quiet walk in the park or a quick drive to clear your head.
Stormy weather
Rough seas come with the territory. As Lynelle puts it: ‘When the ship is rocking, your whole house is rocking.’ There’s no avoiding it.
While it may not always be completely smooth sailing, if the price of living your best life is a couple of rocky nights and dodgy loads of laundry, Lynelle is more than happy to stay aboard.
And with a cost of living that rivals life on land, can you blame her?
