For those who balk at the price of a world cruise, it might be worth a second lookâespecially when compared to the cost of living in Manhattan. As it turns out, spending four months sailing the globe can actually be more affordable than enduring four months of rent in the Big Apple. The real story here? Manhattan’s outrageous cost of living might make a world cruise seem downright practical by comparison.
Recent data from a real estate report pegs Manhattanâs average monthly rent at an eye-watering $5,119, which works out to about $168 per day. In contrast, the lowest daily rate for Holland America’s upcoming world cruise is around $180. While technically pricier, the cruise includes accommodations, meals (even 24-hour room service), entertainment, daily housekeeping, and utilities. Rent in Manhattan, on the other hand, gets you a roof and little else. Toss in utilities, groceries, and a social life, and the cruise suddenly starts looking like a bargain.
Sure, the shipâs cabins might be cozier than the average Manhattan apartment, but thatâs hardly a dealbreaker when you have an entire floating city at your disposal. Holland Americaâs Zuiderdam offers pools, a gym, pickleball courts, and countless other amenities. And unlike Manhattan, your backyard on the cruise changes daily, taking you to some of the most exotic locations on the planet. The journey kicks off in Fort Lauderdale, winding through the Caribbean and Panama Canal before heading down the west coast of South America to the iconic Easter Island and French Polynesia.
From there, the itinerary includes stops in Australia, Southeast Asia, and idyllic Indian Ocean islands. After rounding South Africaâs Cape of Good Hope, the ship ventures through the Mediterranean, eventually making its way back to Florida. Compare that to the daily grind of subway commutes and overpriced coffee in Manhattan, and the choice seems obvious.
Ultimately, whether youâre drawn to the allure of global travel or just tired of Manhattanâs relentless cost, the cruise offers a compelling alternative. With adventure, luxury, and practicality rolled into one, the Zuiderdam might just turn out to be the most unexpected solution to escaping the grind of city life. For those willing to trade skyscrapers for sunsets on the high seas, itâs a proposition thatâs hard to beat.
