An employee of Facebook's parent company, Meta, has committed to a unique living arrangement by purchasing a 12-year lease on a luxury cruise ship for an estimated $460,000.
Austin Wells, a 28-year-old from Meta's augmented and virtual reality division, is relocating from San Diego to a luxury condo aboard the MV Narrative. This move allows him to maintain his daily routine while exploring the world.
“I don’t have to upend my daily routine to see the world,” Wells told CNBC.
Set to sail in 2025, the MV Narrative offers long-term residencies instead of typical short-term cruises. Passengers can lease floating apartments for periods ranging from three months to 24 years. The ship, currently planning itineraries such as Istanbul to Rome, is designed for those making it their permanent home.
For Wells, this aligns perfectly with Meta's remote work policy. He plans to continue working West Coast hours while the ship embarks on its maiden voyage from Croatia, navigating the Mediterranean.
Living on the MV Narrative comes with its perks, including the opportunity to visit new destinations daily and explore remote corners of the globe. “I’m most excited about going places where only ships can go,” Wells said.
Cruising offers a unique lifestyle, allowing Wells to visit unspoiled and remote areas that are difficult to reach by plane. This aligns with the growing trend of tech workers embracing remote work models as companies like Meta reduce office presence.
“I’ve always been fascinated with large ships,” Wells told CNBC. “They’re a marvel of modern engineering.”
The cruise line offers "residencies," essentially luxury floating apartments that owners can live in, rent, or sell. Wells' $460,000 investment secures him a suite at sea for the next 12 years, with all-inclusive services like food, drinks, and laundry.
The ship will visit six continents on a 1000-day global circumnavigation, spending three days in each port. This global lifestyle is surprisingly affordable compared to renting an apartment in Southern California. With suites ranging from 35 to 67 square meters, there's ample space for a comfortable home-office at sea.
Investing $460,000 for a 12-year lease may seem extravagant, but with the included amenities, Wells considers it a bargain.
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