Kildare Woman Embraces Life on Cruise Ships, Calls It Normal

A woman from Kildare, Ireland, has shared insights into her unconventional lifestyle spent living on a cruise ship with her husband, describing it as a typical occupation for those in the maritime industry. Megan McGuinness, a content creator, and her partner Melvin McGuinness have been balancing their time between cruise ships and their home country for over 12 years, thanks to their careers at sea.

Melvin works as a safety officer for a shipping line and is on a path toward becoming a captain. Megan, who previously worked on cruise ships, is now a full-time influencer. Speaking to Extra.ie, she detailed their routine, which involves Melvin spending between 10 to 12 weeks on board followed by an equal duration at home. This arrangement allows the couple to travel extensively, boasting visits to at least 120 countries across the globe, including Australia, China, Japan, and various locations throughout the Mediterranean and the Americas.

Megan expressed her gratitude for the opportunities their lifestyle affords them. “We’ve genuinely gone everywhere, so we’ve been very, very blessed with our itineraries over the last 12 years,” she remarked.

Life at Sea and Cultural Connections

The travel aspect is just one of the highlights for Megan. She emphasized the value of meeting diverse individuals from various cultures while aboard. “I’m currently the only Irish person on the crew part of things on board,” she noted, adding that socializing with people from different nationalities creates a unique atmosphere.

Describing her experiences, she said, “It’s just crazy to be chilling at the bar in the middle of the ocean where every person is a different culture, different nationality, different age and everyone is just getting on, having a laugh and having the time of our lives.” The friendships formed through these interactions have made her time at sea even more memorable.

Megan likened the social life on board to a vibrant community, referencing the camaraderie among crew members. “The social life on board is amazing. You can do with it what you will,” she explained. Aside from crew activities and parties, they also enjoy dining in guest areas and participating in events, blending both crew and guest experiences.

Addressing Criticism and Future Plans

Despite the joys of their lifestyle, Megan acknowledged that she sometimes faces skepticism regarding their choice to live on a cruise ship. She believes some of the confusion stems from a lack of understanding of the maritime industry’s norms. “It just blows their mind, but honestly, I think it’s complete normality,” she said, reinforcing that many in similar professions, such as pilots and cabin crew, lead comparable lives.

Earlier this year, the couple purchased a cottage in the west of Ireland, which sparked speculation about a potential shift away from their cruise lifestyle. Megan clarified, “It’s his career and we just bought a house. We now have to pay a mortgage. This is normality.” She stressed that their commitment to their careers remains strong and that their unique lifestyle is simply a reflection of their professional journeys.

Megan’s perspective offers a glimpse into a lifestyle that many may find unconventional, yet for her and Melvin, it is a fulfilling and enriching way of life. Their experiences highlight the opportunities and connections that come with working in the cruise industry, making their lives a testament to the diverse paths available in today’s world.