Woman Invests $1.9 Million In Cruise Ship Home Where Residents Decide The Destinations

For one adventurous woman, retirement isn’t about settling down—it’s about setting sail. She has just made an extraordinary decision, purchasing a multi-million-dollar home aboard a cruise ship that will take her across the globe.

While many retirees prefer staying in their longtime homes or relocating to retirement communities, one Arizona resident has a much bolder vision for her golden years.

At 63, Count Debra Kilgore has officially secured her dream retirement home, a stunning $1.9 million residence that comes with an ever-changing view of the world.

Count Debra

You might assume she has purchased a luxurious mansion or an extravagant estate, but that’s not the case.

Instead, Debra has chosen a completely unique lifestyle—she has bought a home aboard a one-of-a-kind cruise ship. What makes this experience even more remarkable is that the ship’s destinations aren’t predetermined. The residents themselves vote on where the vessel will sail next.

In a conversation with Realtor, Debra shared that she’s embarking on this adventure alone. However, she emphasized that she has never felt uneasy about being on her own, something that likely stems from growing up as an only child.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to being on the ship by myself."

"You can go anywhere you want, and not worry about what someone else wants to do."

"Traveling alone allows you to be flexible. You don't have to stick to a plan. You can explore a destination at a different level by going off the beaten path and experiencing places that locals may recommend."

An artist's impression of the Storylines cruise ship Storylines

Although Debra enjoys solitude, she made it clear that living on a cruise ship doesn’t mean she will feel isolated.

"You have a choice to be around others, to be involved in activities, to be in groups or not," she said. "I'm not someone who worries about going off on my own when the ship is in port."

Debra, a mother and grandmother of two, has been divorced for a long time. She also shared that she won’t be completely alone—her loyal nine-year-old dog, Choo Choo Bella, will be right by her side throughout the journey.

Speaking about her dog’s past adventures, she added: "She has been to Canada, all the Hawaiian islands, and most of the continental U.S."

The cruise ship boasts a whole host of amenities and perks for the thousands of residents Storyliner

Debra and Choo Choo Bella’s next great adventure will be aboard Storylines’ MV Narrative, a floating residential community set to embark in 2027.

For those wondering, yes—pets are welcome aboard the ship. In fact, there’s even an onboard veterinarian to ensure their well-being.

Debra first learned about this unique opportunity in 2022 when she stumbled upon an article about the residential cruise. Excited by the concept, she promptly placed a $10,000 deposit on her chosen unit, a one-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom residence named RU-3, located on the 12th of the ship’s 18 decks. The unit itself comes with a price tag of $1.9 million.

The MV Narrative features a total of 530 fully furnished residences, ranging in size from 237 to 1,970 square feet.

Looking ahead, Debra expressed her enthusiasm for her future home at sea. She adores the ocean and dislikes cold weather, so she is particularly excited about exploring breathtaking destinations like the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, the Greek Islands, and the Galapagos Islands.