– Three years cruise – prison and morgue included
135 countries, 375 ports – and that for CHF 27,800 a year: A company offers digital nomads an adventure on the high seas with tax advantages. It’s all regarding the details.
Leah Hampel
The world, one can say in general terms, is divided into two types of people: those who refuse cruises. For weeks the same people, the same food, the same ways, hell. And the others: same pool, same bed, same staff, heaven. The latter, grinning knowingly, are convinced that the former «just have to try» to be converted.
This gap might now be bridged by an offer that should at least tempt skeptics. It’s three years of cruise, 135 countries, 375 ports, in the cheapest version with an inside cabin for 27,800 francs per year. “Life at Sea Cruises” is the name of the Turkish company that advertises an everyday life with sea, pool and office in an airy video.
Tax benefits on the high seas
With the offer, the company is not only reacting to very current wishes, gray in March and boredom due to illness, in short: Central European winter. But also very zeitgeisty needs: being on the road and working in the world, no boring everyday public transport, canteen, supermarket, Instagramable sunsets every evening.
What might please the heart more in times of crisis, war and pandemic than escapism turned ship. The equipment seems almost devilish: cleaning, laundry, drinks, internet, gym and pool are included. Even CHF 168,000 for three years as a couple does not seem expensive.
Also because, according to the provider, you have tax advantages if you don’t live permanently in one country. It’s even cheaper when you consider that nobody knows how expensive butter will be next year and in some Swiss cities the rents are so high that there is hardly any money left at the end of the month. Especially since the ship has a library, dance classes and singles events for those who also want to find the perfect partner at sea.
There is also a prison on board
But even this detail raises questions: what if you fall in love, fall in love and hate on board in just a few weeks?
But the best questions – and the scariest answers – are in the frequently asked questions section of the provider’s website: Is there a dress code? Yes, «whatever guests find convenient and appropriate for the activity at hand». Unfortunately, following three years of the pandemic, we know all too well what people consider appropriate for video conferences.
Is there an ATM No, just a preload map. How long is the trip? “The cruise lasts three years.” No reference to earlier exit options or special circumstances allowing one to exit earlier.
If that doesn’t scare you, you should ask “What if I die on board?” click. “Life at Sea” has morgues on board, several. After all: “We will organize the fulfillment of their last wishes with their relatives,” says the provider.
If you’re worried that you won’t last 1095 days on board, you can rest easy. On the one hand, there is a medical team, even if the treatment costs extra. On the other hand, provision is made for guests who may go crazy. To be read when answering the question “What if someone on board commits a crime?” is: “We have our own security service and even our own prison.”
Found a mistake?Report now.