I’ve lived on a luxury cruise ship for 23 years – I love it, but now when I’m on land I can’t walk in a straight line

A MAN who lived on a luxury cruise ship for over two decades revealed he is now experiencing a bizarre side effect as a result.

Mario Salcedo began living on Royal Caribbean International cruise ships in 2000 and has never looked back.

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The man gave up his illustrious role as international finance director at a land-based organization in the United States to live on the water full-time.

Aside from a handful of 15-day breaks each year and a 15-month break during the Covid19 pandemic, Mario has cruised for an astounding 23 years.

But his love of life on a cruise ship has had a strange impact on his physical health, as he revealed he is now experiencing a bizarre side effect on land.

The guy who earned the nickname “Super Mario” told Condé Nast Traveler: “I’ve lost my land legs, and when I sway so much I can’t walk straight.”

He added: “I’m so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than on land.”

The strange side effect resulted from Mario spending a whopping 9,000 nights on cruise ships – as of 2022.

During his trip, the traveler boarded approximately 1,100 cruise ships and earned an estimated 10,000 points in Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society.

But life on a cruise comes at a price, as Mario revealed to YouTuber Alannna Zingano that he pays a huge £66,000 to fund his cabin life on board Royal Caribbean Cruises.

And he has no plans to return to land.

He told Royal Caribbean’s blog: “Having made so many friends and memories at sea over the years, I plan to continue cruising indefinitely as long as I’m well and having fun.”

Mario began living on cruise ships in 1996, initially testing 10 different cruise lines and an incredible 150 cruises on “about 70 ships” before settling on the ship he wanted to live on full-time.

He ultimately chose Royal Caribbean because the launch of Voyager of the Seas in late 1999 captured his heart.

“This ship was made for me,” he said.

Mario isn’t the only person who traded land for a life on the sea.

Chris DeSalvo, 40, decided to head to the high seas after his first trip in September last year.

The avid traveler said he took 43 trips around the world last year alone after deciding to live on a cruise ship.

Another man bought an entire 85-cabin cruise ship 14 years ago – and revealed he’s still not finished renovating the ship.

Christopher Willson found the massive liner for sale online – and it featured a dining room, salon and huge outdoor area Bathe Swimming pool.

And if you think cruise living might be right for you, a new ship is set to offer passengers the chance to live on a “floating estate” while working from home at sea.

Villa Vie Residences – due to set sail in May 2024 – is selling rooms on board for £82,000 – which is cheaper than some mortgages.

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