Woman lives on cruise ship for free - as long as she follows one strange rule (2025)

Christine Kesteloo, who has visited an incredible 106 countries, has opened up about her life in a cabin on a cruise ship - and shared all the benefits that come with it

A woman has shared her life living on a cruise ship, and all the perks that come with it.

Cruise ship living has been a part of Christine Kesteloo's life for many years, she has ticked off an impressive 106 countries and seen some of the world's most jaw-dropping sights. Now, Christine spends half of her time on a crusieliner with her husband, who works as a cruise's chief engineer, and the other half in The Netherlands.

The mum, originally from the US, has been tucking into free food and accommodation every day for over a decade. Christine, who shares her cruise life on TikTok and has racked up over 980,000 followers, revealed that crew members' spouses can stay onboard for free.

Plus, she gets a 50% discount on extras such as fizzy drinks, alcoholic beverages, onboard shops and the spa. She also gets a discounted rate on internet access.

Christine said: "We live on a cruise ship. We always have the same cabin that is assigned to Pete's position on the ship, and in my opinion, we have the best cabin in the whole entire ship.

"While I live on the cruise ship I live as a guest but also as crew," making it clear she enjoys nearly all the perks of both worlds, save for a few exceptions.

Despite her fondness for the oceanic lifestyle, Christine faces one no-go – hitting the slots. She explained: "I am not allowed to sit at a slot machine and play my heart until I win because it would look a little weird if I, as the wife of the chief staff engineer, won like a big jackpot. So I am not allowed to gamble on the ship."

Despite being able to use all the guest's facilities, Christine said she tries to be a respectful resident.

She said: "If the pool is packed, I make sure to get off and give the guests a seat, it’s just the right thing to do. I totally understand how to give guests the best time and I don’t think a crew member taking their seat is the right thing to do."

Speaking to The Mirror, she added: "When we get into port usually the guest get off first and then the crew usually get off about an hour after the guests and so I abide by that, I get off the ship about an hour after the guests get off the ship."

She even tackled the burning question about whether she feels weird "walking on land" after being at sea.

Christine confessed: "Pete has been at sea for 30 years and I've been at sea for 12 years and after all that time I literally don't need to adjust to land legs vs sea legs, I don't feel the difference. It doesn't bother me anymore."

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