This man has lived on a cruise ship for 25 years—and he’s “lost his land legs”
Known as “Super Mario,” he got onboard a cruise ship in 1999 and has spent the last 25 years going from ship to ship cruising the oceans.
For most people, a cruise is a temporary escape—a week or two of relaxation before returning to real life. But for Mario Salcedo, known as “Super Mario,” the ocean isn’t just a getaway, it’s home.
Since 1999, the Miami-based Cuban expat has lived almost exclusively on cruise ships, spending an estimated $108,000 annually to maintain his at-sea lifestyle. What started as a one-time voyage in 1997 soon became a lifelong commitment to life at sea. After a successful career in finance, Salcedo decided to leave land behind and embrace full-time cruise living.
A life at sea: freedom without the hassle
Unlike typical cruise-goers looking for a short-lived vacation, Salcedo’s days follow a structured routine. His mornings begin with a stroll on the deck, taking in the endless ocean views, followed by a leisurely breakfast. From his private balcony cabin, he keeps up with the news and manages his investments, maintaining financial independence while retired.
Afternoons are spent socializing with the crew and passengers, sipping whiskey at the bar, or enjoying onboard entertainment. One of his greatest passions is photography, capturing breathtaking seascapes from different parts of the world.
For Salcedo, living on a cruise ship is the ultimate freedom: “I don’t have to take out the garbage, I don’t have to clean, I don’t have to do laundry. I mean, I’ve eliminated all those non-value-added activities and have all the time in the world to enjoy what I like to do,” he shared in the documentary Super Mario: The Man Who Lives on Cruise Ships.
The hidden cost of a life without anchors
While his lifestyle may seem like a dream, it comes with its own set of challenges. After spending decades at sea, Salcedo has developed a neurological condition known as “mal de débarquement syndrome,” which causes a persistent sensation of motion, even on land. He describes it as having “lost his land legs,” making walking in a straight line difficult after so many years of constant movement.
Beyond physical effects, the social dynamics of cruise living can also be isolating. With new passengers boarding each week, forming lasting relationships isn’t easy. But Salcedo has adapted, forming close bonds with the crew and frequent travelers who, like him, find solace in the sea.
Investing in happiness
Over 25 years, Salcedo has visited hundreds of destinations without ever packing and unpacking a suitcase. His favorite itineraries take him through the Caribbean and Europe, but he insists the ports don’t matter much—his true home is the ship itself.
Spending more than €2.5 million ($2.7 million) on this unconventional lifestyle doesn’t bother him. For Salcedo, life at sea is an investment in happiness and peace of mind. “Life on land is too complicated. Up here, everything is taken care of,” he has said in interviews.
As the years pass, Mario Salcedo has become something of a legend in the cruise world—a testament to the fact that there’s no single way to live a fulfilling life. His story proves that unconventional choices can lead to extraordinary experiences, redefining what it means to call a place ‘home’.
Original article written by María Dávila, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.
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