When it comes to her career, Belencia Wallace is all at sea.
But that’s just the way she likes it.
The Californian has given up the 9-5 to spend an entire year living on cruise ships and ‘doesn’t have any regrets’.
The 52-year-old used to work in healthcare management and administration. Now she works full-time as a content creator, using the ships’ Wi-Fi and workspaces to post TikTok videos that reveal ‘the highs, lows and unexpected moments’ of her new way of life.
She clearly has a knack for engaging content, with a following of 50,000 for her @ladybugtravel TikTok profile.
So far, Belencia has been at sea for 112 days, with 78 port stops, and told MailOnline Travel: ‘I don’t have any regrets about my cruise journey – my only wish is that I could have done it sooner.’
The TikToker’s adventure began in October 2024 in Bayonne, New Jersey, with the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Mexico, and Asia included on her itineraries.
She revealed that she pre-booked a mix of Royal Caribbean ships ‘to keep things interesting’, including Symphony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas.
Californian Belencia Wallace (above) has given up the 9-5 to spend an entire year living on cruise ships and ‘doesn’t have any regrets’. She’s pictured here at Hideaway Beach at CocoCay in the Bahamas
Belencia has pre-booked a mix of Royal Caribbean ships. Her favourite ship so far is Symphony of the Seas (above)
She said: ‘Each offers a unique experience, from luxury amenities to family friendly activities.
‘My favourite ship so far is Symphony of the Seas, and my favourite port destination is a toss-up between Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, and St. Martin.’
How much will her year at sea cost and why did she decide to leave terra firma behind?
Belencia, from Eastvale, revealed: ‘The total cost for a year at sea is approximately $50,000–$60,000 [£40,000-£48,000], which includes accommodations, meals, entertainment, and excursions.
‘Compared to living on land, this is surprisingly affordable, especially when you factor in the cost of rent, utilities, groceries, and entertainment in a major city.
Belencia posts videos to her @ladybugtravel TikTok profile that reveal ‘the highs, lows and unexpected moments’ of her new way of life. Above is Symphony of the Seas
LEFT: Belencia on her way to her first sailing in New Jersey. RIGHT: The content creator in Panama City
LEFT: St Martin is one of Belencia’s favourite stops so far. RIGHT: Playing Pickleball on the Symphony of the Seas sports court
‘The idea for spending a year cruising came from a desire to combine my love for travel with the convenience of having a “home base” on a cruise ship.
‘I wanted to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of dealing with logistics like accommodations and meals.
‘Cruising offered a unique way to see the world while enjoying the comforts of a floating community. I’ve cruised previously for 45 days – from Singapore to Dubai, Dubai to Barcelona, and then transatlantic from Barcelona to New York City – and loved every minute of it.
‘That experience solidified my dream of cruising for an extended period.’
Belencia revealed that she ‘hasn’t missed living on land much’, adding: ‘The cruise ships feel like a home away from home, and the constant change of scenery keeps things exciting.
This is Belencia during her last day of land-based work. She revealed that a colleague is fostering her dog
LEFT: Catalina Island in California. RIGHT: Belencia is all smiles in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
‘That said, I do occasionally miss the familiarity of my own space and the ability to cook my own meals.’
Has anything surprised her about living on a cruise ship?
She said: ‘The sense of community on board has been a pleasant surprise. I’ve met so many interesting people from all over the world, and the crew members have become like family. Another surprise is how quickly I’ve adapted to the rhythm of life at sea – it feels natural now.
‘The best part is waking up to a new destination every few days. The views, the cultures, and the experiences are unparalleled. Plus, the onboard amenities – like pools, restaurants, and entertainment – make every day feel like a vacation.’
Any downsides?
Belencia revealed: ‘The worst part is the occasional lack of privacy and the limited space in the cabin. It can also be challenging to stay connected with friends and family back home due to the time differences and occasional Wi-Fi issues.’
Will she ever return to a life on land?
The cruise ship resident said: ‘At this point, I consider myself a global citizen. I will spend some time in Asia when I’m finished, and then I will go where the universe takes me.’
