As far as I know, Nomad Cruise is a unique social experience for digital nomads and remote workers, which is connected by a sea cruise. The initiative aims to connect people from different parts of the world who work independently in an inspiring environment. Participants embark on a multi-day sea voyage on a cruise ship, during which lectures, workshops, networking events and community programs take place.
Nomad Cruise is not just a vacation, but an intensive learning and networking opportunity that promotes professional development and international community building. The trips usually take place between Europe and Latin America and typically attract hundreds of participants.
Nomad Cruise can be an experience of a lifetime for participants, often referred to as a life-changing experience.
As I have already mentioned on this blog, I actually encountered this phenomenon more than seven years ago, but I have forgotten about it by now. Last year, during my research at the same time as my decision, this trip immediately came to my attention. From the very first moment, I saw it not as a vacation, but as an investment.
I definitely have a reason for this. So far, I have paid 2.350 EUR for this trip. On the one hand, I am already over the fact that I bought my ticket. Two weeks ago, I received a letter saying that I should also choose a drink package for the trip, because the price of the boat ticket only includes tap water and coffee. I bought the premium package, but just for once in my life, I am drunk every day.
On the other hand, as I mentioned in the post “Nomad Cruise 14 – I’m going on a cruise”, I leave earlier and come home later. I go to Marseilles two days before the ship leaves, I already have my flight ticket and accommodation here. Also, after the ship docks in Athens, I will stay there for two more days. I have accommodation here and a flight ticket home.
Last week I received a letter and a 45-minute video from the founder of Nomad Cruise. From this I know that there will be two more optional programs in Palermo and Valletta, worth a total of 50 EUR. So, the initial cost of the investment is around 2.500 EUR. But this has to be of some benefit.
The numbers
The video provided a very good summary of what to expect during the week of the cruise. The first image contains information based on data from 13 trips so far.
What is interesting to me about this: At 49 years old, I am a little out of the average, according to my expectations, but I am mentioning this as a fact and not as a negative expectation. When choosing the drink package, there was also a condition that the roommates had to choose the same package. I thought I discovered the meaning of this for a minute, but then unfortunately I forgot what the solution could be. The condition for this joint choice is obviously that the roommates know each other. I don’t know who I will share my cabin with. I do know that they will put a man about the same age as me in the same cabin. Based on the information letter, this condition framework is now supplemented by the fact that they are looking for someone who has ordered the same drink package as me. I think there will be a lot of 49-year-old men on the ship who chose a balcony cabin and a premium drink package…
I won’t mind if – by chance – there is no such roommate and because of that – they assign Dulcinea to me.
Speaking of which! They will soon introduce an AI-controlled “matchmaker” application to us in case we are looking for a partner. Maybe we won’t run so far at first… In any case, this option sounds quite exciting. The second interesting number is related to this: 73% of travelers travel alone. Well, at least here I support the majority. The 47% female presence makes my chances of finding Dulcinea quite difficult, but maybe AI will solve the issue. Although, if 47% women and 6% LGBTQ+ could stand side by side, then ultimately the men competing for women’s favor would also represent 47%, which means that everyone could get exactly one couple… Well, anyway, that’s all about analyzing the numbers.
Who is this for?
Although I’ve written about this before, this chart gives a good summary.
So, it’s good for those who are just starting out in the digital nomad lifestyle, those who are looking for remote work opportunities, temporary nomads who are looking for inspiration, and those who want to make new digital nomad friends. I’m not one of those three, so the answer to the question “Is this for you?” is a resounding yes.
Costa Fortuna
I learned that we would be traveling on a ship called Costa Fortuna. The Costa Fortuna is a luxury cruise ship operated by Costa Crociere. It was built in 2003 at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri and has been an iconic member of the fleet ever since.
Technical data and dimensions
- Length: 272.2 meters
- Width: 35.5 meters
- Gross tonnage: 102,587 tons
- Speed: 20 knots (approx. 37 km/h)
- Deck levels: 12 (8 of which are accessible to passengers)
- Number of cabins: 1,358
- Maximum number of passengers: 3,470
- Number of crew: 1,068
The ship has 1,358 cabins, 464 of which have private balconies. One of these rooms will be mine with my as-yet-unknown roommate. There are 5 restaurants and 10 bars on board, as well as several pools and hot tubs. The interiors are designed in an art deco style, and many public spaces pay homage to Italy’s maritime heritage.
The Costa Fortuna underwent an €8 million renovation in Singapore in December 2018 and returned to Genoa in March 2019. The ship previously operated in Asia, but after the renovation it has focused on the European market again
I am looking forward to meeting my eldest daughter, who is almost an old lady. In English, ships are traditionally treated as feminine, so I also think of beauty as a woman.
Here’s what the cabins on the ship look like:
The program
I already introduced the program in the previously mentioned post, but it belongs here again.
Every program I can participate in is interesting. Unless I get seasick. In that case, this trip will not be one of the best, but the most horrible experiences of my life, but I don’t want to think about that right now. By the way, in the program recommendation video, the owner said that if possible, we shouldn’t bring work on this trip, and that you don’t have to participate in every program. I’ll try to be up to par!
Despite all this, I have an idea based on the program of what I don’t want to miss.
Day 1
- 30-second pitches: Good to know this is coming. I’ve been planning to prepare for this for years, so now is the time.
- Speed friending: Nomad Cruise is all about building relationships. I’m glad we’re officially making this an opportunity.
Day 2
- Scaling for freedom.
- Worksops
- AI-matchmaking dinner
- White party: The White Party is a common and popular themed event on cruise ships, including the Costa Fortuna. The “White Party” is a themed evening party where guests are asked to wear white. This event is usually one of the highlights of the cruise ship entertainment program.
Day 3
- Panel Mastermind
- Deep Connection Workshop
Day 4
- Palermo day will be pretty laid-back, we’ll see what comes of it.
Day 5
- Story Night.
- The charity dinner was not in my plans, I’m afraid that if I drink according to my premium drink package, I’ll even give away my kidney. We’ll see what the money raised will go towards.
Day 6
- The unconference will be held twice that day. I’ve never been to one like this before, I’m really looking forward to it.
Day 7
- It finally made sense to me what would happen on the last day. A shared sightseeing tour of Athens, the price of which is included in the boat ticket. Last year – as I wrote earlier – I was in Athens twice, but I’m sure that I will see something different on an organized tour than what I’ve already seen.
I will try to participate in the programs that I didn’t mention. Of course, I have to leave time for cocktails and beers, not to mention that I hope to have the opportunity to talk to as many people as possible outside of the programs.
What’s included in the price?
As we get closer to launch, it’s worth clarifying these things. Here they are:
Okay. I hope the many red roses I need to buy for Dulcinea don’t take up all my remaining money.
The answer to the question of what’s not in it is this:
That’s fine too. I bought the drinks package, it wasn’t 180 EUR, it was 228. I was informed about the optional port programs that the fee would be 50 EUR maximum twice. It looks like there won’t be any more surprises.
We will be informed about more details in the weeks before departure, but that’s enough for me for now.
I’m flying to France in exactly 3 weeks. I’m really looking forward to it!