Belencia Wallace, a 52-year-old from California, has embarked on an unconventional journey, leaving behind the traditional 9-to-5 grind to live on cruise ships for an entire year. This adventure, which began in October 2024, has taken her to breathtaking destinations across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Mexico, and Asia. For Belencia, life at sea is not just a getaway but a lifestyle she embraces wholeheartedly. She has no regrets about this bold decision and wishes only that she had taken the plunge sooner. Her journey is documented on her TikTok profile, @ladybugtravel, where she shares the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of her life aboard these floating communities, amassing a following of over 50,000 enthusiasts.
Before her life at sea, Belencia worked in healthcare management and administration, a career path that, while stable, did not fulfill her deep-seated love for travel and exploration. Her transition to full-time content creation has been nothing short of remarkable. Using the Wi-Fi and workspaces available on the ships, she crafts engaging videos that offer a candid look into her unique lifestyle. Over the past 112 days, she has visited 78 ports, each stop offering a new cultural experience, stunning vistas, and opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life. Belencia’s favorite ship so far is the Symphony of the Seas, part of a mix of Royal Caribbean vessels she pre-booked to keep her journey exciting. She appreciates the diversity each ship offers, from luxurious amenities to family-friendly activities, and her favorite port destinations include Nassau, the Bahamas, and St. Martin, where the blend of history, culture, and natural beauty has captivated her.
The decision to spend a year at sea was not made on a whim; it was the culmination of a long-held desire to combine travel with the convenience of having a “home base.” Belencia wanted to explore multiple destinations without the logistical challenges of constantly arranging accommodations and meals. Cruising offered the perfect solution—a floating community where she could enjoy the comforts of home while immersing herself in new experiences. Her previous cruises, including a 45-day journey from Singapore to Dubai, Dubai to Barcelona, and a transatlantic voyage from Barcelona to New York City, had already solidified her love for this lifestyle. These experiences not only highlighted the beauty of the world but also the unique sense of community that comes with life at sea. For Belencia, the idea of living on a cruise ship for a year was not just about sightseeing but about embracing a way of life that felt both liberating and familiar.
The cost of this adventure, approximately $50,000 to $60,000 for the year, is surprisingly affordable compared to the expenses of living in a major city, where rent, utilities, groceries, and entertainment can quickly add up. This figure covers everything from accommodations and meals to entertainment and excursions, making the decision to live at sea not just a lifestyle choice but also a financially viable one. Belencia has embraced this freedom, finding joy in the simplicity of waking up to a new destination every few days. The ever-changing scenery, access to onboard amenities like pools, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and the opportunity to immerse herself in diverse cultures have made every day feel like a vacation. Her TikTok videosoffer a glimpse into this life, showcasing the beauty of the destinations she visits and the camaraderie she has found among fellow travelers and crew members.
Despite the many joys of life at sea, Belencia acknowledges that there are downsides. The occasional lack of privacy, the limited space in her cabin, and the challenges of staying connected with friends and family due to time differences and Wi-Fi issues are among the hurdles she has faced. However, these difficulties are far outweighed by the sense of adventure and fulfillment she has found. One of the most pleasant surprises has been the strong sense of community onboard. She has met fascinating people from all over the world, and the crew members have become like a second family to her. The rhythm of life at sea has also become second nature, and Belencia has adapted to the unique pace of this lifestyle with ease. She finds inspiration in the ever-changing views and the opportunity to experience new cultures firsthand, making every day feel fresh and exciting.
As her year at sea nears its end, Belencia reflects on the transformative impact this journey has had on her life. She now considers herself a “global citizen,” ready to embrace whatever comes next. After completing her time on the ships, she plans to spend some time in Asia before letting the universe guide her to her next destination. For Belencia, this journey has been about more than just seeing the world—it has been about rediscovering herself and finding a sense of belonging in the most unexpected places. Her story is a testament to the power of following your heart and embracing the unknown, proving that life’s greatest adventures often lie just beyond the horizon.
