For 25 years, Mario Salcedo (affectionately known as “Super Mario” in the cruise industry) has embraced an unconventional lifestyle, calling cruise ships his permanent home.
If you are a frequent cruiser, you have probably met him on one of your trips, perhaps without knowing who he was.
However, the very environment he loves has come with an unexpected physical twist, and spending so much time on a cruise has changed his life health-wise as well.
More Than 1000 Cruises
Super Mario recently celebrated his 1,000th voyage with Royal Caribbean (as you can see from the photo above).
Obviously, this is an outstanding achievement that no other passenger has been able to achieve!
The Cuban-born businessman left behind the suit-and-tie routine and the exhausting cycle of international flights after his inaugural cruise in 1997.
According to his view, going on a cruise never makes you tired and keeps you away from stress. A truly perfect lifestyle that everyone should try.
Since 2000, Salcedo has spent almost every day on board Royal Caribbean ships—taking only a few days off on land and pausing his nomadic life only for short periods.
His unwavering commitment to this lifestyle is evident not only in his impressive travel records but also in the noticeable physical changes he’s experienced over the years.
He Lost Land Legs
In an exclusive interview with Conde Nast Traveler, Salcedo revealed a shocking consequence of his maritime lifestyle:
“I’ve lost my land legs. I’m swaying so much I can’t walk in a straight line. I’m so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land.”
This condition, known as mal de débarquement syndrome, isn’t uncommon among long-term cruisers.
Several cruise passengers have experienced it, and it’s definitely not a pleasant thing. For some people, extended time on a cruise ship might seem like a dream come true, but the body’s constant adaptation to the ship’s movement can lead to a disconcerting loss of terrestrial balance.
Of course, this is a common condition among workers as well, something to keep in mind when looking at the wages that workers on cruises are able to earn.
How Much Does Super Mario Spend?
As you can imagine, Super Mario’s cruise lifestyle comes with a hefty price tag.
He reportedly spends around $100,000 per year on cruises for a cabin with a balcony, a premium expense that he comfortably funds through his work in investment management.
His deep ties with Royal Caribbean are so well-known that, on several ships, crew members have even created makeshift offices for him on deck, complete with cordoned-off tables, chairs, and signs reading “Super Mario’s Office.”
This level of recognition underscores not only his status among frequent cruisers but also the close relationship he has developed with the cruise line over the decades.
Salcedo’s choice to settle with Royal Caribbean wasn’t accidental; after trying out a few different cruise lines, he found that Royal Caribbean’s ships resonated with his lifestyle and preferences.
Below, you can see when he reached 10,000 points in Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program. Obviously, he is the passenger with the most points ever, and no one had ever reached this milestone before!
His Daily Routine on the Ship
When asked about his daily routine, Super Mario said that he dedicates about five hours a day to work, leaving the rest of his time free for relaxation and enjoyment.
On board the ships, he manages to perfectly balance work and fun while always meeting new people.
According to his words, the sense of freedom and the removal of traditional work pressures have given him a new perspective on life, a perspective that is as buoyant as the ships he calls home.
Is It Possible to Live on a Cruise?
However, his revelation about losing his land legs has sparked conversations among travel enthusiasts and health experts.
While many view the extended time at sea as a nice escape from the rigors of conventional life, his experience serves as a reminder that even paradise comes with its peculiar drawbacks.
Despite the challenges, his viewpoint remains optimistic. By now, he’s so used to this life that going back and readjusting would be too difficult.
In addition, contrary to what you might think, there are many people who choose to live on cruise ships, especially people who work remotely or retirees.
Curious about the cost? Check out our in-depth article: Living Permanently on a Cruise Ship.
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
