Mario Salcedo, known as ‘Super Mario’ in cruise circles, has spent the last 25 years living on cruise ships. Recently, he celebrated his 1,000th voyage with Royal Caribbean, showcasing an unparalleled level of customer loyalty. Salcedo revealed that he spends approximately $101,000/£81,000 annually on cruises, opting for a cabin with a balcony. He funds his ocean-going lifestyle through an investment management work. On some ships, crew members have even set up makeshift offices for him on deck, complete with signs reading ‘Super Mario’s Office’.
Salcedo expressed his love for cruising, stating that it never gets old for him. He finds being on ships more comfortable than being on land, a sentiment that has led him to permanently reside at sea after growing tired of the corporate world and international travel. Since his first cruise in 1997, Salcedo has been hooked on the experience, eventually settling on Royal Caribbean as his preferred cruise line due to their ships’ appeal. He has been living on Royal Caribbean vessels almost continuously since 2000, only spending a few days a year on land and taking a brief pause during the Covid-19 pandemic.
For his 1,000th cruise, Salcedo embarked on the Explorer of the Seas, a 3,286-passenger ship departing from Miami for an 11-night voyage to Panama and the southern Caribbean. Despite spending about five hours a day working, Salcedo emphasizes that the cruise lifestyle is stress-free and the best he can find. He enjoys his time at sea, balancing work and leisure, and cherishes the unique experience that living on a cruise ship offers.
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