{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/662a55e41967a000124c49eb/698ca0ee34f221647e25a9cd?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"This Isn’t a Vacation… It’s Her Life","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/662a55e41967a000124c49eb/1770823701030-229a1adc-16ea-4704-a27d-43b4c436f880.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Ep47: Belencia Wallace - Full Time Cruise Content Creator</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Deck Tales, Sammy Catling chats with Belencia — better known as Ladybug Travel — a full-time content creator who has spent the past eight months living entirely on cruise ships. Broadcasting live from various corners of a Royal Caribbean ship (including a chapel for peace and quiet), Belencia shares what it’s really like to be a “constant cruiser,” hopping between nearly 30 ships while building a social media career at sea.</p><p>From managing Wi-Fi, mail, and logistics to navigating ports independently, saving money through loyalty status, and balancing nonstop travel with content creation, Valencia offers a behind-the-scenes look at a lifestyle that sounds glamorous—but requires serious planning and stamina. Along the way, she reflects on favorite destinations, least-favorite ports, cultural lessons learned abroad, and how going all-in on herself has already paid off with viral growth and major media features.</p><p>Key Takeaways</p><p>Living full-time on cruise ships is possible—but only with extreme organization and planning</p><p>Cruise loyalty status can dramatically reduce daily living costs (Wi-Fi, laundry, drinks)</p><p>Being a digital nomad doesn’t mean slowing down—burnout is real, even in paradise</p><p>Independent travel in port offers deeper cultural experiences and major cost savings</p><p>Betting on yourself can pay off, but momentum brings new challenges and overwhelm</p><p>Cruise ships can be a powerful platform for storytelling, connection, and global reach</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 – She Lives on Cruise Ships</p><p>How Belencia ended up living full-time at sea</p><p>06:12 – How This Lifestyle Even Started</p><p>The moment cruising turned into a life choice</p><p>13:45 – What Full-Time Cruise Life Is Really Like</p><p>Daily routines, cabins, food, and onboard reality</p><p>20:58 – How She Affords Living at Sea</p><p>Costs, budgeting, and whether this is cheaper than rent</p><p>28:31 – The Biggest Myths About Cruise Life</p><p>What people get completely wrong about living on ships</p><p>35:44 – The Hardest Parts of Living on Cruise Ships</p><p>Loneliness, logistics, and things no one talks about</p><p>42:57 – Friendships, Dating &amp; Social Life at Sea</p><p>What relationships look like when you never stay still</p><p>50:03 – Health, Safety &amp; Long-Term Sustainability</p><p>Burnout, routines, and how long this lifestyle can last</p><p>56:41 – Is This Lifestyle Actually Worth It?</p><p>Trade-offs, regrets, and unexpected rewards</p><p>01:03:28 – Advice for Anyone Who Wants to Do This</p><p>What to know before trying full-time cruising</p><p>01:08:20 – Final Thoughts &amp; What’s Next</p><p>Reflections on freedom, travel, and what comes after</p><p><br></p><p>To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on: </p><p><br></p><p>Facebook: </p><p>https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficial</p><p>Instagram: </p><p>https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.</p><p>TikTok: </p><p>https://www.tiktok.com/@decktales</p><p><br></p><p>For all links you can head to the official website: </p><p>https://www.decktales.co.uk</p><p><br></p><p>If you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at: </p><p>https://ko-fi.com/decktales</p><p>And if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244</p>","author_name":"Sam Catling - Sea Life Story Teller"}