Until recently, cruises conjured the image of a luxurious vacation for retirees fond of exploring the world in many people's minds.
But the pandemic, which catapulted remote work to new heights and made digital nomadism a more popular lifestyle, has not only changed the way we work, but also the way we travel—or simply put, the way we live our lives.
Thanks to the increasing number of service providers targeting location-independent professionals, cruises—as well as retreats, extreme sports, and much more—are becoming increasingly accessible and associated with a dynamic work and leisure environment.
Nomad Cruise, which describes itself as “the world's first floating digital nomad conference,” is a pioneer of sea voyages tailored to aspiring and experienced digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking a life of greater freedom and flexibility.
At their 10-day digital nomad summit at sea, which took place in December 2023, over 400 remote workers, including digital nomads, boarded in Spain, crossed the Atlantic, visited two Brazilian coastal cities, and concluded their journey in Salvador in northeastern Brazil.
But that was really just the beginning.
How could it be otherwise with 100 curated events on the cruise that offered participants the opportunity to take part in keynotes, workshops, mastermind sessions, skill-sharing and networking activities, gym workouts, parties, and more?
And we know this is true because our Head of Partnerships, Sara Vieira, was on board.
“When we arrived in Salvador, two meet-ups had already been organized for the next few days, and we ended up organizing another one. So it was really easy to stay in touch right after the trip. We all used a Nomad Cruise wristband to recognize who was on the cruise, and funnily enough, you could still see some faces at these meet-ups that you had never seen before,” she shared.
According to Sara, what made for deeper, higher quality connections was the fact that despite having Starlink available for most of the trip, cruise passengers were encouraged to unplug and live in the moment.
“Being disconnected allowed me to be more present, fully engage in conversations, and pay attention to the people around me.”
As Sara learned first-hand, one of the main motivations for the cruise participants was to escape the winter in their home countries and enjoy pleasant weather in a destination without the need for significant time zone adjustments.
And this is just a glimpse of a broader mindset.
Remote workers, especially digital nomads, not only want to be free to choose where they are, but also when and with whom.
This quest for freedom and flexibility is what leads them to experiences such as nomad cruises, which allow them to design their lives as they wish, surrounded by like-minded people who can enrich their personal and professional lives.
Read our interview with Sara to find out more about what a workation on board a cruise ship is like and how you can make the most of such a special experience.
Remember to check out Flatio for visa-friendly, reasonably priced, and deposit-free accommodations ideal for remote work in Europe and beyond!
And don’t miss the following video, which gives you an insight into the floating conference of Nomad Cruise.
1 - How would you describe your cruise experience in one word, phrase or sentence, Sara?
If I had to summarize my cruise experience in one word, it would be “community.”
It was my first time on the Nomad Cruise, armed with only a handful of connections I had met a month earlier at another nomad event.
The advice was clear—don't book anything in Brazil in advance, just go with the flow and meet fellow travelers on the journey. So I boarded the cruise, with only my first three nights in Salvador booked.
Considering Brazil's reputation for safety, I'm not going to lie—I had my moments of worry mixed with excitement. What if I couldn't connect with anyone? What if everyone had their plans figured out?
But you know what? Fast forward a month, and I've completely forgotten about those initial jitters.
Christmas was a blast, surrounded by an amazing group of 25 people, and now I've found travel buddies lined up for every destination on my wish list. As it turned out, the worries were only a blip in the grand adventure.
2 - What did you learn better about the digital nomad community during the trip?
This community is all about “intentionality.” It's not just about wandering from one destination to another; it's about a lifestyle crafted with thoughtful precision. From daily habits to grand ambitions, every aspect is purposeful.
At the end of the year, we had meaningful conversations in this community about what we were grateful for in 2023, what we want to leave behind, what we want to achieve and even chose a guiding word for 2024.
It's a collective of individuals with a shared commitment to living intentionally and embracing the journey with purpose—that’s what I found while searching for my community.
3 - Was there a common theme in the lifestyle of the people on board that stood out to you and could be a potential trend for this year?
Calisthenics workouts! When you're constantly on the move, finding a traditional gym with all the equipment can be a challenge.
The digital nomad community seems to have embraced calisthenics—a form of resistance training that relies on your body weight rather than external weights. It's not just a workout, but a practical and accessible fitness solution perfectly suited to the nomadic lifestyle.
4 - From your observations on this trip, what are the main motivations of people living a nomadic lifestyle?
The common driving force behind the nomadic lifestyle is undeniably freedom. It's not just about the freedom to choose where we are, but also when and with whom.
Why should we endure winter every year if it doesn't match our preferences? There is a collective desire for flexibility and control over our time.
In addition, it's the pursuit of complete autonomy and financial freedom that resonates with many nomads. The ability to create our own stories, free from conventional constraints such as working 9 to 5.
5 - What about their common challenges?
Logistics and commitment! Booking flights, accommodation, and choosing where to go next.
6 - I assume that you, as a representative of Flatio, have had some conversations with the digital nomads you met on board about their accommodation needs and preferences. Are there any insights in terms of accommodation that you would like to share?
Many nomads actually have a home base that they purchased either before becoming nomads or as an investment.
However, most of them face challenges when it comes to renting their properties due to current Airbnb regulations in many countries.
Flatio can be an incredible alternative, as we do not fall into the short-term rental category, but into the temporary housing category.
When it comes to renting accommodation themselves, nomads struggle with a few things:
- The Wi-Fi speed
- Comfortable desk and chair
- Proper lightning for video calls and meetings
I’m happy to see that Flatio is investing in having these needs covered with the Nomad-Verified badge, which helps tenants find listings on our platform that are suitable for remote working.
7 - Given the limited time and the large number of travelers on the cruise, it was obviously impossible to meet everyone. How did you decide who to connect with and were there any strategies or approaches that were particularly effective in making meaningful connections?
It was a challenge to make contacts in the limited time available because there were so many people on board.
We often judge people by their appearance and try to connect with those we can most easily identify with. But I actually had very interesting conversations with people who, at first glance, I wouldn’t say I would connect with.
One effective strategy was to participate in the open dinners, where I would sit at a table with 4 to 8 other cruise participants for a four-course meal.
Each evening, I tried to sit with people I had never met before. This two-hour window provided an opportunity for meaningful conversations and getting to know others.
The Nomad Cruise organized activities such as nomad bingo, speed dating, and a deep connection workshop, which offered structured opportunities for interaction.
There is a saying that goes: “The cruise is just the beginning.” When we arrived in Salvador, two meet-ups had already been organized for the next few days, and we ended up organizing another one. So it was really easy to stay in touch right after the trip.
We all used a Nomad Cruise wristband to recognize who was on the cruise, and funnily enough, you could still see some faces at these meet-ups that you had never seen before.
8 - There was Wi-Fi on the cruise, but passengers were encouraged to stay offline and network with other travelers. How easy was it for you to stay offline?
The first few days are difficult. You reach for your phone to check your notifications, you want to search online for something you learned in a talk or check someone’s profile on social media—you can’t do any of this.
Once I got used to it, I felt a sense of relief. Being disconnected allowed me to be more present, fully engage in conversations, and pay attention to the people around me.
And the absence of quick online searches encouraged me to rely on my inner knowledge, which allowed for a deeper connection with the moment.
This is the second year I've taken a week to be offline, and I'm determined to make this a regular habit.
9 - And how did you fill the hours when you were offline and not participating in events or activities?
Sleeping! The cruise schedule was packed with activities from 10 am to 11 pm, leaving little time for those precious moments of being offline. From talks and workshops to unconferences, dinners, and social activities, the days were a whirlwind of engaging events.
Catching up on sleep, relaxing in the sun, and journaling were my way of recharging my batteries.
The beauty of the nomadic community was that no matter what mood you are in, whether it was partying until sunrise or opting for a 7 am gym session and morning chats, there were always friends ready to join in.
The cruise as an immersive experience ensured that every moment was filled with connection, learning, and shared adventures.
10 - I’m also curious about your experience with Starlink? How was the quality of the internet connection?
While I chose to stay disconnected, I asked other cruisers about their experience with Starlink.
According to them, the connection was generally reliable when it came to answering emails, making calls and catching up on work. There were only a few hours in the middle of the ocean when the service was interrupted.
11 - How did you deal with FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) since there was so much happening on the cruise?
FOMO is real! At some point I had to accept it and allow myself some downtime between the whirlwind of activities. Sure, there were fantastic talks and workshops that I missed, but looking back, the connections I made and the personal growth I experienced through this experience were truly invaluable.
12 - Can you share some interesting stories or insights into the different ways of earning money as a nomad that you came across on the cruise?
Two stories from fellow nomads particularly stood out to me. One of them has carved out a unique niche, earning from a program they built to identify flaws in online games/casinos.
Another nomad, who divides the year between nomadic living and time in Sao Francisco, found a great source of income by crafting balloons for children while in California.
Popular fields of work were marketing, cryptocurrencies, IT, health, coaching, photography, real estate, and psychology.
Each individual had a distinct approach to sustaining the nomadic lifestyle, emphasizing that there are countless ways to succeed online beyond the conventional paths.
13 - In the context of networking, what were the main differences you observed between connecting with fellow digital nomads at sea compared to traditional land-based networking events?
The extended duration and abundance of activities on board the cruise, ranging from jacuzzi sessions and gym workouts to workshops and cruise dance parties, created a unique environment for networking.
The combination of these factors made interactions with fellow digital nomads a bit more intense compared to traditional land-based events.
14 - A transatlantic cruise involves crossing several time zones. Did you experience jet lag? Do you have any tips on how to overcome it?
This might be the best part of it. Jet lag is not an issue at all! We adopted a gradual adjustment of one hour every two days, so it didn’t have any impact on our sleep.
15 - Would you have any tips for people considering a cruise, especially in terms of preparation and getting the most out of the experience?
For a truly immersive experience, consider arriving early and leaving late. The cruise is more than a journey; it's a community coming together. Spending additional time will only enrich your experience.
If there's someone you're eager to network with, plan dedicated time. With 400 people, it can be overwhelming, and you might miss the chance to connect during the cruise. Create intentional moments to make the most of the vibrant community around you.
16 - What was the general experience of your fellow travelers? And would you recommend Nomad Cruise to others?
An intriguing revelation: half of the cruisers had been on a Nomad Cruise before, some multiple times—4, 5, even 8 times or more. That alone speaks volumes about the appeal of this unique experience.
The concept of a cruise is not for everyone for various reasons—you're stuck on a ship, it's not the most sustainable travel option, it's associated with retiree travel, and so on.
The next Nomad Cruise route, from Vancouver to Japan, was announced on board, and 80% of those present expressed an interest in taking part in the experience.
I would definitely recommend it to any nomad. The community is nothing short of incredible, and beyond the trip itself, you gain a group of friends ready to embark on further adventures once you reach your (first) destination.
17 - How do you see Latin America in general as a destination for digital nomads?
Latin America has excellent hotspots for digital nomads, including popular destinations such as Buenos Aires, Medellin, and Playa del Carmen.
Overall, the region seems to be particularly popular with American nomads, likely due to its favorable time zones. Brazil is only three hours behind London in winter, for example.
18 - What are the best ways to stay in touch with the people you meet on such a trip? How did you personally follow up on the contacts you made there?
I found that connecting on Instagram works wonders for staying in touch with all the people I met on the cruise. It’s easy to see what they’re up to through stories, and it serves as an easy conversation starter.
Additionally, we've set up a Telegram chat for all the cruisers from this edition. It's organized by destination and theme, providing a platform to exchange ideas, seek advice, and keep the community spirit alive even after the trip.
19 - What was your most important takeaway from this trip? And will you consider taking another cruise in the future?
My most significant takeaway from this trip was the inspiration it provided. On the cruise there were so many different visions, professions, ways of thinking… All united by the common value of freedom.
