A man who spent the best part of 25 years sailing the seven seas onboard cruise ships has revealed the surprising impact it's had on his health.
The allure of a life off dry ground is one which has grown in popularity over the past couple of years.
From three-and-a-half year cruises and docking at 147 different counties across the globe, to couples' swapping their homes for cabins and endless views of the ocean, there is certainly no shortage of hardcore cruise lovers out there.
Just make sure you're up to date with the prohibited items on your vessel of choice before packing up, unless you fancy a rocky start to your nautical journey.
Advert
However few people are as famous in the cruising world as Cuban national Mario Salcedo, whose spent the past 25 years travelling around the world on various cruises.
So it's safe to say he's a bit of an expert in the subject.
Who is 'Super Mario'?
At 72-years-old, 'Super Mario' spends 350 out of 365 days cruising around the world - a lifestyle which he's been following since the turn of the century.
The unique lifestyle choice meant that Salcedo's been able to visit numerous countries around the world while also enjoying the service which comes with being onboard a floating hotel. His favourite ship is the Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas, which he states has 'cruising to another dimension'.
He has since completed over 1000 cruises with the company, with staff onboard coming up with his 'Super Mario' nickname.
For the 15 days a year he is on land, Salcedo maintains an apartment in Miami and spends his time 'dancing and walking' as well as visiting fast food joints such as Burger King and McDonald's, per Conde Nast Traveller.
He also maintains a steady income from online investment management work, which helps foot the bill for his £81,000-a-year cabin.
Why has he spent so long at sea?
The decision to pack up your entire life and life out the rest of your days alongside holidaymakers from all corners of the world is a peculiar one, so why does Salcedo spend so much time on cruises?
According to the businessman, the decision was one borne out of frustration for his old job,
A former director at an international finance, Salcedo found that he rarely spent anytime at home due to the amount of travelling required for his old job so handed in his notice at the age of 47 and set out on the voyage of a lifetime.
What health consequences has he faced?
However spending so long at sea hasn't come without its setbacks, as Salcedo previously revealed that he often struggles to adapt during the 15 days he's back on dry land.
"I’ve lost my land legs, so when I’m swaying so much I can’t walk in a straight line," he previously revealed to CNTraveller.
The condition is known as Mal de débarquement syndrome (MdDS), a rare disorder which creates a false sense of motion, even when a person is stood still.
Would he return back to land?
Given his unlikely reaction to being on land, it's unlikely that Salcedo will be moving back into his Miami abode anytime soon. "I’m so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land," he told All Things Cruise.
He also has a pretty sweet work/life balance, spending five hours at his computer and the rest of his time having fun.
"It's zero stress," he added. "The best lifestyle I can find."
Topics: Travel, Cruise Ship, Health
Brenna Cooper