David Greene : On a cruise , if a guest house goes unoccupied , that 's money that 's lost . I met a man who was living virtually full - time on cruise ships at rock bottom rates . He was living the ultimate beach - bum fantasy , 21st - century style , Greene says . Greene : Cruise companies have always had to contend with uncertainties in the economy , which sometimes make travelers cautious about planning leisure trips , and Carnival has faced widespread unpleasant publicity in recent years . The downside is that you are cast adrift in many ways .
David Greene : On a cruise , if a guest house goes unoccupied , that 's money that 's lost . I met a man who was living virtually full - time on cruise ships at rock bottom rates . He was living the ultimate beach - bum fantasy , 21st - century style , Greene says . Greene : The downside is that you are cast adrift in many ways .