Greetings from the middle of the Atlantic as I’m halfway through my Barcelona -> Rio de Janeiro, three-week cruise on the impressive MSC Seaview and will take this opportunity to highlight 5 reasons why cruising is one of the best choices for a travel stock photographer (plus one reason why it’s not…at the end). Let’s get started!

1. It’s Great Value for Money

As this is my first-ever cruise I wasn’t really sure what the package included so I did as much research as I could. Basically, my whole trip cost about $1,200* which if you break it down over 20 days it’s just $60 a day to visit 10 different cities. Easily more affordable than anything on land where $60 probably won’t even cover the daily food costs.

I was looking to go to Brazil anyway both to escape the “harsh” winter in Portugal and to visit family. I was looking at plane tickets which were going for around $700 one-way, so a hotel on the sea at less than double the cost is truly value!

I should easily be able to recover my costs in a few years or perhaps even shorter time if I manage to sell a few book covers and 4K clips. Once the cruise is finished I’ll publish a blog post with a summary of how many assets I managed to upload and how much I expect to earn after a few years, as I did with my Spanish trip earlier this year. I’ll also include the number of kilos gained.

*Total cost includes a comfortable cabin with a window, high-speed internet at $170 for the whole trip (more on this later), food and basic drinks package.

2. By far the best way to see different cities without much hassle

The other day I was in Malaga and woke up in Casablanca where I didn’t even have to leave my “hotel room”. No need to worry about packing/unpacking, logistics and admin. Awesome!

In total there were 9 different stops at places I most likely would have never gone if not for the cruise, including Lanzarote, which inevitably turned out to be a good place for shopping. Or Cartagena and Casablanca.

Basically the ship docks early morning and departs in the evening which offers quite a bit of time to explore the sights and culture on your own or with a paid excursion. Depending on the city, the ship may dock quite close to the city-centre (walking distance), which can present stunning views to rival drone shots. Such as the one below captured in Genoa, Italy at sunset right before departing in the evening.

And another one at Palma de Mallorca.

And finally, here’s Marseille.

3. Internet speed is quite good considering the circumstances

To reiterate, I opted for the high-speed internet streaming option at slightly more expensive but has been well worth it. I write to you from the middle of the Atlantic and currently uploading some photos at a quite OK speeds considering the circumstances. Video uploads are not recommended unless you leave your laptop on all night. Best to just upload those huge files when you get to land on a normal high-speed wifi.

Below is a speed test I just carried out:

Therefore, it’s possible to do quite a bit of work during the trip or just stay connected to chat with friends/family and read the news.

4. Abundance of scenes to capture for stock

This mega-ship is presenting itself as a treasure-trove for stock opportunities and I’m exploring literally all the public areas for good spots to capture, including for book covers which are currently my main focus.

As we leave the European winter behind the temperature and light slowly improve. It’s nice to be outdoors again in summer clothes in late-November.

Then there’s also the vast ocean and was fun to wake up to see jumping dolphins outside my cabin window.

5. Nobody cares what you’re shooting

Unlike shooting in a normal urban setting, in a cruise nobody really cares that I was shooting almost everything, even with a tripod. In fact, people were having such a good time that everybody is friendly and chatty.

In the towns, it’s the same as they’re quite used to many tourists. The only place that I didn’t feel welcome was in Genoa. It’s a strange city with lots of petty criminals and best be avoided. I also didn’t feel safe in the tiny streets within the historic centre. Best to use Genoa as a base to explore much nicer places nearby such as Portofino and Cinque Terre.

Back on the ship, I was quite surprised that nobody complained that I was shooting at the casino while players played blackjack with real money.

One Reason Not to Book a Cruise!

I leave one reason not to book a cruise to last. The reason is that you’ll gain a lot of weight if you cannot control yourself!

The buffets are open 20hours a day and there’s a huge risk you may not be able to fit into your clothes after 3 weeks binging – be warned!

Already eyeing my next cruise(s)!

Hope I managed to convince you and until next week when I’ll be publishing my November earnings & news report! Next stop…Salvador in a few days!

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About Alex

Hey there, fellow cruise enthusiasts! You won’t believe the incredible journey I’ve been on. Currently soaking up the sun in Lisbon, Portugal, I’ve dedicated the past eight years of my life to living the dream as a travel photographer, videographer, and freelance writer. And guess what? I’m addicted to cruise ships – those floating palaces of luxury and adventure that have become my second home.

As I jet around the world, capturing stock images and footage, I’ve found a sweet spot in submitting book cover images to Arcangel Images. It’s like a match made in heaven for someone like me, constantly seeking the next breathtaking shot to share with the world.

And, hold onto your captain’s hats, I recently splurged on a DJI Mavic 2s drone! The views from up there are nothing short of mind-blowing. But here’s the kicker – I’m eyeing an Air 3 soon. Yep, call me a drone addict, too. But hey, when you’re cruising the skies and capturing the world from above, who wouldn’t be?

Now, let me brag a bit – I’ve penned a book about my wild adventures. It’s not just any book; it’s the “Brutally Honest Guide to Microstock Photography.” Trust me; it’s a rollercoaster of tips, tricks, and tales from the high seas and exotic lands. I spill the beans on what it takes to make it as a stock travel photographer, no sugar-coating involved.

So, here I am, living the cruise life, snapping pics, flying drones, and writing my heart out. I’m on a mission to inspire others to embrace the eccentricity of this fascinating business model. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to trade the conventional for a life less ordinary, hop on board and let’s sail into the horizon together! Smooth seas and blue skies, my fellow cruise addicts! 🚢✈️📸