Musician quits boring job to travel the world on a cruise ship

Jack Nolan, a musician from Exeter, England, made a bold decision to leave his full-time job and embark on an incredible journey—traveling the world on a cruise ship. Now, after eight years of sailing the seas, he reflects on the valuable experiences he has gained along the way. This is reported by SSP.

Nolan, 33 years old, initially started working as a musician on cruise ships in 2016. According to him, his career shift has been a game-changer. "Not many jobs will let you see so many countries and experience so much culture," he mentioned. The allure of exploring diverse destinations and immersing himself in various cultures was simply irresistible.

Prior to joining the world of cruise ships, Nolan had spent years working in plumbing shops and feeling burnt out with the repetitive routine. "I was living for the weekend and still often worked Saturdays, too," he admitted. Everything changed when a friend reached out to him with an opportunity to showcase his guitar skills in a band. Excited about the prospect, Nolan agreed, and they soon recorded a promotional video. With that video, they landed their first gig on a ferry in 2016, which paved the way for more exciting opportunities.

Soon after the initial success, Nolan's band secured their first contract for a cruise, marking the beginning of his extraordinary travel adventures. "I was so excited. The ships went to places like the Caribbean—and I had never been," Nolan reminisces. Fast forward to today, he works as a musician aboard the Virgin Voyages cruise line. Alongside performing at night, he can explore new travel spots whenever the ship docks during the day. For Nolan, it is the perfect blend of his passion for music, travel, and minimal living expenses, making it a financially advantageous lifestyle.

While his monthly pay may not seem substantial, Nolan highlights the benefits of having low overhead costs. "When you add in rent, bills, and food tax-free, it certainly becomes a great way to save cash," he reveals. His earnings amount to approximately $4,000 per month in U.S. dollars.

Nolan's travel adventures have taken him to remarkable places. Some of his favorite destinations so far include the Acropolis in Greece, the Colosseum in Rome, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Hobbiton in New Zealand, and the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. The thrill of waking up every day in a different country fills him with an unparalleled sense of adventure. "Today, we are in Palma, Mallorca, [but] tomorrow we could be in France. Each day we wake up in another country," Nolan expresses joyfully.

Despite living in close quarters with fellow crew members, being able to explore each new port brings a sense of liberation. It reminds Nolan of his university days—a reminiscent feeling of shared spaces and camaraderie. However, as much as he enjoys the cruise ship lifestyle, he acknowledges that he misses his family and friends. Nolan hopes to eventually return back to land. Nevertheless, he cherishes the connections he has made from working with incredible people from around the world aboard cruise ships. "I can honestly say I have learned so much from them and probably have a place to stay on any continent around the world," says Nolan, gratefully reflecting on his enriching experiences.