Is it cheaper than living on dry land? 

Depending on your circumstances, yes. Costs on residential ships are advertised at starting from £70 a day – and that includes heating, food and entertainment. Passengers Melody and John Hennessee on Villa Vie Odyssey say: “Living at sea costs nearly half of what we used to spend on land. We have one monthly payment – we do not have a mortgage, house insurance, car payments, utility or food bills.”

What if I get ill? 

The ships carry a doctor and nurses though, of course, any major surgery or treatment would have to be done on land. Passengers must have insurance to cover treatment on shore plus medical emergencies such as being airlifted from the ship.  

What about dental treatment? 

Dentists will make occasional visits to the ships.

Do I pay tax? 

Ships such as The World are floating tax havens for permanent cruisers because passengers only stay in the national waters of individual countries for a day or two. 

Can I still vote? 

Britons living overseas can register as electors if they meet certain criteria. Proxy or postal votes are possible, says the Electoral Commission.

What about children? 

They are welcome on ships such as Storylines, which even promises help with homeschooling.

Can I receive mail? 

Villa Vie provides passengers with a US address where mail can be forwarded – it is then sent on to meet the ship at its next port every four weeks. Storylines will offer a service where you can agree to have your letters opened, scanned and sent to your email.

What home comforts can’t I bring? 

Hair curlers are banned as a fire risk, as are candles and other open flames. You also can’t bring knives with blades longer than 4in – or skean dhus for Scots. And no fresh flowers either. 

Is there self-catering? 

The World includes kitchens in many of its cabins. Storylines will provide communal lounge areas with cooking facilities, meaning passengers can throw a dinner party and leave the crew to clear up. Cabins on that ship will have fridges and pantry space as well as basic equipment such as toasters and microwaves.

Is it all-inclusive? 

Like cruise lines, residential ships have different rules on whether alcohol is covered in the fare. Villa Vie includes drinks with meals – separate bar bills have to be paid for.

Is Wi-Fi reliable?

Most ships now use the Starlink system which provides good coverage across the world – though some users say even that can be affected by bad weather. 

Can I get a Sky subscription to watch football? 

Unless the ship has a licence to screen games, Sky services are geographically restricted to the UK. Even watching downloaded content on Sky Go requires an account registered to a UK address. However, you should be able to watch Netflix using Wi-Fi.

Can friends and family visit?

Villa Vie allows passengers to invite guests on board for just $33 (£25) a day each. If there’s no space in your cabin, they can sleep in spare rooms on the lower decks. Or, if you’re away, they can stay in your cabin for free.

Can I redecorate my cabin?

Some Villa Vie residents have rebuilt or redecorated their cabins but there are strict rules on materials they can use, to comply with International Maritime Organisation regulations. 

Can I bring a pet?

Up to two cats per cabin are welcome on Villa Vie (resident Holly Hennessy is travelling with her Siamese cat called Captain) and Storylines ship Narrative will have areas for dog walking and play. There will also be a kennel and grooming station, plus an exam room for use by the on-board vet.

Is there a luggage limit?

Bring what you like, as long as you can fit it in your cabin. Some ships have common storage areas on lower decks for cases and other spare belongings.