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Nomad Cruise Review: Is It Worth It?

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Ever thought about taking a Nomad Cruise and wondered if it’s really worth the investment? Well, I’ve been on one—the Antarctica cruise, the priciest one they offer—and I’ve got some firsthand insights to share in this Nomad Cruise review.

Honestly, I never considered going on a cruise before. As a solo traveler who loves adventuring, the idea of being stuck on a floating resort had zero appeal to me. But Nomad Cruise completely changed my perspective.

If you’re like many digital nomads I know, you might be asking whether this kind of cruise can genuinely boost your lifestyle and career, or if it’s just an exciting yet fleeting adventure.

I know how crucial it is to make smart choices about where to spend your resources, so I’ll give you the lowdown on what to really expect. From finding a new community to spontaneous partnerships that sprouted from casual chats, I’ll cover the aspects that make Nomad Cruise worth every penny.

So, if you’re on the fence about hopping aboard for your next digital nomad adventure, read on as I unpack everything this digital nomad cruise has to offer.

Join me on the next Nomad Cruise and get €150 off using this link!

A group of people cheering on a ship's helipad with serene icy waters and snow-covered mountains in the background.
Photo Credit: Tijmen Hobbel (@brainbow_photography

Nomad Cruise is essentially a conference at sea, but it’s so much more than your typical business gathering. Designed for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in a location-independent lifestyle, it combines professional development with an adventurous travel experience.

Participants have the opportunity to attend workshops, network with like-minded individuals, and enjoy leisure activities, all while sailing to stunning destinations.

Nomad Cruise Review

Nomad Cruise Antarctica

The first cruise I attended, bound for Antarctica, was particularly unique. Unlike the regular Nomad Cruise programs which feature a packed schedule of conferences and social events, this was an adventure cruise of just 50 nomads.

We didn’t follow the traditional conference itinerary. Instead, our days were filled with exploring breathtaking landscapes and encountering wildlife.

rookery of penguins in antartica

Going on my first Nomad Cruise to Antarctica, I was pretty nervous about not knowing anyone. I was worried I might feel left out since many people were returning from previous cruises. But that fear was unnecessary; everyone was incredibly welcoming, and by the end of the 10 days, it felt like we’d been friends forever.

Four penguins on a snowy slope with a bay surrounded by mountains and a ship in the distance, in a polar landscape.

The trip itself was everything I hoped for and more. We traveled with Oceanwide Expeditions, whose crew of enthusiastic scientists made sure we got plenty of time onshore, up close with the incredible wildlife.

Navigating the Drake Passage for two days each way was a bit rough, but having the Nomad Cruise community around made it a lot more enjoyable. We even set up a pop-up tattoo parlor on the way back, which shows just how creative and fun-loving this group is! Check out some of our shenanigans in the video below.

Even though it wasn’t your typical conference with back-to-back seminars, we still had some great skill-sharing sessions on topics like photography, and themed dinners where we talked about everything from polyamory to scaling your business.

Despite the unconventional setup, the connections made and the knowledge gained were still incredible. The intimate setting allowed for deeper interactions and discussions, making it easy to form deep bonds with participants.

The connections I made went beyond just the cruise. Afterward, many of us ended up in Buenos Aires for weeks. There was also an official Nomad Cruise reunion which many of the NC12 passengers from Brazil joined!

a large group of digital nomads in front of a building in buenos aires argentina
Nomad Cruise reunion in Buenos Aires

I even went to Carnival in Rio with a few friends from the cruise the month after. This experience showed me that the cruise is really just the beginning; the community you become part of lasts much longer.

Join me on the next Nomad Cruise and get €150 off using this link!

Nomad Cruise 13: Canada to Japan Review

A lively crowd in blue shirts poses enthusiastically on a ship deck by a pool, with a city skyline and ocean backdrop, capturing the joyful spirit of their nomad cruise adventure.

My second Nomad Cruise was a completely different experience from Antarctica. This was a much larger, full-program, two-week cruise from Vancouver to Japan via Alaska. While the dynamic was very different, it was just as rewarding in its own way.

Departing from Vancouver felt like a reunion rather than the beginning of a new adventure. Instead of being surrounded by strangers, I was exchanging hugs with so many friends I hadn’t seen since our Antarctica trip. The sense of community carried over beautifully, making the start of this journey feel extra special.

A group of people on the boat deck savor a sunny day, city skyline stretching behind them. As they hold drinks and beam at the camera, it's evident their nomad cruise review would be nothing short of glowing.

The cruise itself hit a few bumps—literally. Storms in Alaska forced us to change several of our planned stops, which was disappointing, but there’s only so much you can control at sea. Still, we made the most of it, finding joy in every moment and adapting as a group.

This cruise had a packed schedule, and I loved it. Mornings started with wellness activities like yoga and tai chi, followed by fascinating talks during the day on topics like real estate for nomads and tax strategies. Evenings were filled with group dinners, parties, and plenty of time in the hot tub—where, let’s be honest, some of the best networking happened.

A group of people relaxing in a hot tub under a glass ceiling, with some smiling at the camera.

The experience was completely different from Antarctica, but it was incredible in its own way. I got to deepen relationships with friends I had already met and connect with so many new people. The talks and workshops were valuable, giving me fresh ideas and strategies for my digital nomad lifestyle.

And the best part? The adventure didn’t end when the ship docked in Japan. Tokyo can be an overwhelming place to explore alone, so having a group of like-minded friends ready to take on the city’s vibrant streets made all the difference. Many of us continued traveling together through Asia, and months later, some are still on the road together.

Nomad Cruise 13 was proof of the lasting connections this community fosters. Whether it’s a small expedition ship in Antarctica or a full-scale cruise across the Pacific, each trip brings something unique, and I can’t wait for the next adventure.

Why Join Nomad Cruise

Educational and Networking Opportunities

A lot of young people in a big hall listening to a speaker

One of the biggest draws of Nomad Cruise is the variety of workshops, talks, and networking events that cater to almost every aspect of the digital nomad lifestyle.

Whether it’s professional development in areas like SEO, programming, and marketing, or personal growth topics such as breathing techniques, relaxation, and managing relationships, there’s something for everyone to learn. You can check out the previous conference program here.

There are so many digital nomad skills you need to have to succeed, and this is a great place to learn them.

On my cruise to Antarctica, even though the format was more adventure-focused and less conventional, I still walked away with a ton of valuable insights. There were informal skill-sharing sessions on a wide range of topics.

I particularly benefited from our conversations on how to scale a business, which gave me new ideas to apply to my own. The atmosphere is so inspiring—being surrounded by fellow nomads who are all eager to share their knowledge and experiences.

Being on a ship with like-minded people, away from the usual distractions, allows for deeper engagement and a real exchange of ideas. You leave these sessions not just with knowledge, but with practical tips and strategies that can be immediately implemented into your own nomad lifestyle.

Community and Social Interaction

A group of joyful people in varied attire posing together on a snowy landscape with icebergs in the background.
Photo Credit: Tijmen Hobbel (@brainbow_photography

The community vibe on Nomad Cruise is something else, it’s a huge part of what makes these cruises so unforgettable. You meet people from all walks of life—software engineers, coaches, creatives, CEOs—and everyone’s in the same boat (literally and figuratively), looking to learn and connect.

During my Antarctica trip, it struck me just how many folks are return cruisers, which really shows the strength of the connections made on board. But if you’re new, don’t worry about feeling left out. Sure, the first day might feel like everyone knows each other with all the hugging and happy reunions, but you’ll be making your own new friends in no time.

six women wearing black pose on top of a glacier in antarctica
By day 3 we were already stripping on a glacier!

After the cruise, I continued traveling with some of the people I met, exploring Argentina and Brazil together. We’ve kept in touch and now we’re even planning to meet up in Mexico City soon! It’s pretty amazing to think that you can meet people in such a setting and then continue to cross paths and support each other down the line.

Nomad Cruise isn’t just about networking—it’s about building a community that sticks with you, making the nomadic lifestyle a bit more connected and a lot more fun.

Explore Amazing Destinations

a humpback whale tail in front of icebergs in antarctica

One of the biggest draws of the Nomad Cruise, of course, is getting to travel with a fantastic group of people. It’s all about discovering new places together, which makes every destination more memorable. Here’s where Nomad Cruise is headed next:

Antarctica (1–11 February 2025)

This bucket-list expedition is your chance to explore the most remote continent on Earth. From February 1–11, 2025, you’ll have the opportunity to see breathtaking glaciers, massive penguin colonies, humpback whales, and seals in their natural habitat. The smaller expedition-style format ensures a more intimate, adventure-filled experience. If visiting Antarctica has been a dream of yours, this is the way to do it.

France to Greece (7-13 June 2025)
Perfect for anyone new to the Nomad Cruise experience, this June journey will take you through four stunning countries in Europe. It’s the ultimate summer kickoff, blending Mediterranean charm, vibrant culture, and the opportunity to build connections with fellow nomads.

USA to Australia (12 October – 9 November 2025)
This special anniversary cruise spans almost a month and takes you across the Pacific Ocean, with stops at iconic bucket-list destinations like Hawaii, American Samoa, and Vanuatu. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with adventure, cultural immersion, and unforgettable moments with the Nomad Cruise family. I’m already counting down the days for this one—it’s going to be absolutely insane!

Traveling in this way, with people who share the same passion for adventure and discovery, makes each destination even better. I can’t wait to see what new stories and experiences this cruise will bring!

Join me on the next Nomad Cruise and get €150 off using this link!

a penguin nesting in antarctica. a snowy mountian is in the background.

Daily Life On Board Nomad Cruise

Life on board the Nomad Cruise is a blend of work and leisure, designed to make every day interesting and enriching.

Wellness

Mornings often started with calming practices like yoga, tai chi, or even breathwork, helping to set the tone for a day of exploration and inspiration. For those who prefer something more energetic, there were HITT classes and macro yoga to get your blood pumping. These activities weren’t just a great way to stay active—they were also an opportunity to connect with others and recharge both physically and mentally.

The wellness programming added a whole new dimension to the cruise, making it easier than ever to prioritize self-care while being part of an inspiring community. 

Workshops and Talks

Abstract blurred photo of conference hall or seminar room with speakers on the stage and attendee background

Following breakfast, the curated conference program kicks off. This includes a range of talks and workshops that cover both professional topics like SEO, programming, marketing, and finance, and personal development areas such as breathing techniques, relaxation, relationships, and finding balance.

Talks are generally open to all, providing inspiration and insight, while the workshops are kept to smaller groups to allow for a more engaging, hands-on experience. It was a similar setup to Bansko Nomad Fest, where I learned a ton of helpful tips.

Leisure and Networking

Late afternoons are reserved for relaxation and informal networking. Participants can unwind by the pool, hit the gym, or even play basketball. It’s also a prime time for attendees to organize their own meet-ups or mastermind sessions, which often lead to amazing collaborative opportunities and idea exchanges.

Evening Entertainment

a group of six people cheersing while having dinner on board a cruise ship
Photo Credit: Tijmen Hobbel (@brainbow_photography

Dinners on board are lively events, filled with animated conversations as everyone shares stories from their day. The evenings are capped off with special activities like themed parties or the famous talent show, which is so much fun. Even in Antarctica we managed to pull off the talent show!

Each day on the Nomad Cruise is structured to maintain a perfect balance between productive work sessions and enjoyable leisure activities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to grow professionally while also having a fantastic time.

Final thoughts: Nomad Cruise Review

a group of people on a cruise ship holding a nomad cruise flag posing for a photo
Photo Credit: Tijmen Hobbel (@brainbow_photography

When considering whether Nomad Cruise is worth the investment, it’s essential to look beyond just the cost and evaluate the overall value it provides. Having been on the most expensive Nomad Cruise to Antarctica, I can personally attest that the experience was absolutely worth every penny.

The adventure was unlike anything else—truly out of this world. Plus, the added bonus of sharing it with a community of like-minded individuals and forming friendships that last a lifetime made it all the more valuable.

For anyone considering whether to invest in a Nomad Cruise, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. The cost is easily justified by the experiences and the long-term benefits of the connections and learning you’ll gain. If you’re looking to grow, connect, and explore as a digital nomad, this is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss.

Curious to learn more or ready to book your spot? Join me on the next Nomad Cruise and get €150 off using this link!

a group of digital nomads on a boat with overlay text nomad cruise review is it worth it to go

Author

  • Lora Pope

    Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

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