With digital nomadism reaching 40 million people globally, remote work is rapidly expanding. Currently, 16% of companies are fully remote, and more professionals are embracing flexible work from unique locations—such as cruise ships, where they can blend work with wanderlust.

In the U.S., one in nine workers now identify as digital nomads, contributing to a global count expected to hit 60 million within six years.

This trend aligns with the rise of “slow travel,” focused on well-being, community, and exploration. In response, cruise lines that offer wellness facilities, fitness programs, and nutritious menus allow digital nomads to balance work and health in inspiring, stress-free settings while exploring new destinations.

One digital nomad achieving success on the seas is Tim Kroeger, founder of Universal Traveller. He recently experienced firsthand the benefits of working remotely from a cruise. Spending almost two weeks aboard a cruise designed for digital nomads like himself, he managed his business seamlessly while enjoying the journey.

“Working from a cruise truly provides the best of both worlds. At Universal Traveller, we’re constantly connecting with travelers globally, so reliable connectivity and a comfortable environment are essential,” said Mr Kroeger. 

“I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to work onboard—and being able to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of repacking was a complete game-changer.” 

Tim’s recent 13-day cruise, which travelled from Portsmouth to Barcelona with stops in La Coruña, Lisbon, Ibiza, Casablanca, and Málaga, was the perfect mix of adventure and work. He said the cruise was “equipped with reliable Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, and networking events tailored to remote professionals.” 

“Professionals at all stages of their careers, including business magnate Richard Branson, are riding the wave of work-life balance.

Richard Branson, reflecting on the inception of Virgin Voyages, which caters to digital nomads, said: “I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to do my work from anywhere. When I started Virgin, I was actually working out of a houseboat. I’ve never thought of work and play as two different things, it’s all just living.” 

Reflecting on his experience, Tim Kroeger added: “At first, I wasn’t sure how working from a cruise would pan out, but after two incredibly productive and adventurous weeks, I know it’s something I’ll definitely do again. It completely shifted my perspective on how to combine work and travel.”