Musician from Florida Moves to Portugal by Transatlantic Cruise, Choosing Sea Over Air
Zachary Biss, a 29-year-old musician from St. Petersburg, Florida, recently completed a rare and unconventional move to Portugal by taking a two-week transatlantic cruise. Instead of flying, Biss and his girlfriend, Marina, sailed from Tampa directly to Lisbon aboard a repositioning cruise ship in a journey that blended relocation with vacation.
The couple’s voyage included stops in the Bahamas, the Azores, and Porto before completing the trip in Lisbon. The experience, while costing more than flights at $2,500 total, offered substantial perks like unlimited luggage and a gradual adjustment to the new time zone. Biss described the cruise as a relaxing transition, far from the exhausting jet lag usually caused by overnight flights.
Why a Cruise? Escaping Rising Costs and Healthcare Issues in the U.S.
For years, Biss juggled full-time music gigs in Florida but faced escalating expenses that wore down his finances despite higher earnings. “My electric bill roughly doubled over five years, plus utilities,” Biss explained, reflecting on the rising cost of homeownership that didn’t seem to offer long-term relief.
Struggling with the burdensome cost of health insurance as a self-employed artist — paying approximately $360 per month, which his friends said was equivalent to their annual rates in Portugal — the couple saw Europe as more affordable and better aligned with their values and lifestyle.
“The pace of life here is less rushed; people actually take moments for coffee and conversation,” Biss said, comparing it to the relentless American hustle. He emphasized the welcoming nature of locals and the overall more relaxed environment across Portugal that greatly influenced their decision.
Practical Benefits and Emotional Challenges of a Sea Move
Beyond financial and lifestyle factors, the cruise offered tangible advantages. There was no strict luggage limit, allowing Biss to bring his guitar and the couple to transport as many belongings as they could carry. The slow five-hour time zone adjustment onboard made the transition smoother, unlike the brutal jet lag many experience when flying.
The emotional journey was significant, too. “The first night at dinner, we both started crying, asking ourselves ‘What are we doing?’” Biss recalls, nodding to the natural fear and uncertainty any major move brings — amplified by relocating internationally for the first time.
Despite their new start, Biss has yet to sell his Florida home, which remains on the market, reflecting that their transition is still underway. However, they are committed to fully embracing life in Portugal and believe their method offers a fresh model for how Americans might consider global moves.
What This Means for Americans Eyeing Overseas Moves
Biss’s story highlights a growing trend among self-employed workers and remote creatives in the U.S. who seek alternatives to soaring home and healthcare costs. Moving abroad — and choosing innovative travel options like repositioning cruises — provides new possibilities for lifestyle improvements and financial relief.
While repositioning cruises are not widely marketed, they offer a unique opportunity to cross oceans affordably and comfortably, combining travel and relocation into one experience. For those considering international moves, Biss’s approach raises important questions about flexibility, pace of life, and the true cost of staying put in America.
As more Americans reassess their work, health coverage, and living costs, Biss’s two-week ocean voyage to Portugal stands as a compelling example of bold, unconventional change in 2026.
