Musician Makes Bold Transatlantic Move From Florida to Portugal on Two-Week Cruise
A 29-year-old musician from St. Petersburg, Florida, has taken an uncommon route to relocate internationally, sailing across the Atlantic on a two-week cruise from Tampa to Lisbon, Portugal. Zachary Biss, a full-time musician, and his girlfriend Marina chose this unique move to escape rising living costs in the US and embrace a new lifestyle abroad.
Biss, who has worked consistently as a musician playing gigs at bars and restaurants, bought a house in Florida in 2019 but saw expenses like electricity and utilities double over five years. “I was working harder than ever and making more money, but I had nothing to show for it,” he explained. This financial strain and frustrations with costly health insurance pushed the couple to seek a fresh start overseas.
Why a Transatlantic Cruise Made Sense for a Big Move
Instead of flying, the pair opted for a repositioning cruise that cruises ships take when moving from the Caribbean to Europe following the winter season. The journey included stops in the Bahamas, the Azores, Porto, and finally Lisbon.
Though the cruise cost them about $2,500 total—more than double the price of flights—the benefits were clear. Biss noted they enjoyed “all the food, lodging, and no hard luggage limits,” allowing them to bring multiple suitcases and a guitar without hassle. The gradual shift through time zones across the six days at sea helped ease jet lag, a common cruel side effect of instant transatlantic flights.
“The pace of life is not so much work, work, work all the time, rush, rush, rush,” Biss said, contrasting Portugal’s slower rhythm with the US. “It’s a breath of fresh air.”
Health Costs and Quality of Life Driving US Residents Overseas
One of the most urgent drivers for Biss’s move was the unaffordable health insurance for self-employed Americans. The cheapest plan he found on the US marketplace cost about $360 a month, while his friends in Portugal pay roughly the same amount annually for coverage.
“Homeownership is supposed to be the dream, but the bills kept going up,” he said. “I thought maybe it’s time to go somewhere else and try something different, or I’ll just float here and not really thrive.”
Biss emphasized that it wasn’t only about affordability; the lifestyle and culture played a big role. He witnessed a slower, more relaxed atmosphere where even street vendors engaged in conversations instead of rushing customers.
What This Means for Americans Considering International Moves
This account highlights growing dissatisfaction among creative professionals and freelancers in the US with high living costs, especially healthcare. Biss’s story underscores an emerging trend where individuals and couples seek alternatives, combining long-distance travel with lifestyle changes.
Moving by cruise offers a rarely discussed but practical option—particularly for those who dislike the stress of air travel, worrying about luggage limits and jet lag. For Montanans or Americans juggling the burdens of rising costs, Biss’s journey may inspire fresh thinking about relocation options.
His Florida home remains on the market as he and Marina settle into their new life in Portugal, embracing both the adventure and freedom the journey provided.
As global mobility options evolve, Biss’s story is a reminder that the traditional way of moving might not fit everyone’s needs in 2026. More US residents may soon look to the sea for their next big move, blending travel and resettlement into one experience.
