Looking to cruise your way into a longer life? The MV Narrative just might steer you in the right direction.
The floating luxury community from Storylines aims to become the world’s first “blue zone” at sea, inspired by the diet, exercise and lifestyle habits of regions known for their exceptional longevity.
To that end, they have just about everything you could possibly imagine requiring for your health and wellness needs on board, from PRP injections to dentists to chefs cooking up Mediterranean diet staples — and of course, cosmetic treatments so you look younger, too.
“I don’t know about you, but I tend not to be healthier by the end of a cruise,” Dr. Brian Martin, the MV Narrative’s chief health officer, told The Post. “This is probably the only cruise ship where you’ll actually feel better and have more energy the longer you stay on it.”
From wellness to doctor’s visits
Aboard this 753-foot megaship, you’ll find a 10,000-square-foot wellness center complete with a gym, yoga rooms, lap pool, relaxation pods, steam room, infrared saunas and hydrotherapy. There will also be group fitness classes and private trainers — all designed to keep you in tip-top shape.
The ship’s all-inclusive living fee covers wellness checks, dental cleanings, eye exams and hearing screenings. The medical clinic will be staffed with doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and mental health professionals.
In case of emergencies, the vessel includes a hospital and a helicopter landing pad for evacuations.
Martin is also setting up a compounding pharmacy to provide residents with custom medications and supplements based on their individual needs. He noted that the site will offer compounded GLP-1s for patients interested in copycat versions of diabetes and weight loss treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy.
“I know that if I’m on this ship, I’m not going to be stuck in the hospital dying like a dog.”
Dr. Brian Martin
Foodie essentials, high-tech tracking
To help residents navigate the ship’s amenities, personal wellness coaches will be on board to design customized fitness, nutrition and lifestyle plans tailored to each individual’s health goals.
The MV narrative will feature three diets, all known for their life-extending benefits: one based on blue zone principles, which focuses on whole foods, legumes and plant-based eating; the Pritikin diet, which is heart-healthy and low in fat and sodium; and the Mediterranean diet, celebrated for its balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats like olive oil.
Martin said the community will also have a research component, with doctors studying other dietary models and practices — like intermittent fasting — to see if they enhance longevity and overall well-being.
The research effort will be supported by the MV Narrative’s “wearable technology” program, using devices to monitor residents’ key health metrics such as oxygen levels, blood pressure, temperature, nutrition, fitness and sleep quality in real-time.
“These will tell us what’s working and what’s not,” Martin said.
Anti-aging — for your body and your face
Alongside the medical center, residents will have access to the MV Narrative’s Optimal Aging Program, which combines Eastern and Western medical practices.
The clinic will provide a wide array of treatments, including nutraceuticals (foods delivered in capsule form to maximize nutritients), chelation therapy (which remove heavy metals from the body) and vitamin injections.
They also offer genetic testing, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and red light therapy. Cosmetic treatments, like Botox, will be available as well.
Additionally, the ship will offer cutting-edge regenerative treatments like stem cell therapy and plasma-rich platelet injections, which tap into the patient’s own body to ease pain and help heal injuries.
“Every time we go to a port, we’ll be participating in medical tourism by grabbing local experts to teach us so that we can incorporate those lessons on the ship,” Martin said.
“That way, it’s constantly getting smarter and collecting even more offerings for the residents.”
Blue zone must-have
Medical amenities aside, Martin said that community is a crucial aspect of blue zones around the world. Being surrounded by like-minded, health-conscious individuals, participating in volunteering opportunities and learning programs on board and exploring the world will all contribute to residents’ well-being.
“When people retire, they might say they want to just relax on the beach, but after three or four weeks, that gets old,” Martin said. “This gives them a chance to feel purposeful, contribute and build community, and that alone helps you feel good.”
Martin, 60, has already secured his spot on the ship.
“We want to plan for a happy life, but we also want to make sure we have a nice, peaceful checkout. I know that if I’m on this ship, I’m not going to be stuck in the hospital dying like a dog,” he said.
“No matter how much money or success you have, I’ve seen way too many people lose their power when they get sick,” Martin added. “That’s one of the big reasons why I invested in the ship — I’m doing it for myself.”
The cost of living forever — at sea
The MV Narrative has 547 private, fully furnished residences for purchase, spanning from one to four bedrooms.
Prices range from $1 million to $8 million, with ownership lasting for the “lifetime of the vessel,” which Storylines estimates will be about 60 years.
For a more affordable option, there are limited residences available with 24-year leases starting at $647,000.
The ship is expected to set sail in 2027 — assuming no further delays (it was originally scheduled to embark in 2019).
Still not convinced this luxury cruise to longevity is for you?
“Less pollution, cleaner air, more sun, vitamin D and immediate care can’t be a bad thing,” Martin said.
