For some people, cruise ships offer a dreamlike existence - travel to international hot spots with world-class spas and restaurants just outside the door of your well-appointed room.
And for a select group of people who live on cruise ships long-term, that dream is everyday life.
Some buy residences on a ship to live there full-time or part of the year. Others rent for months or years at a time, forgetting about any kind of "off season" as their ship repositions to warmer waters when necessary.
Here are six seagoing communities that are pursuing long-term residents - and a look at what you can get for your money. {via MSN}