I moved to Portugal by taking a two-week cruise there from the US. Traveling by boat had major benefits.

Zachary Biss sailed from Tampa, Florida, to Lisbon to move. Courtesy of Zachary Biss.

Zachary Biss moved from the Tampa Bay area to Lisbon seeking a new lifestyle.

Biss chose to take a cruise instead of flying and was able to bring more items with him.

Biss appreciates the slower pace of life in Portugal and anticipates saving more money on bills.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Zachary Biss , 29, a musician from St. Petersburg, Florida, who moved with his girlfriend, Marina, to Portugal by boat. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I'm a full-time musician.…