Cruise lovers know the feeling once the idea of sailing around the world gets into your head, it’s hard to resist. For one man in Japan, that passion for cruising went so far that he was willing to risk his job for it.

Authorities in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, recently disciplined a 63-year-old government employee after he went on a 109-day cruise around the world, even though he didn’t have enough vacation days approved.

The employee submitted his travel plan back in April 2025, informing his department that he planned to take the long cruise. However, when managers calculated the time off, it became clear that even combining paid leave and summer vacation, he still wouldn’t have enough days to cover the trip.

His supervisors warned him twice, both verbally and in writing, that taking the trip would mean being absent without authorization. They even suggested he resign before leaving.

But the cruise dream was already set.

The cruise ship departed Yokohama taking passengers on a global journey visiting more than 10 countries, including Singapore, South Africa, and the United States, before returning to Japan on December 5.

After accounting for holidays and Japan’s four-day work week schedule, he still ended up missing 14 working days without approval.

Gunma Prefecture imposed a three-month suspension as disciplinary action. Officials also confirmed that the employee will not be rehired when his contract ends.

During the disciplinary hearing, the man reportedly remained calm about the situation.

“I am prepared to receive appropriate disciplinary action. It is a fact, and I have no intention of fighting it,” he said.

For cruise fans, the story might sound a little relatable — though most wouldn’t go quite this far. Still, it’s a reminder of just how powerful the lure of the sea can be.

After all, once the ship sails and the world itinerary begins, some people decide that missing work is a small price to pay for the adventure of a lifetime.