make no mistake, the idea of a cruise is just staying on. thats a huge step to take. it may mean never recovering your natural test production. this may seem worth it to someone focused on taking their physique to the most extreme level, but you never know where you'll be in 10 years. for younger people, it may be hard to imagine, but there is a chance you wont be interested in training at all. things come up. life changes. making a choice like this at a young age may mean having to use trt for the rest of your life. it may mean never being able to have kids. it may mean not being able to have sex without ED meds. so weigh this out carefully. 

some pros stay blast/cruise. some dont. some run long 36 wk cycles and come off everything for perods. some never really come off for years. everyone is different. the lower level guys, staying on isnt the key to being a pro. i'm going to be honest, most all pro's have gotten where they are because of superior genetics. some people have pushed weak genetics with heavy drug use, but those guys dont tend to last long without burning out and dealing with problems. i wouldnt even think about going the route of staying on year round unless you are already competing at the national level. no one should need to stay on year round to win a local show. if thats what it takes for someone to compete at a low level, they need to rethink their direction in the sport.

genetics to become pro and further, to become a successful pro, are very very rare. i would say less than 1% of people who try have what it takes. i'm not saying this to dissuaded you from competing or from striving to be your best. i'm just saying that you need to be realistic. anyone, even those with weak genetics, can take their physique to amazing levels and there are a lot of directions you can take if you are interested in the fitness industry, if you are interested and put enough effort in, chances are you can make a lot more money than many pros will make competing. if you are asking this question because your goal is to truely make something of yourself in the fitness industry, i would suggest that you start thinking creativly and find your own path. it may be as a pro. it may not. one thing is for certain. there is something in the industry for you.