23-Year-Old Cruise Enthusiast Turns Passion into Content Creation Career
Abby Stacey, a 23-year-old content creator, is making waves in the travel industry with her YouTube channel, “The Life of a Cruiser.” Having embarked on an impressive 53 cruises, averaging eight per year, Stacey is on a mission to transform her passion for cruising into a full-time career.
By day, Stacey works as a data analyst, but her free time is dedicated to her love of cruising and content creation. Her extensive experience has earned her Royal Caribbean’s prestigious Diamond Plus status, the cruise line’s second-highest tier.
Stacey’s cruise repertoire includes quick weekend sailings and stays in various suites across multiple cruise lines, including MSC, Celebrity, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. In 2024 alone, she invested approximately $5,000 in 10 sailings, spending a total of 41 days at sea.
The young content creator has developed a unique strategy to fund her frequent voyages. Leveraging onboard casino points, Stacey earns perks such as free drinks, WiFi, and even complimentary cruises. Last year, four out of her 10 voyages were fully compensated through casino points. She maintains casino status with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Princess, further maximizing her travel benefits.
Stacey’s YouTube channel, launched in 2023, has quickly gained traction and was monetized within a year. The channel features ship walkthroughs, cabin tours, and dining reviews, catering to a diverse audience of cruise enthusiasts and potential travelers. Revenue generated from her YouTube content is reinvested to fund future cruises, creating a sustainable cycle for her passion.
Despite having fewer than 2,000 subscribers, Stacey remains committed to growing her channel and dispelling common myths about cruising. Her content aims to showcase the appeal of cruise vacations to all ages and preferences, breaking stereotypes often associated with this form of travel.
As Stacey continues to navigate the waters of content creation and cruise tourism, she hopes to eventually turn her passion project into a full-time career. Her story serves as an inspiration to young travelers and aspiring content creators, demonstrating how dedication and strategic planning can turn a hobby into a potential profession.
