Hey everyone, welcome to the latest edition of my “Extra Income” series. If you’d like to be featured, please send me an email.
My side hustle involves selling group cruises. I organize cruises for various groups, including organizations, weddings, and private gatherings. This can range from family reunions to scrapbooking clubs, photography clubs, and even spring break trips.
I didn’t make any money from the first cruise I planned, but over the past year, my side hustle income has nearly matched my full-time income.
How did you get started with your side hustle?
I stumbled into this side hustle by accident. I never intended to enter the travel business; I just loved exploring new tropical destinations. I planned a group cruise for some friends, and although it was stressful and a lot of work, everyone had a fantastic time. After that, I decided to dive into cruise travel sales.
What got you interested in this job?
Since I love taking cruises, making money by selling dream vacations to others felt like a natural fit. I had no idea how complex the cruise industry was or how much training sales agents receive. Despite the hard work, seeing my group members enjoy themselves makes it all worthwhile.
Tell me more about what you do.
I plan group cruises, creating custom itineraries, setting up amenities, and organizing both onboard and land-based activities. I handle all the logistics so my group members can relax and have fun. Group leaders don’t have to worry about payments, activity selection, or meal planning—I take care of everything.
What has surprised you most about owning a business?
Owning a business is tough. I often start working before dawn and don’t stop until well after midnight. I wear many hats, from marketing to billing to sales. Despite the challenges, the rewards make it worth the effort.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a small business owner?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is not to try to do everything. Focusing on one thing you’re good at can make a bigger impact. I’ve also learned not to believe in scarcity; even if many people offer similar services, there are enough customers for everyone.
What are the start-up costs?
My start-up costs were $75 for business cards, a website, and a domain name. I partnered with a host agency to become a travel seller, which provided free training and certification.
What’s the most positive thing about your side job?
The best part of my job is the constant learning and growth. I love hearing about new ships, touring cruise ships, and attending trade shows. Plus, I enjoy the perks of free and discounted travel.
What are your business goals for the upcoming year?
I aim to grow and expand my business. I hope to bring on another agent to help with growth and sales. I also plan to increase my marketing efforts and capture more niches in the cruise travel industry.
My Bio: Alison Moxley is a professional writer and group cruise planner from Brooklyn, New York. In her free time, she enjoys non-fiction writing, photography, and, of course, travel. She also works as a workshop presenter in New York City and a non-profit consultant. Her side hustles have included cake decorating, blogging, and grant writing. Alison is currently working on her first book, detailing her strategies for paying off student loans.
Would you like a side job in the travel industry? What do you want to do?