Meet the family behind The Family Departure

Our story started with a weekend away

Hellen grew up in Brazil, and the two of us met in college. Our travel budget was small, so we started close to home: weekends in Chicago, drives around Indiana, and short escapes across the Midwest.

Those trips gave us time together and somewhere new to explore. We learned that a memorable trip could begin with a few free days and a willingness to go. As our relationship grew, so did the journeys we wanted to take.

From two travelers to a family of three

Our first cruise together took us aboard Norwegian Dawn to Roatán, Belize City, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. On our second cruise, aboard Majesty of the Seas, Ollie came along. Exploring the world became something we could share as a family.

Since then, our travels have taken us through the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, Bermuda, Portugal, and Spain. We’ve sailed with Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity and made memories on journeys by car, plane, and ship.

Every stage of family life brings different questions, a different pace, and new reasons to get excited about the next departure.

The details we wish we’d known

Choosing a ship, comparing cabins, planning a port day, and deciding where to spend the travel budget can take a lot of work. We created The Family Departure to share what our own trips have taught us.

Our cruise reviews cover the ship and the individual sailing, because a different itinerary or a later visit can change the experience. Our destination pages and trip reports bring together photographs, memories, and practical details. Tips & Stories is where we share planning advice and the moments that stay with us after we get home.

We write about what we enjoyed, what disappointed us, and what we would change. When a place is still on our wish list or a guide is based on research, we make that clear.

Your next adventure can start small

Our family’s travel story began with inexpensive weekends close to home. Today, we’re watching Ollie build a travel list of his own—and we still have plenty of places we hope to see together.

We hope these stories help you choose a trip that fits your family, your time, and your budget. Whether you’re planning your first cruise, a weekend away, or a longer journey abroad, you’re welcome here.

Start with our cruise reviews if you’re choosing a ship, browse Destinations for places we’ve visited, or open Tips & Stories for the lessons we’ve gathered along the way.

Norwegian Dawn

Our first cruise together

Roatán · Belize City · Costa Maya · Cozumel

Majesty of the Seas

Our first cruise as three

Ollie joined us, and travel became something bigger than a getaway for two.