About moms at sea blog & travel

Michigan

Hi, I am Megan Heilbrun from South Lyon, MI and I am a mom to three cruise loving kids and a Husband who loves to cruise like me! My kids are 10, 8 and 6 and they all started cruising between 6-8 months old (best time to start)! My middle son has Cerebral Palsy and we have been so impressed with how the cruise lines handle special needs and I find so much joy in helping other families navigate this space to ensure they have the best vacation possible! If we aren't cruising for our family vacations, you can find us at Disney World making more memories! I love helping other families find the perfect fit with the right ship, perfect ports and length of time on board! We have spent lots of time on the Oasis and Freedom class ships but I have sailed every Royal Caribbean class! I would love to help you and your family create exciting memories on a Cruise!

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, DCL, Oceania 

Megan Heilbrun

maine

Hi, I'm Michaela! My love for cruising started when my husband and I took our first cruise for our honeymoon. I fell in love with all the ship had to offer onboard, along with being able to visit and experience multiple countries and cultures! We currently live in Maine, but southern at the heart with roots in NC. We have 2 cruise loving kiddos, they are constantly asking when our next one is. We've cruised with them on a variety of cruise lines, ships, and cabin types. So far my son's favorite ship is Icon of the Seas and my daughter's is Disney Fantasy! Whether it's onboard or island adventures, we are always making new wonderful memories. My goal is to make that same thing happen for you! I want to take the stress out of trying to plan and help you find the perfect cruise that works for your family. Working together we will make the process fun and exciting while providing travel tips, tricks and recommendations along the way. I look forward to working with you and helping your family make memories that last a lifetime!

Michaela Holloman

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, DCL, Carnival, All Inclusives, Virgin, Viking Cruises

New Jersey

My passion for travel began when I did a semester abroad in Ireland. Over two decades later, exploration has been a nonnegotiable in my life. Whether it's hiking through local state parks, exploring new cities, or sailing across the ocean, I am always chasing that next adventure with my husband and three kids. I believe travel and experiencing new places and different cultures is one of the best ways to grow my children’s awareness and love for others. My husband and I do our best to take them to as many new places as we can, both in our own state and country, as well as abroad. My experience cruising is varied, I love the atypical itinerary. Exploring places like Alaska, Maine, Nova Scotia, and Europe are just a few of the adventures that have shaped my travel experience.

Royal Caribbean, DCL, Carnival, NCL, Princess, Holland America

LINDSAY TOMLINSON

Pennsylvania

Hi, I’m Bre! I’m a wife to my husband of seven years and a mom to a two year old daughter and two sweet black labs Mya and Millie. As someone who didn’t travel growing up - I stepped onto my first cruise ship in 2016 and haven’t stopped talking about my love of cruising since. I knew that I didn’t want to stop traveling once I became a mom and take my children to experience all the things I never did until I was an adult. Needless to say I am creating my own little cruise addict who asks to go cruising almost daily. We enjoy the Caribbean as well as the “pink sand” beaches of Bermuda! I am so excited to be part of Moms as Sea and help other families create memories to last a lifetime.

Royal Caribbean, Carnival

BRE CHAMBERS

Minnesota

I'm mom to 11 year old boy/girl twins and a 9 year old girl. Born and raised in Minnesota, I feel at home on and around the water. My husband Steve and I have been married for 15 years. We became engaged on our stateroom balcony during our first ever cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas! I believe that cruising is one of the best vacation options for families, allowing the perfect mix of both relaxation and adventure for adults and kids alike. I have personal experience traveling with neurodiverse family members, as well as navigating food allergies/sensitivities onboard. I understand the complexities of traveling with children and love to share the tips and tricks I have learned through my experiences. I truly enjoy the process of cruise planning and helping others experience the magic I have found onboard every ship that I have ever stepped foot on!

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, NCL, Virgin

ALLYSON SEGAR-COHEN

Texas

I’m a former flight attendant turned stay at home mom to a 3 year old boy and 6 year old girl! I love to travel and my absolute favorite way to vacation is cruising! Besides cruising, my favorite land vacation is Hawaii! I’ve visited every Hawaiian island and my husband and I were married on the Big Island. A Hawaiian cruise is on my bucket list! Another fun fact, I absolutely love animals and own 3 rescued cats and a giant dog! When I’m not planning cruises, or taking care of my menagerie of pets and kids, I love drinking coffee, sleeping, red wine, food, shopping, scrolling the gram and talking on the phone. So if you love to talk on the phone about cruising and traveling, I’m your girl.

Royal Caribbean, DCL, Carnival, NCL

NICOLE DEMESA MARSH

Massachusetts

Hey! I'm Michelle and I'm a Travel Addict! We live in Massachusetts but jump on any chance we get to visit somewhere warm and sunny! I just want to see and visit all the places...and share them with you! We have 3 children and have been traveling regularly with them since they were small tots. We have traveled with Babies, Kids, Teens, large family groups and everything in between! 

You can regularly find us at Disney World, Universal Studios, Sailing with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney Cruise Line, or planning other exciting adventures to keep making memories together!

My love for travel and exploring has led me to this position with Moms at Sea - being able to help other families plan and enjoy these trips together! Cruising especially is a great way for families and people of all ages to enjoy time together - and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and it brings me great joy to help these families make memories that will last a lifetime!

Royal Caribbean, DCL, Carnival, Universal Parks, Ama Waterways, Princess

MICHELLE GARRY 

Florida

Hi, my name is Megan Rucks! I'm a mom, wife and located in Florida! My true passion for travel has brought me to the Moms at Sea Travel Team. I'm a lover of all things travel, Disney, making memories, family time & great food. You will find my family at one of the Disney parks or Cruising on one of several of my favorite cruise lines. As a mom of three my goal is to help you experience the magic of travel through the eyes of your little ones. Creating magical memories that you will hold for a lifetime. With every reservation I make I give special attention to exactly what my clients are looking for and what is important to them. Planning a vacation can be overwhelming and it's important to me to make my clients feel like they're on vacation from beginning to end. I enjoy working with families but also enjoy planning that special vacation with friends or a loved one. I can help with several areas but specialize in all things Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian. I can not wait to help plan your next vacation and help you create magical, exciting memories with your family, friends & loved ones. Cheers to future travel plans!

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, DCL, Carnival, NCL, All Inclusives, Virgin, AMA Waterways, Viking Cruises

MEGAN RUCKS

Florida

Hi! I am Michelle. My family and I are addicted to traveling! I am originally from Pennsylvania, but then moved to Central Florida in 2001. I have 18+ years of working in the hospitality industry, and 10 of those were spent working at Walt Disney World. I met my husband while we were both working at Disney, got engaged at Cinderella’s Castle, and even had a Disney Fairytale Wedding. My husband and I are former foster parents and we adopted our 2 children. With living only 30 minutes from Disney World, my family and I frequent the parks and have over 800+ room nights logged in at the various Disney resorts. Besides Disney, my other passion is cruising since I took my first cruise on DCL in 2004. My family and I cruise any chance we get! As soon as I step on a cruise ship, I feel like I am at home. I have experienced multiple cruise lines including Royal, NCL, MSC, and Disney Cruise and have stayed in a variety of cabins from interior to suites. Cruising has allowed us as a family to make wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. With all this experience behind me and my passion for travel - I look forward to helping you on your next family adventure, wherever that may take you!

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, DCL, Carnival

Michelle Tabor

New York

I’m Melody, party of 3 here! I’m a proud military wife and mom to my sweet little boy, JJ (who loves cruising just as much as his momma). I’m an Upstate, NY girl and only a 3 hour drive to Cape Liberty, NJ!! My love for cruising has taken me all over the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. My favorite port being Naples, Italy where I sipped on fresh Limoncello and took in the views of the Amalfi Coast. Happy Sailing! 

Royal Caribbean, NCL

MELODY DEPPE

New Hampshire

Hi, I'm Stephanie! I have been cruising for many years, well before children and for several years since my husband Steve and I became parents. We live in NH, and have three children. We escape the cold winters as much as possible, and jump on a cruise! Our family has sailed many Oasis Class ships, and Freedom Class ships and have stayed in many cabin types, including Interior, ocean view, ocean view balconies, boardwalk balconies, even some suites! Our family really enjoys the Oasis of the Seas! Since we have older kiddos, we take full advantage of all the amenities Oasis has to offer! My current favorite Islands are Aruba, CocoCay and St Thomas! I can’t wait to help you find the best ship and itinerary for you and your family!

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity

stephanie rush

Michigan

Hi, I'm Kelley! Those who know me best would say I have a PhD in vacation planning, with a specialty in cruises. Why? Because nothing is better than waking up to a new view each morning and enjoying all the amenities a cruise ship has to offer! I’ve collected more memories with my family while cruising than I can fit in my suitcase—though let’s be honest, I still overpack for every trip.

Speaking of family, I’m the proud mom of two boys, Drew (11) and Jax (8), who are basically my personal entertainment committee. I’ve been happily married to my husband, Marcus, for 11 years, and I’m thrilled to report he shares my obsession with cruising and Michigan football. 
When I’m not plotting our next cruise or cheering for our favorite sports teams, you can find me lost in a good book, attempting to create gourmet meals (while the kids ask, "can we just have chicken nuggets"?), or enjoying family time while camping in our RV. Whether you're a cruise newbie or an experienced one, I'm here to make the planning-process fun and stress-free! 

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL

Kelley Rankins

Michigan

Hey there, I'm Jamie V. My love for cruising began when Carnival Sunshine first set the line in 2013, and Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas hooked me in 2014! I’ve since been on a mission to create lifelong memories for my large blended family consisting of my husband and eight spunky kiddos, who's ages range from 32 to 11. While I’ve enjoyed living in both Michigan and Ohio, nothing compares to the tropics. When I'm not travel-obsessed, you can find me getting inked, chilling with my doggos - an English Bully and a Pit-mix, reading up on mental wellness, hanging out on our boat, or preparing for the next Mercury retrograde. Six years on the board of a local adoption and foster care agency has taught me dedicated family experiences make for a happier family life. I'm so excited to be a part of Moms at Sea Travel! Let’s plan your family’s dream vacation, all chosen with YOUR preferences in mind. Life is crazy, Cruising makes it fun!

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival

Jamie VanAmeyden

New Jersey

Hi! I’m Reba. Mom to my two amazing children and fantastic son in law. More importantly “Nini” to my two precious grandsons. I have been cruising for over 25 years starting with with Royal Caribbean, Sovereign of the Seas. Since then, we have been on multiple cruise lines, including NCL, Carnival and Princess, experiencing just about every cabin class from interior up to suite. Our family has cruised through Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, Alaska, Bahamas and Bermuda.

I joined Moms At Sea Travel after working with their travel advisors for the past 3 years and knew I wanted to be a part of this amazing team. I want to share my cruising experiences and help others plan and enjoy their cruises as well. I'm excited to partner with you throughout your cruise journey, from the planning stage to boarding your ship and then starting all over again when you come home. Yes, you'll want to start the planning all over again and I'll be right there to guide you.

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL

Reba

Connecticut

I am the proud mom of two amazing kiddos- ages 14 & 9, and have been married to my husband for 16 years! Along with cruising, another thing that brings our family endless joy, is our animals!They are really the only reason we ever want to come back home, from these amazing trips! :) My husband and I took our first cruise in 2005 and loved it so much, that we spent 3 weeks cruising around Europe for our Honeymoon in 2009, with lots of others in between! Aside from visiting the Blue Grotto in Capri, our favorite stops were Sardinia, Italy & Croatia! Our favorite cruise lines are Royal Caribbean & Norwegian, although Azamara was incredible for the 3 week honeymoon! Once we had our children, we just knew cruising was the way to go, for family vacations! Our kids have enjoyed cruising since they can remember, and still say some of their best childhood memories, were made on these trips! I was always planning these amazing cruises for friends and family and decided I loved it so much, that I needed to do it for others as well! I cannot wait to help you and your family plan your next cruise, to make the memories to last a lifetime!

Royal Caribbean, NCL

Amber Durkin

Maryland

Hi, I'm Cindy, a wife and busy mom of four with a love for travel and a knack for planning unforgettable experiences. I’m all about the details—whether it's crafting the perfect itinerary, handling all the logistics, or ensuring that every trip runs smoothly. I’m organized and I love creating personalized experiences that allow you to make memories that last a lifetime. I currently live in Maryland, but I’m always dreaming of my next destination, and I’ll gladly help you find your perfect getaway. Whether you're looking for a relaxing cruise or an exciting adventure, I’m here to plan your next journey from start to finish! If you need me, I'll be at the splash pad with a good book and a margarita!

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival

Cindy Ray

Florida

Hi! I am Nicole Balducci-Portman, I am a mom to two boys Braydon (11) and Carter (5) and we live in Southeast Florida. I was born and raised on Long Island, NY and moved to Florida after I graduated. We love cruising as a family and have been cruising for many years! When we aren’t vacationing on a cruise, we are in our RV or at Disney. CocoCay is my favorite port and then St. Maarten and Cozumel. Life is to short, take the trip!

Royal Caribbean, Carnival, DCL

Nicole Balducci

Iowa

Hey, I’m Anna! I’m a boy mom, avid coffee drinker (did I mention I have three boys?) and a lifelong traveler who’s always chasing the next adventure. We live in Iowa, where my husband serves as a local pastor. Now, Iowa is beautiful, but let’s just say it’s not exactly known for its ocean views. So, our family discovered cruising, and it was truly love at first sail. Cruising is our perfect escape from the hecticness of everyday life, giving us the chance to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy some much-needed family time. For me, family vacations are all about creating those core memories (preferably with a cocktail in hand) and I’m here to help you do the same!

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival

Anna Noble

Tennessee

Hello! I’m Jordan! I am often called the cruise lady by many friends and it sure is a fitting nickname! I’m a mom to 3 kiddos - Kinsley (7), Levi (5) and Jacob (2). After we had kids, we went through a short time where we thought traveling was over for us until they got older. When our oldest 2 were just 3 and 2 years old, we decided to take our first cruise. We have been hooked ever since and try to take 3-4 each year! We have sailed many different ships in many different cabins - from Star Class suites to Interior cabins and everything in between! We keep a calendar setup always counting down to our next sailing. I have a passion for helping other people find the best fit for their families to make memories that will last a lifetime!! 

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity

Jordan Dorman

Texas

Hi, I’m Kaitlin! I took my first cruise when I was 12, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Now, I’ve gotten my own family into cruising (and Mimi comes along too)! I grew up in FL and have sailed out of every port there. I now live in TX with my husband, our two kids- 5 year old daughter and 2 year old son, and our paralyzed French Bulldog. We’re big fans of Oasis and Freedom Class ships, and I know how much fun (and how stress-free) cruising can be when you have the right plan. Traveling with littles can bring so much joy! I’d love to help your family make amazing memories on your next adventure!

Royal Caribbean, DCL, Carnival

Kaitlin Hamill

Pennsylvania

Hi! I’m Thais! I’m a former dentist and scientist who turned my cruise addiction into a full-time career, and you know what? I love it! I live close to Philadelphia with my husband and our 7-year-old boy, but I’m originally from Brazil, so I can say that traveling and learning new cultures is something strong in my personality. My husband and I took our first cruise together in Hawaii for our honeymoon, but it wasn’t until our son came along that cruising became a complete passion for us. We believe it’s the easiest way to travel with kids while giving them the chance to experience new places and cultures! We have done from Icon to Voyager classes, from interior to Star Class Suites on Royal and we always have a blast! Our favorite time of the year to sail is around the Holidays. There is no better way to celebrate the year ending while recharging for the one coming. I’m excited to help your family plan the vacation of a lifetime!

Royal Caribbean, NCL

Thais Acqufreda Lakind

California

Hi there! I've been passionate about travel for as long as I can remember, always eager to explore every corner of the globe. Born and raised in Hawaii, I’m a true water lover at heart, with a deep connection to the sea. Now, as a mom to two adventurous kiddos, ages 5 and 3, I’m thrilled to see that they’ve inherited my love for travel! From the moment they were two months old, they’ve been exploring the world, with their first cruise at just six months old. Whether we're lounging on sunny beaches, wandering through European cities, or immersing ourselves in the wilderness of Alaska, it's been an incredible journey to experience these destinations together as a family. What we love most about cruising is the freedom it offers. We get to visit new places, try exciting activities, and discover so much—all while enjoying the comforts of the ship. Each trip brings fresh experiences, and it’s been amazing to watch our kids grow and make lifelong memories as we explore the world. For us, cruising isn’t just about the places we visit—it’s about the shared experiences and the time spent together as a family, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Royal Caribbean, Princess

Makani Rice

Florida

Hello! I am Lauren Luckett and am the mom of two adorably crazy boys (ages 7 & 3). I have loved cruising since my 21st birthday on Majesty of the Seas then with my husband and now with my family. We have taken our kids on cruise ships since they were babies, so I really understand cruising with kids at different ages… not to mention the sheer joy of not cooking or cleaning while cruising!! I have sailed most of the ship classes and love talking about all of the similarities and differences of everything. Since we live in South Florida, I Have sailed from our home ports. However, as the boys get older, I cannot wait to explore different ports around the world! Besides cruising, Disney and Universal, coffee, and chocolate are some of my favorite things. 

Royal Caribbean

Lauren Luckett