18 dispatches from the journal.
Marbella is not only Puerto Banus. We did the old town and the locals' beach, then went home to Estepona, which quietly became our favorite town on the Costa del Sol.
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A Gibraltar day trip from the Costa del Sol: parking on the Spanish side, the walk to the Rock, the monkeys, and why we would take the taxi tour next time.
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We drove to Malaga, parked, and took the high-speed train to Seville for one night. Why the overnight beats a day trip, and how to do it with a kid in July heat.
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Malaga, Mijas, Benalmadena, Nerja, Ronda and Setenil, driven from one base near Estepona. Drive times, what each town is actually for, and which to skip if it is hot.
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After 20 years of cruising, we based ourselves in one apartment outside Estepona for two weeks with a rental car. Here is what the home base model actually changed.
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Royal, Carnival, Virgin, Disney, Celebrity and more, compared by who they're actually for. Find the best cruise line for your family, budget, or style.
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Our honest Allure of the Seas review after 8 nights in the Southern Caribbean: the balcony cabin verdict, dining wins, the ports, and what we'd skip.
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We're holding a limited group block on two Royal Caribbean spring break sailings for April 2027. Utopia of the Seas (4 nights) and Allure of the Seas (7 nights). Deposits from $200, fully refundable.
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Spring break 2026 is closer than you think. Whether you're planning a family cruise, a couples-only resort escape, or a group getaway, here's everything you need to know to book the right trip.
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An honest Odyssey of the Seas review from an advisor who toured the ship at Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ. Quick verdict, who it is best for, staterooms, dining, and whether sailing from New Jersey is worth it.
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Our honest Symphony of the Seas review from a holiday sailing. Quick verdict, who it is best for, the Crown Loft Suite, festive decor, onboard community, and why Royal Caribbean does holiday cruising right.
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We prefer offseason travel for fewer crowds and better value. Here’s how we keep the excitement alive all summer with local adventures in NYC, Six Flags, Mets games, and more while planning our next big trip.
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Dreaming of a cruise suite? Discover 10 expert tips to book luxury suites on Royal Caribbean, NCL, Disney, MSC, and more without breaking your budget.
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Planning a group cruise with family or friends? Discover 10 expert tips for stress-free cruising, from choosing the right ship to managing excursions, dining, and more.
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Planning your first cruise? Avoid the most common rookie mistakes with these expert tips on cabins, excursions, packing, and more based on 250+ nights at sea.
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Our honest Harmony of the Seas Star Class review from a Mother's Day sailing. Quick verdict, what the Royal Genie actually does, the 2-Bedroom Aqua Theater Suite, and whether Star Class is worth the price.
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Is Icon of the Seas worth it? Our honest family review of Royal Caribbean's largest cruise ship, with a quick verdict, who it is best for, the Surfside Family Suite, dining, Crown's Edge, and what we would do differently.
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Discover our family’s Western Mediterranean cruise adventure—from Madrid to Barcelona to Star Class luxury aboard Oasis of the Seas. Tips for families and groups!
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