Gwen Pratesi

Fernandina Beach

Contributor at U.S. News and World Report

James Beard Finalist, award-winning food & travel writer, world traveler and contributor to @USNews, @ThePointsGuy, @TravelLeisure and many other outlets.

Articles

Travel Advice

6 days ago | travel.usnews.com | Gwen Pratesi |Ann Henson |Marisa Mendez |Suzanne Mason

TravelThe Best Las Vegas ShowsFrom residencies to magic shows, explore the best Sin City entertainment. Rachael HoodApril 18, 2025
I Was Pickpocketed in Europe; Here’s What I Should Have Done | Members Only

1 week ago | aarp.org | Gwen Pratesi

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn A dream trip to Europe can quickly become a nightmare — as I recently learned from personal experience. I was in the final days of a three-week trip to Europe, waiting for a bus at Italy’s Venice airport en route to Verona, when a couple backed into me.
Norwegian Cruise Line

1 week ago | travel.usnews.com | Gwen Pratesi

On Board with NorwegianBecause many of its home ports are based in the United States, Norwegian attracts a primarily American clientele. Norwegian Cruise Line also caters to families, offering age-appropriate programming geared toward younger passengers. You're likely to find more families during the winter holidays and summer months, while far-flung itineraries tend to draw an older crowd. If you're traveling solo, no problem.
Best Viking Cruises

1 week ago | travel.usnews.com | Gwen Pratesi

#1#1 in Best Viking CruisesLaunched in May 2021, Viking Venus features modern amenities and a contemporary design. The ship holds 930 passengers at double occupancy and 465 crew members. Amenities include multiple pools and shops, as well as a cinema, a live performance theater, a jazz lounge, a spa, a fitness center and a salon. Plus, you can attend a lecture or discussion with the onboard historian, who helps educate passengers on the cultural aspects of each destination.
Best Cunard Cruises

1 week ago | travel.usnews.com | Gwen Pratesi

Queen Anne debuted in May 2024 as Cunard Line's newest ship – and the line's first new build in 14 years. The elegant, modern 2,996-passenger ship (double occupancy) features new entertainment, a reimagined wellness and spa program in partnership with "Harper's Bazaar UK," several new specialty dining venues and culinary offerings curated by two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. The addition of Queen Anne marks the first time Cunard has had four ships in service simultaneously since 1999.
Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian Cruise Line: 12 Key Differences

2 weeks ago | travel.usnews.com | Gwen Pratesi |Erin (Shields) Evans |Suzanne Mason

There are a lot of factors to consider when booking a cruise vacation, especially if you're trying to decide between Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. Both cruise lines offer big-ship amenities with many dining, bar and entertainment venues, and high-energy fun for kids and adults. These megaresorts at sea also feature casinos, luxury spas, retail shopping and enough activities to keep you busy for days – and even weeks.
The 7 Best Short Caribbean Cruises for 2025

2 weeks ago | travel.usnews.com | Gwen Pratesi |Erin (Shields) Evans |Nicola Wood

Whether you're short on vacation days or simply prefer a condensed voyage, two- to five-night cruises offer an entertaining and affordable way to enjoy a change of scenery. Such sailings from the U.S. to the Caribbean typically depart from ports of call in Florida or Texas, visiting sunny locales like Key West, Florida, and Freeport, Nassau or Bimini in the Bahamas.
The Ultimate Safari Packing List: What to Wear and More

3 weeks ago | travel.usnews.com | Gwen Pratesi |Catriona Kendall |Rachael Hood

An African safari is a bucket list trip for most travelers – and it takes thorough planning to be well prepared for your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Most safaris are typically between eight and 17 days long and may include boat tours, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding and walking. Some itineraries also visit multiple game reserves and parks.
Shore Excursion Age Restrictions on a Cruise and What to Do About Them

4 weeks ago | cruisecritic.com | Gwen Pratesi

We’re all familiar with minimum age restrictions, height restrictions and even weight restrictions for specific cruise ship excursions and tours. But, did you know that cruise lines also have age limits for some excursions as well? When you read the full description for a cruise ship excursion, it typically includes the length of the tour and shows the activity level from mild to moderate or strenuous.
The 8 Best Repositioning Cruises for 2025 and 2026

1 month ago | travel.usnews.com | Gwen Pratesi |Rachael Hood |Catriona Kendall

Repositioning cruises are an excellent option for travelers who have extended vacation time, work remotely or are retired. These one-way cruises move ships between their home ports or to another part of the world where the vessel will sail for the season, typically in a warmer climate. For example, most major cruise lines reposition their ships from Europe to Florida in the fall to sail Caribbean itineraries in the winter months.