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

I Just Took a Multi-Gen Vacation to Disney World—Here Are 7 Things I Learned

4 weeks ago | rd.com | Gwen Pratesi

PEOPLEIMAGES/GETTY IMAGES RD.COM Travel Vacations PEOPLEIMAGES/GETTY IMAGES Updated on May 30, 2025 No matter where you go, it's about the time you spend together During a recent multigenerational trip with my family to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, we experienced the magic of Disney through my very excited 3-year-old grandson (when he wasn’t napping)—and learned a few things about traveling together for three nights. While our vacation went off mostly without a hitch (we had...
Viking Ocean Cruises

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

On Board with VikingOverall, the destination-heavy itineraries from Viking attract well-traveled, active adults and retirees who have the time to explore multiple ports of call. While you'll often find North American cruisers, many Mediterranean itineraries also attract Europeans. Due to its longer itineraries and lack of children's programming, you won't find many children or families on board. In fact, you may only cruise on Viking if you are 18 or older.
Seven Seas Explorer

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

OverviewRegent Seven Seas Explorer debuted in 2016. It's one of the largest vessels in the fleet, welcoming up to 746 passengers at double occupancy. The ship makes service a top priority, with 548 crew members on board. According to past cruisers, the staff is friendly and attentive. Travelers were even more impressed by the all-suite accommodations, which are some of the largest offered among ocean liners.
Best Cruises to Mexico

1 month ago | travel.usnews.com | Skye Sherman |Jill Schildhouse |Megan duBois |Gwen Pratesi

#1Discovery PrincessPrincess Cruises#1 in Best Cruises to Mexico (tie)Read More »One of the newest ships in the Princess fleet, Discovery Princess launched in March 2022. The ship is equipped with Princess Cruises' signature MedallionClass technology, which allows cruisers access to Wi-Fi, touchless experiences (such as contactless payment) and food and beverage delivery anywhere on the ship. Discovery Princess holds 3,660 passengers (double occupancy) and 1,346 crew members.
Norwegian Bliss

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

OverviewLaunched in April 2018 and refurbished in 2021, Norwegian Bliss carries 3,958 passengers at double occupancy and around 4,900 passengers maximum. It hosts 1,716 crew members. Cabin layouts range from one-person Studios to The Haven villas, penthouses and suites, which offer private sun decks, king-sized beds and 24-hour butler service. Onboard entertainment options are plentiful on Norwegian Bliss.
10 Exotic Destinations That Don't Require a Passport

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

Airports are more crowded than ever and planes are packed, but even at an international airport in the U.S., many people you see jetting off somewhere will never leave the country on their travels. Only about half of the U.S. population has a valid passport, according to the U.S. Department of State, but even those without a passport can visit several exotic destinations beyond the Lower 48.
Cunard Line: On Board

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

On Board with CunardWhile Cunard does offer children's programming on each ship, the cruise line's onboard activities generally target well-traveled British, American and international travelers ages 50 and older. However, you may find more families on board during the summer months. You’ll also find guests who are transporting their pets aboard Queen Mary 2, as the ocean liner has kennels for both dogs and cats. CabinsCunard features two types of cabin categories: suites and staterooms.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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

On Shore with Regent Seven SeasAt each port of call on your itinerary, you'll have the opportunity to partake in as many shore excursions as you want while the ship is docked. During these excursions – which include both complimentary and fee-based outings – you will leave the ship to experience group events, entertainment, dining and discovery in a given destination.
Best Cruises to Europe

1 month ago | travel.usnews.com | Jill Schildhouse |Megan duBois |Gwen Pratesi |Skye Sherman

#4Celebrity AscentCelebrity Cruises#4 in Best Cruises to EuropeRead More »Key Takeaways Thirty-two dining and drinking venues on board, from Le Voyage by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud to the iconic Martini Bar. Incredible onboard entertainment; "Awaken" combines popular music with acrobatics and lasers, while Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night invites cruisers to don metallic or sequin outfits for a deck party under the stars.
Viking Orion Review | U.S. News Travel

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

OverviewThe 930-passenger (double occupancy) Viking Orion set sail in 2018. All staterooms on Viking Orion are equipped with balconies, flat-screen LCD TVs and minibars. Cabins also feature bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and heated floors. When it's time to relax, cruisers can head to the spa for a treatment or – for a unique experience – cool their body temperatures down in the snow grotto (where snowflakes fall) before jumping into the sauna or hot tub to warm up.