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

Best Cruises to Europe

2 days 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

2 days 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.
Best Regent Seven Seas Cruises

3 days ago | travel.usnews.com | Gwen Pratesi

#1Seven Seas ExplorerRegent Seven Seas Cruises#1 in Best Regent Seven Seas Cruises (tie)Read More »Regent 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 from Galveston

1 week ago | travel.usnews.com | Megan duBois |Skye Sherman |Gwen Pratesi |Holly Johnson

#8Norwegian VivaNorwegian Cruise Line#8 in Best Cruises from GalvestonRead More »Norwegian Viva, which first sailed in August 2023, encourages passengers to "live it up" at sea, with amenities like two 10-story slides, a three-level racetrack, interactive mini-golf and a tidal wave waterslide. A kids club, an Aqua Park, escape rooms and a sports area will keep the whole family busy, while adults can enjoy a stroll on the glass-bottomed Oceanwalk, a spa treatment or a dip in the infinity pools.
Best Norwegian Cruises

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

#8Norwegian VivaNorwegian Cruise Line#8 in Best Norwegian CruisesRead More »Norwegian Viva, which first sailed in August 2023, encourages passengers to "live it up" at sea, with amenities like two 10-story slides, a three-level racetrack, interactive mini-golf and a tidal wave waterslide. A kids club, an Aqua Park, escape rooms and a sports area will keep the whole family busy, while adults can enjoy a stroll on the glass-bottomed Oceanwalk, a spa treatment or a dip in the infinity pools.
Best Cruises to the Pacific

1 week ago | travel.usnews.com | Skye Sherman |Gwen Pratesi |Julie Kessler |Dana Freeman

#7Seabourn QuestSeabourn Cruise Line#7 in Best Cruises to the Pacific (tie)Read More »Seabourn Quest, which launched in June 2011, is one of the smaller ships in Seabourn's fleet. It fits 458 passengers (at double occupancy) and about one crew member for every cruiser. It is virtually identical to the Seabourn Sojourn. Seabourn Quest differs from the line's newer ships in terms of accommodations, as it offers some ocean-view suites with porthole windows instead of verandas.
Best Cruises for Couples

2 weeks ago | travel.usnews.com | Skye Sherman |Jill Schildhouse |Megan duBois |Gwen Pratesi

#6Celebrity AscentCelebrity Cruises#6 in Best Cruises for CouplesRead 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.
Best Cruises from Vancouver

2 weeks ago | travel.usnews.com | Skye Sherman |Gwen Pratesi |Megan duBois |Julie Kessler

#9Seabourn QuestSeabourn Cruise Line#9 in Best Cruises from Vancouver (tie)Read More »Seabourn Quest, which launched in June 2011, is one of the smaller ships in Seabourn's fleet. It fits 458 passengers (at double occupancy) and about one crew member for every cruiser. It is virtually identical to the Seabourn Sojourn. Seabourn Quest differs from the line's newer ships in terms of accommodations, as it offers some ocean-view suites with porthole windows instead of verandas.
Best Cruises from Seattle

2 weeks ago | travel.usnews.com | Skye Sherman |Gwen Pratesi |Julie Kessler |Leilani Osmundson

#4Discovery PrincessPrincess Cruises#4 in Best Cruises from SeattleRead 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.
Viking Jupiter Review | U.S. News Travel

2 weeks ago | travel.usnews.com | Gwen Pratesi

OverviewDebuted in February 2019, Viking Jupiter is the cruise line's sixth ocean vessel. The ship sleeps 930 guests at double occupancy in luxurious staterooms that include everything from large bathrooms to comfortable king-sized beds. As an added bonus, each room is equipped with free Wi-Fi access. Travelers will have the opportunity to indulge in several onboard activities.