First Call: Travel Weekly

First Call

The central pool deck on the Sun Princess.
Sun Princess awash in light and multigenerational offerings
By Andrea Zelinski|March 14, 2024
True to its name, light is a significant feature on the Sun Princess. Its spaces were built for a multigenerational clientele.
Carnival Jubilee celebrates Texas and the deep blue sea
By Andrea Zelinski|March 2, 2024
The Jubilee might be the third vessel in its class, but it is the first new ship from any cruise line to homeport in Galveston,...
The Bonsai Cherry Tree, with its 2,000-plus glass cherry blossoms, adorns the entrance to the Pacific Rim restaurant.
The little things add up on Regent's Seven Seas Grandeur
By Tom Stieghorst|February 12, 2024
Beyond the gourmet dining, well-appointed suites and bespoke excursions, it is the service moments that put Regent over the...
The Emerald Sakara anchored off Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Inside and out, Emerald Sakara is all about space
By Tom Stieghorst|December 16, 2023
The 100-passenger yacht is for people who might want a cruise, but not one that comes with 500 passengers, never mind 5,000.
Although the MSC name and logo appear on the funnel, there's not much point in comparing the Explora I to MSC's massive ships.
Having a great time getting to know the Explora I
By Tom Stieghorst|October 5, 2023
Explora Journeys' first ship is comfortable, tasteful, quiet, relaxing and warm.
The coastal catamaran-style American Eagle sits docked on the Penobscot River in Bangor, Maine.
American Cruise Lines debuts its first catamaran cruiser
By Andrea Zelinski|September 30, 2023
If the trend for large cruise ships is to make them feel like floating resorts, American Cruise Lines' vessels are going in the...
The pool onboard the new Viking Aton, which sails on the Nile River.
Shining a light on the spacious new Viking Aton
By Nicole Edenedo|September 23, 2023
Fans of Viking's river ships now have more opportunities to sail Egypt's Nile River, thanks to the addition of the Viking Aton...
An asymmetrical design gives the Silver Nova one of the most chic, expansive pool decks at sea.
Silversea achieves a breakthrough in luxury ship design with the Silver Nova
By David Swanson|August 25, 2023
The Silver Nova's unique design refocuses passengers on the sea and destinations. It is Silversea's largest and most ambitious...
A water-vapor "fireplace" in the Seabourn Pursuit's cozy Exploration Lounge; behind it is a panel that nods to the ship's deployment.
Noticing the nuances at the Seabourn Pursuit handover
By Rebecca Tobin|August 6, 2023
A preview of the luxe line's second expedition ship.
The split-level layout of the Panorama Lounge is the Viva Two's most striking feature. To get to the bar, you walk down a short staircase. The staircase continues into the Riverside dining room.
First Call: Viva Two's inviting design is a conversation starter
By Nicole Edenedo|May 13, 2023
The ship is already distinguishing itself in the market, but its forward-thinking design also stands to help the line attract...
The bathroom in the concierge suite on the Oceania Vista.
The view from Oceania Vista: Dining and high-end design
By Andrea Zelinski|May 12, 2023
One would expect high-end dining and a plethora of art pieces on an Oceania ship. The Vista has its surprises, too. Like large...


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