First Call

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.
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...
The exterior of the Mozart looks mostly the same, except for the name.
Service is a familiar tune on the Riverside Mozart
By Nicole Edenedo|March 28, 2023
Guests who experienced the Mozart under Crystal Cruises management will know immediately upon seeing the ship that not much...
The MSC Seascape includes a replica Times Square, complete with screens showing blue skies and moving clouds.
First Call: MSC Seascape sparkles with New York City-inspired glitz and glamour
By Andrea Zelinski|December 11, 2022
While the ship's designers made several specific nods to the Big Apple on the Seascape, the rest of the ship was also designed...
Lindblad Expeditions' 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II.
First Call: New comforts on Lindblad's National Geographic Islander II
By Johanna Jainchill|October 23, 2022
The former Crystal yacht is almost three times the size of Lindblad's previous ship in the Galapagos, meaning a lot more space...


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