Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Jessica Lockhart Entry Title: What I learned on on a citizen science cruise along Australia's Great Barrier Reef Entry Credit: Jessica Lockhart Judge Comment: It shouldn’t be a surprise that a story about citizen science on an Australian cruise is packed with knowledge. Plentiful reported details and engaging writing take readers on an excursion that hugs the Great Barrier Reef. The writer maintains a relatable tone, dropping information about, for instance, how to tell manta rays apart, while also asking – and answering – the key question about whether citizen science is of any use.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Christopher Hall Entry Title: It's Party Time on the Stockholm-Helsinki Ferry Entry Credit: Christopher Hall Judge Comment: This isn’t the typical cruise story in that it chronicles a voyage that’s just 16 hours. But like the route between Stockholm and Helsinki, the writer successfully fits a lot into a limited timeframe. History, food details and what really makes these cruises go 'round (hint: duty-free shopping) are woven into a story that mirrors the fun these voyages are known for. The inclusion of food and activity prices further provides a complete picture.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Virtuoso, The Magazine Entry Title: Virtuoso, The Magazine November 2024 "Anchors Aweigh!" Entry Credit: David Hochman Judge Comment: This story about cruising the Mediterranean aboard a Ritz-Carlton ship is as luxurious as the super-yacht’s accommodations and fine dining. The piece flows from one well-appointed detail to the next with an ease that befits such a vessel. It’s smooth sailing and carefree time spent reading on a lounge chair as the writer sneaks in particulars and anecdotes like an observant concierge.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Fodor's Travel Entry Title: Forget Wellness, FEAR Is the Best New Travel Trend Entry Credit: Rachael Levitt Judge Comment: Fear is the focus of this piece about a cruise through northern Norway – or rather, the conquering of fears. That includes the frigid February temperatures, overcoming seasickness and encountering big, creepy-looking crustaceans. It’s an interesting story structure that provides a unique way of going over specifics about the voyage and allows the writer’s personality and wit to come through.
