Q: Do you recommend the new mega ships?

 A: In short, size does matter.

Super Size It
If you like Las Vegas with its multitude of restaurants and entertainment venues, you may enjoy mega ships such as Royal Caribbean’s new Allure of the Seas launched in Dec 2010, now the largest ship in the world, sister ship to the Oasis of the Seas. Each carries 5,400 passengers every week from Fort Lauderdale on alternating Caribbean itineraries. The ports they visit are often secondary. These massive ships are destinations in themselves. With 16 decks and public space divided into 7 neighborhoods,  it takes a week just to explore them. However, these are not for everyone.

Mega Ships Oasis & Allure of the Seas

Bigger isn’t necessarily better.

For serious world travelers, I still recommend a more upscale and intimate boutique experience on smaller ships with destination-focused itineraries that are sometimes inaccessible to larger ships. Medium ships like Azamara Club Cruises carry approx 700, the luxurious small Silversea vessels only 300 passengers, and even smaller river boats only 100-150 privileged guests.

 Consider not just quantity but also the quality of the overall experience.

For more information, contact Jacintha Perera,
Accredited (ACC) & Master (MCC) Cruise Counsellor
Jacintha@IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 392-1520 or (866) 345-ISLE