Published on 12/04/09

In the past decade, a growing trend toward mega cruise ships has prompted cruise lines to introduce larger and larger designs, and as evidenced by the recent arrival of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, size is not the only thing that is magnificent about these mega ships!

With impressive entertainment, a plethora of unique amenities, dining options galore, and mind-blowing innovations, cruise lines’ emphasis on providing the ‘wow’ factor has proven to many travelers that bigger can be better. Mega cruise ships provide a multitude of opportunities through activities tailored to all ages and lifestyles, spacious decks and floor plans, and more.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

The largest of mega cruise ships to-date is Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, and at 220,000 tons, it has generated quite a buzz inside and out of the travel industry. In addition to the excitement over its enormity, cruise fans are most intrigued by the level of service and downright fun provided for each of its 5,400 guests!

The ship features seven distinct neighborhoods including a Central Park, Boardwalk, Youth Zone, and more, each with its own unique attractions and amenities. Responding to the desire for more of these mega ships, Royal Caribbean has plans for Oasis of the Seas’ matching sister ship, the Allure of the Seas, to be introduced in 2010.

Carnival Dream

Carnival Cruises has found success with its larger than life ‘Fun Ships’. The cruise line started its move toward mega with the 101,000 ton Carnival Destiny, which held the record for the world’s largest cruise ship when it was launched in 1996. Carnival Cruises recently introduced its largest ship ever, the Carnival Dream, weighing 130,000 tons and with space for 3,646 guests. The rewards of the additional space are many, with a 40,000-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, a half-mile long top-deck promenade, and the Serenity adults-only retreat location. Kids onboard can enjoy tons of fun just for them with the largest water park at sea, WaterWorks, and special kids- and teens-only clubs for different age groups.

Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Cruise Lines’ fleet is comprised of several mega cruise ships, offering guests plenty of dining options and attractions. The newest, Norwegian Epic to arrive in 2010, is a massive 153,000 ton ship that will carry 4,200 guests. As a first at sea, and commemorating the Norwegian Epic cruise ship in its maiden season, the Blue Man Group will join the many exciting performances onboard in order to capture the imagination and attention of every traveler. In addition to the onboard entertainment, the Norwegian Epic will feature outstanding Spa Suites with in-room hot tubs, a fun-filled Aqua Park, an exciting Cirque Dreams and Dinner theater show, and much more.

Get Onboard!

• Right now, Royal Caribbean is offering America’s Vacation Center guests onboard the Oasis of the Seas great prices!
• Carnival Cruises guests can receive Exclusive Reduced Pricing with America’s Vacation Center on select Carnival Dream sailings!
• Onboard Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Epic, America’s Vacation Center’s guests can enjoy Exclusive Pricing and Amenities Valued at up to $140!

These cruise lines and more are responding to today’s mega cruise ship trend by continuing to build ships that are not only larger, but contain greater amenities, services, and attractions than ever before for guests of all ages. For more information on how you can enjoy a magnificent cruise vacation on one of today’s mega ships, contact your America’s Vacation Center Personal Vacation Planner today!

For more information, call 1-888-447-8459 and mention Discount Code 9094# to speak with an AVC Personal Vacation Planner today!