Cruise line megaships are taking the cruise world by storm. With never-before-seen activities and amenities (plus previously unheard of square footage), mega cruise ships have something onboard for everyone. The most well-known megaships are Royal Caribbean‘s “World’s Largest Cruise Ships”, the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. They’re not the only megaships sailing the earth’s waters, though. Norwegian Cruise Line‘s Norwegian Epic and brand new Norwegian Breakaway ships are 155,873 and 146,600 gross tons, respectively, and have over 20 different restaurants onboard.

PHOTO TOUR: Inside the new Norwegian Breakaway

MORE: Deck-by-deck on the Carnival Breeze

Carnival Cruise Line‘s newest ship, Carnival Breeze, carries 3,690 passengers who all get to participate in the exciting activities onboard. Mega cruise ships’ large square footage ensures there is plenty of space for everyone and allots for innovative features onboard. Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Cruises, MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises also are players in the megaship arena.

Water Activities

Mega cruise ships have the space to design elaborate waterparks. What could be more fun than slipping down the plunge chutes and curvy tube slides? If the waterpark just isn’t your scene, you’re in luck — megaships also have several massive pools onboard, with ones ideal for children, adults only, and relaxing indoors.

Clubs

You’ll feel like you’re in downtown Miami when you go dancing in the clubs onboard mega cruise ships. Excited crowds, strobe lights, and excellent DJs await you on the dance floor, with expert bartenders serving up drinks nearby.

Casinos

Gamblers will love the multitude of card games and tables found onboard mega cruise ships. With all of the glitz and glam, you’ll soon forget you’re on the high seas, not in Las Vegas.

Shows and Entertainment

Chicago, Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, the list goes on and on, and these are just a few of the famous shows you can see onboard megaships. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas even have a water show onboard with stunning dive acrobatics you won’t see anywhere else.

Stateroom Options

Mega cruise ships have the space to get creative with accommodation. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic and Breakaway ships feature studio staterooms so travelers sailing solo don’t need to pay hefty single supplements. The ships also have an exclusive area called “Haven” — think of it as a gated community onboard — with private pools, restaurants, and even butler service. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and the Allure have impressive loft suites, which boast a two story window overlooking the ocean and ports of call.

Kid Programs

Megaships are great for families due to their onboard kid programs. The trained, professional staff will keep your children entertained so you can have some free time to explore the less kid-friendly areas of the ship.

Dining

Mega cruise ships are ideal for foodies, offering dozens of excellent dining options onboard. From Mexican restaurants to gourmet specialty restaurants to dessert shops, you’ll find just about anything you’re craving.

SEE MORE: The 10 Best cruise ships for foodies

Adventure Activities

From cruise favorites like ice skating and rock climbing to new heights such as zip lines and plank walks over the ocean, the adventures found onboard mega cruise ships are not your usual cruise activities.

Ship Stability

A great benefit of sailing on a mega cruise ship for those wary of spending their vacation at sea is that larger cruise ships are less likely to be impacted by waves and the motion of the ocean. The ride is often so smooth you may not even notice when you take off from port.

A Destination unto Itself

Though mega cruise ships stop at many fabulous destinations, many cruisers are just as excited for what’s onboard as what’s awaiting them in various ports of call. Mega cruise ships are loved for their included entertainment and amenities, and with so much space you may forget you’re actually on a vessel floating at sea, not in a fun and opulent resort town.

(Article: http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2013/04/29/norwegian-breakaway-ship-first-look/2122015/ )

Happy Cruising,
Arthur Fessenden
Founder
The Art of Cruising
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