Posted on Sun, Jun. 29, 2008

Cruise ships are getting bigger -- and ever-more-interesting. In September 2009 comes the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, carrying 3,646 passengers and boasting expansive children's areas, a massive waterpark and an indoor/outdoor café and live music piazza. In December of that year, Royal Caribbean launches the 220,000-ton Oasis of the Seas, with room for 5,400 passengers, an amphitheater, boardwalk and hand-made carousel. Not to be outdone, in 2010 NCL will launch a 150,000-ton ship with a little yin-and-yang for its 4,200 passengers -- both a beach club and an Ice Bar made -- yes -- out of ice.

-- JANE WOOLDRIDGE