They are huge but it's not the size that is only impressive. Those floating cities are offering much more than just taking you across the sea. Often called "destinations for themselves" they represent ultimate beauty of vacation environment combined with the high technology of maritime engineering. Ships of today are designed not only to carry more than 3000 people but also to provide numerous services and facilities to make onboard experience rich and fulfilled. In the same time safety of passengers and crew is set to the highest possible standard. As the cruise industry expands year in year out, the same thing happens with ships: they are getting bigger with more room and more entertainment options. Here is the overview of top of the line vessels from the each cruise line that sails the seas today:

• Freedom of The Seas, the latest addition on Royal Caribbean International fleet is for sure the most impressive and most innovative ship in today's cruise industry. Scheduled to sail in June 2006 this the largest ship ever (160,000 gross tonnage) truly brings cruise experience to a new level. About 3600 passengers will be able to enjoy endless list of features such as: sport courts, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, WI-FI capabilities, flat screen TV in every stateroom and something unique and never seen before on any vessel: interactive water park along with surf park. That's right; on this ship you can take your surfboard and ride the waves in the pool with 45-degree angle current that creates surf wave. At night this area will be decorated with fantastic dynamic light system, which will be transformed into sculpture garden. As Royal Caribbean CEO Richard D. Fain said: "Freedom of the Seas, its name was chosen deliberately to convey the enormity of features and amenities offered on this extraordinary ship".

• Queen Mary 2; proudly continuing British maritime tradition and heritage Cunard cruise line presented Queen Mary 2 in 2004. Elegant and beautiful this ship was the most anticipated in modern times. With 150,000 tons it is the biggest ship today. Bringing an upscale ocean experience for sophisticated and experienced passengers, famous Queen Mary 2 is often referred not as cruise ship but as the ocean liner. This is coming from Cunard's legacy, from the company's beginnings back in 1840's when the main purpose was luxury Atlantic crossing. Today, owned by Carnival Cruise Lines, Queen Mary 2 continues with superb service in luxury, weather it is an ocean crossing or relaxing Caribbean cruises.
• Caribbean Princess is the flagship of Princess cruises offering everything that passengers need to fully enjoy vacation in the beautiful Caribbean. Deluxe amenities in first-class floating hotel with 75% ocean view staterooms are provided for all of 2600 passengers. Unique feature is found on this class ships in Princess fleet: "Movies Under the Stars". Blockbuster and classic movies are displayed on huge LCD screen located poolside. Ship has 4 pools, golf range and many more features as well as many intimate spaces.

• Carnival Conquest, the largest ship under Carnival brand (110,000 tons) is designed to provide floating fun for the whole family. Interior design is inspired by artists such as Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, Manet and others. The mural replicas are displayed in all public areas on the ship enhancing its unique and onboard atmosphere. A lot of space and many dining options are making sure that its 3000 passengers never feel too crowded. Excellent entertainment is assured for seniors as well as for kids.

• Costa Fortuna represents (along with sister ship Costa Magica) European answer to American mega liners, offering similar amenities such as high balcony ratio and various dining options. This ship is another brand in Carnival family. Its design is inspired by grand Italian steamships. It is followed by "Cruising Italian Style" flavor. Of course, everything has to be completed with famous Italian cuisine. Its 2300 passengers have an opportunity to enjoy tastes of Mediterranean in its spacious and colorful environment.
• Constellation of Celebrity Cruises is its fourth vessel from Millennium class. Award winning ship of 91,000 tons is devoted to world renowned cuisine, fine art and upscale bars and lounges to make cruise experience complete. Its clientele may enjoy exotic aqua spa and breathtaking garden featuring the exclusive floral collection.

• Norwegian Dawn (with sister ship Norwegian Star) is the latest addition to exclusive "Freestyle Cruising" program by Norwegian Cruise Line. This feature represents opportunity to choose dining option in 10 exclusive restaurants from Asian to French or Italian cuisine. Also, no other ship can offer its guests more significant collection of fine original art onboard. Atmosphere on this beautiful, 90.000 tons ship is fun, relaxing and easy-going.

• Zuiderdam is 85.000 tons vessel of Holland-America line, introducing new Vista class cruise ships in 2002. Increased speed due to revolutionary Azipod propulsion enables cruisers to stay in port a bit longer. Company trademark "Signature of Excellence" ensures top class service in this spacious and feature rich ship.

• Disney Magic and Disney Wonder sail under the well-known trademark of entertainment brand of Walt Disney. Those ships have all that you may expect from Disney world: famous cartoon characters, theme park castles, fairytales, etc. Everything is organized to fit perfectly in two elegant and sleek ships. Carrying about 2400 passengers each of those 85.000 tons vessel offer perfect family atmosphere, intensive children programs along with features that will make their parents enjoy their vacation in fullest.
• Crystal Serenity. When introduced in July 2003 this newest addition to Crystal Cruises fleet raised bar in standards of supreme luxury and excellence. Having features like 85% of staterooms with verandas and 100% unobstructed ocean views, this ship provides top level service, fine cuisine and exotic itineraries for experienced and sophisticated passengers who expect extra attention and are willing to pay for it.

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