Big, bigger, biggest! More than a decade ago, Royal Caribbean launched Sovereign of the Seas, the first of the modern megacruise liners, which continues to be an all-around favorite of passengers who enjoy traditional cruising ambience with a touch of daring and whimsy tossed in. Plunging into the 21st century, each ship in the current fleet carries more passengers than the entire Royal Caribbean fleet of the 1970s and has features -- such as new surfing pools -- that were unheard of in the past.

You want to see the sea from atop a rock wall -- it's one of the few activities on these ships that's free.

You're active and adventurous. Even if your traveling companion isn't, there's an energetic staff on board to cheer you on.

You want your space. There's plenty of room to roam; quiet nooks and crannies are there if you look.

Patience is not one of your virtues. Lines are not uncommon.

You want to do your own laundry. There are no self-service facilities on any Royal Caribbean ships.

You don't want to hear announcements, especially in your cabin. There are a lot on these cruises.