Above: Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas is expected to be the world's largest cruise ship when it enters service in 2024. It features 20 decks, seven pools and six waterslides.

Last Word: The Latest Leviathan

Royal Caribbean International’s <i>Icon of the Seas</i> is expected to be the world' largest cruise ship when it enters service in 2024. It features 20 decks, seven pools, six waterslides and eight neighborhoods.

The world’s largest cruise ship will soon loose itself upon the ocean. As if the current record-holder weren’t large enough — that’s the Wonder of the Seas, which can house a maximum of 6,988 passengers — the Icon of the Seas will set sail starting in January with up to 7,600 guests. These behemoths are destinations in themselves, with a startling range of restaurants, entertainment options and other amenities. While such vessels may be ideal for transatlantic crossings, they have become infamous for overrunning ports where they dock.

We have expanded our cruise coverage in the Hideaway Report in the last year, but I’m afraid that any members hoping for reviews of large ships are bound to be disappointed. Just as we focus our hotel investigations on smaller properties, so too our cruise coverage concentrates on more intimate vessels. For those of us as much interested in the place as the onboard experience, the fewer passengers the better. Low cabin counts also tend to foster a convivial atmosphere, where staff and guests actually get to know one another over the course of the voyage.

I’m curious if you have similar preferences. What sort of cruises would you like to see reviewed in these pages? Write to me with your thoughts at AskHarper@AndrewHarper.com.

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Above: Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas is expected to be the world's largest cruise ship when it enters service in 2024. It features 20 decks, seven pools and six waterslides.