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Frommers | Quest

We wish more ships were like Journey and Quest: large enough to be interesting during long itineraries, but small enough to keep things cozy, comfortable, and convenient. These are some of our favorite mainstream cruise ships. …

Frommers | Maasdam

These ships are well made and designed, and for some, a perfect midsize in this age of gigantic circuslike megas. Public areas are functional and appealing, with just a dash of glitz and plenty of classic European and Indonesian art. …

Frommers | Conquest

The best of the Carnival bunch to be sure, the Conquest class has the fleet's largest children's and teen's facilities, a giant video screen on the Pool Deck, and plenty of bars and lounges -- all packaged in a pastiche of both pleasing and jarring colors and design themes. …

Frommers | Dream

The largest ship in the Carnival fleet, Dream puts her extra space to extremely good use, mostly by expanding Carnival's signature attractions and adding new public rooms, most of which seem to have more legroom and elbowroom. …

Frommers | Noordam

These ships were Holland America's first foray into mega-size vessels, and they marry traditional HAL style with a partying Caribbean feel -- a weird fit that is toned back somewhat in each successive sister ship. …

Frommers | Elation

These time-tested favorites are the line's original megas, and their whimsical decor and endless entertainment and activities spell excitement from the get-go -- though they do feel outdated compared to Carnival's newer classes. …