Across the industry, cruise operators are launching, building or planning their biggest ships yet. In some cases, those vessels are setting global records. Some span the length of four football fields and are capable of carrying thousands of people. Others rival even some of the biggest military ships and historical ocean liners. The larger ships, cruise lines say, allows guests to enjoy more amenities, including water parks and dozens of deck levels. Royal Caribbean International, based in Miami, currently owns the largest fleet of ships on the planet.

How the ships compare