Oh dear.

I just returned from a cruising aboard the 5,100-passenger Norwegian Dream to learn that the head of Holland America admits he’s “thinking” of building a 3,000-passenger cruise ship.  You don’t say something like this to a journalist unless it’s  certain that the formal announcement will follow in a few months.

And while the biggest ships get the most publicity — think Royal Caribbean’s 6300-passenger Oasis of the Seas and the 4300-passenger Carnival Dream — it may be tempting to assume that the newest, biggest ship is the best.   But is that true?

While the super-behemoths have so many more choices, you do loose something valuable:   an intimate level of service.  Should HAL build 3,000-passenger vessels they will be in the mass market category of ships instead of the premium category because the fine level of service will suffer.

Why Cruise Ships Are So Big

Cruise line execs say they build these mammoth ships because passengers want more to do, more choices in dining and entertainment, more fitness facilities and kids programs.   Well, that’s part of it.  But the real reason is because of economy of scale:  the larger the ship, the lower the cost of each cabin.   You have one set of officers, one set of engines and air conditioning units.  Remember, the biggest cost of operating a sea-going vessel is below deck.

Keep in mind that the priciest ships are in the luxury category and none carry more than 1000 passengers.    The two most important features of a luxury cruise are outstanding food and service, which can’t be accomplished when you substantially increase the size and number of passengers.   Add to that staterooms which are significantly larger.   And, these ships call in the world’s most glamorous ports of call and in some cases larger vessels can’t dock.

When the Best Pick is a Huge Ship

* Families with children will love the largest ships afloat because they offer the most extensive kids programs and facilities.    Think water slides, zip line, rock climbing and private teen clubs for older children plus colorful pools and day-long supervised activities for tots and youngsters.

* Couples who would otherwise head to Las Vegas or Atlantis for the wide array of nightlife,  dining and large casinos will undoubtedly love ships carrying 4,000+ passengers.

* Caribbean cruising, because there is ample time (plus multiple days at sea) to enjoy all the diversity these ships offer.

When The Best Pick is a Ship with Fewer than 2500 Passengers

* When cruising outside the Caribbean and Mexico.    For example, in Europe one of the most delightful things to do is wander around ports like Venice, Stockholm and Barcelona.   The fewer number of people disembarking with you, the less crowded it will be.

* When you’re unlikely to take advantage of all the entertainment and dining options.  In Europe, few itineraries include a day at sea.  You’re off the ship at 8:30 a.m. and sightseeing all day: many cruisers just want a bite to eat before retiring early.

* When you’re on a tight budget.   In the case of Norwegian Epic and Oasis/Allure of the Seas, the best food costs extra and it’s tough to pass up a restaurant others are raving about.

* If you have problems walking or don’t want to walk great distances.

* If a more personal style of service is important.

Cruisers, what size ship works best for you?