Bigger isn't always better, but cruisers can't quit mega-ships

Mega-ships have been a hit for many cruise lines and can feel like the new normal across the industry, but not all ships are getting bigger.

Amy Valderrama Amaya went big on her first cruise.

The 23-year-old sailed with her boyfriend and his family on Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas in January, one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Valderrama Amaya spent a week exploring the nearly 250,000-gross-ton ship, from watching the "Torque" show in the AquaTheater to skating at the onboard ice rink.

"It was a lot of fun going on the rink, especially on a cruise ship in the middle of the water," the Seattle resident told USA TODAY. "Like, [who] can say that?"

Valderrama Amaya researched the ship before embarking on the cruise to the Bahamas, Mexico and Honduras, but admitted it was "a little overwhelming" in person. "Even on the last day I was honestly getting lost, because it was just massive, but it was a lot of fun," she said. "I definitely feel almost spoiled in a way that I got to experience such a big ship for my first cruise ship."

That stacked lineup of amenities has helped vessels like Star become a major hit for Royal Caribbean, sparking online chatter and driving record bookings. They’re not the only ones: Mega-ships can often feel like the new normal across the industry.