Size matters

At 220,000 tons and with space for 5,400 passengers, Royal Caribbean's massive Oasis of the Seas will be a third larger than the current record holder (also owned by Royal Caribbean) when it lumbers out of port in November. Features include a 10-story slot down the middle lined with 300 balcony cabins and themed neighborhoods; a bar that also serves as an elevator; and zip-line rides. "It's the most important ship of the decade, a major bright spot on a somewhat gloomy horizon," says Brown. "It's an event ship. You do not care where it's going or if it even moves." The downside: When it does dock, 5,400 passengers are all headed for the exits.