Cruise Yachts

At the opposite end of the spectrum from the megaship is the cruise yacht, a tiny ship with such big-ship amenities as fitness centers, casinos, lounges, and swimming pools. Cabins are all outside suites equipped with every creature comfort on the high seas---from VCRs and stocked minibars to marble baths. Built into the stern of some of these vessels are retractable platforms, which are lowered for water sports when the ship is at anchor in calm waters.

These intimate vessels carry from 100 to 300 passengers and register between 4,000 and 15,000 tons.