Huge cruise ships may pose risks

I was only vaguely aware of the scope of the trend toward supersizing [“Cruise Lines Launch Floating Behemoths to Pack in Options,” Travel Insider, Oct. 19]. One area that needs discussion but wasn’t included in your article is the potential environmental impact of these behemoths. Alaska has already aggressively strengthened restrictions on existing cruise ships. Several other cruise lines have been fined or cited for knowingly dumping waste on the open sea. Imagine what might be the impact if one of these new giants decides to flush off Huntington Beach.

Terry O’Brien

Mt. Laurel, N.J.

I enjoy cruising, love ocean travel, enjoy port visits and the relaxing experience of a seven-day cruise. But I hate the new super-ships that carry 2,000 passengers. It’s enough to make me stay home, or just fly to a deserted island to enjoy a vacation. One thing to remember about a ship that carries 2,000 passengers: If you think of something to do (eat, drink, sunbathe, swim), 2,000 people have already thought the same thing and have beaten you to it, causing you to wait in line.

Cruising, once a relaxing vacation experience, has become a commercialized and crowded nightmare. When the ships that carry 3,000 passengers come on the scene, I’ll avoid them.

Ed Price

Studio City