Do these new superliners really offer anything "new"?

They all have the amenities that have become cruise basics: multiple pools, children's area, spa, gym, luxury beds.

But the newest ships go a step beyond, both in physical amenities and onboard programs.

"The new ships have their own feel. They're more defined, finding their niches," says Mike Driscoll, editor of Cruise Week newsletter.

One significant change: prices. Cruises have long offered a strong value when compared with similar resorts on land, especially in high-priced destinations like the Caribbean and Europe.

But since the economy soured, cruise prices have plummeted, and now they're a downright bargain.

Even on many new ships, you can find fares for less than $100 per person per day for cabin, meals in the main dining room and most activities, although you will pay extra for specialty restaurants, bar drinks, spa treatments and shore excursions.

Among the trends:

Bigger than ever: The new ships are getting even bigger than the behemoths already sailing. Carnival Cruise Line's newest, the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor, is the line's biggest.

Royal Caribbean's new 3,634-passenger Independence of the Seas is tied with two Royal Caribbean predecessors as the biggest cruise ships in the world.

Food everywhere: For several years, cruise lines have been adding onboard coffee shops, pizzerias and upscale specialty restaurants — often at an additional fee (the main dining rooms are included in the basic cruise fare).

Now there are even more eating options.

Holland America's new Eurodam offers three new dining venues: a pan-Asian restaurant, an Italian eatery and an all-day pizzeria. Celebrity Solstice has added four extra-fee gourmet restaurants, stylish spaces dedicated to steaks and chops, Asian cuisine, French/Mediterranean dishes and health-conscious menus.

Smokeless: Smokers are finding their habit more restricted. Although none of the new ships completely outlaws smoking (as Carnival's Paradise did years ago, a policy since abandoned) many limit smoking to one side of the ship's decks, the casino and some bars or lounges.

New features: Ships keep coming up with imaginative new features. Celebrity Solstice has a half-acre with real grass for guests who want to play croquet and bocce, as well as the first glassblowing show at sea.

Off the ship: When your cruise is over, you may find it easier to disembark.

Royal Caribbean and Princess have new disembarkation procedures that let passengers stay in their cabin until their deck is called to meet at a designated place and time.

Carnival and NCL have similar procedures.