Those charged with designing new cruise ships and skyscrapers share a common bond. Both will have a similar command ringing in their ears after their first meeting with the client: "It must be the biggest the world has ever seen." This year will see the maiden voyage of the cruise industry's latest record-breaker.

'We're having a sex party. We'd be delighted if you could come." That got your attention, didn't it? Don't be surprised if you receive an invitation.

Small is beautiful. This has been the prevailing mood in tourism over the past decade. We want boutique hotels, cosy B&Bs, family-run restaurants serving local fare, city breaks, modest rental cottages, cycling holidays. We shun the sweeping all-you-can-eat hotel buffets, multinational hotel chains, giant cruise ships, carpets of sun loungers on the beach.

Those charged with designing new cruise ships and skyscrapers share a common bond. Both will have a similar command ringing in their ears after their first meeting with the client: "It must be the biggest the world has ever seen." This year will see the maiden voyage of the cruise industry's latest record-breaker.

'We're having a sex party. We'd be delighted if you could come." That got your attention, didn't it? Don't be surprised if you receive an invitation.

Small is beautiful. This has been the prevailing mood in tourism over the past decade. We want boutique hotels, cosy B&Bs, family-run restaurants serving local fare, city breaks, modest rental cottages, cycling holidays. We shun the sweeping all-you-can-eat hotel buffets, multinational hotel chains, giant cruise ships, carpets of sun loungers on the beach.