Ultimate Guide: Star of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is no longer alone as the biggest ship in the world.

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Star of the Seas will start sailing this weekend. The ship is the second Icon-class vessel and will sail alongside her twin.

Like her sister, she’s huge. At full capacity, she can accommodate over 7000 passengers, while Icon of the Seas, at full capacity, can accommodate 7600 passengers.

The ship will be offering voyages out of Port Canaveral in Florida, ranging from three to seven nights. Star of the Seas will be sailing out to the Western and Eastern Caribbean, as well as to RCI’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The ship is designed for families where the ship is also the destination. There are a huge range of waterslides, new rides, dining options and different categories of accommodation.

Take a look at what’s onboard the newest ship.

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What will be different to Icon of the Seas?

The ship won’t be vastly different to Icon of the Seas, but here are the important tweaks you should know about.

• Food and dining tweaks: Several dining adjustments will be on Star of the Seas. For example The Empire Supper Club, a New York City themed immersive dining experience, will instead be replaced with the flavours and energy of Chicago, pivoting to the Lincoln Park Supper Club. Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean’s Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, has also revealed that Pier 7, a restaurant new to Icon, will be evolved on Star of the Seas, but couldn’t reveal more details as of yet. Schneider also hinted at changes to the AquaDome Market, but is yet to reveal any details. 
• Kid tracking to be introduced: Royal Caribbean has run some pilot testing of a program that parents can use to track their kids. It is used via waterproof wristbands that appear with a location in the Royal Caribbean mobile app, helping parents to know what their little ones are up to as they run around the ship. 
• Adventure Ocean to be more interactive: Schneider states that feedback has been received that kids want a more explorative experience from the Adventure Ocean kids club. Scheinder says he has heard they want places “to meet up and then kind of move around the ship to be more like adults”. Star of the Seas will have a redesigned teen club, incorporating that feedback. In other updates for kids and families, it is expected that Surfside, the onboard neighbourhood designed for kids and families, will be refreshed. 
• Facial recognition for stateroom doors: Schneider says that pilots will run on facial recognition technology for stateroom doors. “We don’t know how far that pilot will go yet, but we’re pretty confident that we will at least be able to pilot the right subset of doors.”
• An extra hot tub will be onboard: Star of the Seas will slot in an extra hot tub. This can be found adjacent to the Aqua Dome and the Lime & Coconut Bar. This will mean the giant ship will pack in a total of 10 hot tubs across all the decks.

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2025/26 Itineraries and Destinations

Something key to note about Star of the Seas is that there isn’t a huge range of itineraries on offer. The real attraction is the ship, but as a bonus, you’ll also get to see some of the Caribbean’s best and most inviting ports as well.

There are four main itineraries, with the most frequent being the Seven-day Western Caribbean and Perfect Day itinerary. This itinerary starts from a very reasonable $1823. Sailing out of Orland,o this cruise visits Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel and of course, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay private island experience.

With 36 departures on offer, you can surely find one that fits your dates.

On the other hand, you can opt for a seven-day itinerary, but in the Eastern Caribbean, where you’ll visit CocoCay but also St Thomas and St Maarten, veering more to the East of the Caribbean, rather than a focus on Mexican ports.

Cruise Passenger recommends this slightly different Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day sailing, which visits Puerto Rico and St Maarten, often a mixture of Latin American flavour with Eastern Caribbean tranquillity. Plus, you’ll, of course, get your Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Prices start as cheap as $1679.

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Accommodation Details

There are plenty of options onboard Star of the Seas, which are designed for families as well as groups of friends. The ship will boast some of the largest rooms in the Royal Caribbean fleet. But also, the cruise line has stepped up its game with luxury suites.

One of its newest and funnest suites is the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which spans across three levels. There is an in-suite slide, wrap-around terrace with a hot tub, and guests of the suite also get direct access to Surfside. The Ultimate Family Townhouse sleeps up to eight guests and has three full bathrooms, a dining room and a kitchenette as well as a cinema with a large day-bed.

Taking inspiration from their sister brand, Celebrity Cruises, Star of the Seas’ new class of accommodation is the Infinite Oceanview Balcony. Rather than the traditional cruise ship balcony, these rooms have an expanded living area, which becomes an oceanfront balcony with the push of a button. These rooms sleep up to four guests.

Our next pick is the stunning Panoramic Suites that overlook the Star of the Seas’ AquaDome. You can get a front-row seat to dramatic ocean views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. These rooms have a great seating area and can sleep up to three guests.

And our favourite is the new Sunset Corner Suites which have a great wrap-around balcony. These stunning suites have a living area with a sofa that looks out towards the sea and can sleep up to four guests. There is also a balcony with a private dining area – great for an aperitivo hour. The pièce de résistance – the beds face the sea.

But there are also plenty of other accommodation categories. For the families, there are also options, such as the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony rooms, Surfside Family Suites. And for those looking for something more upscale, there are 10 accommodation options. For those staying in the Royal Loft, Icon Loft or the Ultimate Family Townhouse, you will get the service of the Royal Genies.

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Dining and Culinary Experiences

There are 40 eateries and bars on Star of the Seas, and they cover cuisines from all around the world.

From casual to fine dining, there is something to tantalise every taste bud – whether it be picky eaters and gourmands.

Complimentary Dining

The Main Dining Room is the staple of every Royal Caribbean ship. It’s the heart of the ship’s dining offering, and this is where guests will be able to have breakfast, lunch and dinner. The multi-level room is elegantly set and guests with large groups can reserve tables. You’ll find items like pancakes for breakfast, or for dinner, Moroccan-spiced ahi tuna served over mint couscous.

For something more casual, the Windjammer Cafe focuses on global cuisines as well as American favourites across all three main meals.

The success of the AquaDome Market on Icon of the Seas has translated over to Star of the Seas, and here you can try the smoky pulled pork at Pig Out BBQ or even pad thai at the Mai Thai food stand.

One of Cruise Passenger’s favourite dining venues is the Coastal Kitchen, which serves upscale dishes like sea bass, filet mignon and a fresh shrimp cocktail.

The Grove serves Mediterranean mezzes and is a great place for an al fresco meal.

For quick bites, Park Cafe has classic made-to-order deli items like paninis, salads as well as freshly prepared sandwiches. Everyone loves the Kummelweck roast beef sandwich.

The Pearl Cafe is located in the heart of the Royal Promenade and is the best spot for coffee, snacks and pastries. What’s great about this venue is that it’s open 24 hours a day, and great if you have a late-night craving.

Basecamp also has delicious snacks like pretzel-bites with cheese sauce or shrimp bar buns. It’s the perfect place to refuel between rides and activities.

The Surfside Eatery is a complimentary casual buffet that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, while if you’re craving some Mexican, El Loco Fresh makes made-to-order burritos, tacos and salsas.

New to Star of the Seas is Sorrento‘s, where you can choose your own toppings for your pizza. This is also where you can pair your favourite flavours with draft beers on tap.

Sorrento’s, the new dining venue on Star of the Seas

Specialty Dining

The newest restaurant onboard Star of the Seas that we can’t wait to try is the glitzy Lincoln Park Supper Club – modelled after the golden age of extravagance in Chicago. Guests will be treated to an eight-course menu of premium cuisine that includes wagyu beef to caviar. Best to book early because the venue only has capacity for 42 people.

Star of the Seas‘ Celebration Table is where you can get VIP treatment. With a capacity for just 14 people, this is a new exclusive dining experience in the AquaDome. Guests can choose from American, Italian, Asian and seafood prix fixe menus, which are served family style.

Chops Grill is the line’s signature American steakhouse. Like on Icon of the Seas, guests can see a new butcher’s display with specialities like wagyu steaks and bone-in tomahawks. You can also choose from an extensive array of sides to pair with your steak.

For authentic Italian, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar seats up to 117 people and is influenced by the trattorias of Tuscany. There’s also an impressive list of cocktails on offer.

Tempting teppanyaki and sushi selections are available at the Izumi Hibachi and Sushi. On Star of the Seas, it’s the first time you can enjoy your Japanese-inspired fare al fresco in the open-air Central Park. For quick sushi rolls on the go, pop by Izumi in the Park, which also has cute, sweet treats like mochi.

Hooked Seafood serves up the freshest seafood – our favourite menu items are the Maryland Crab Cakes and the baked oysters.

After a swim at the pool, pop by Pier 7 for surf ‘n’ turf tacos and then finish up at Desserted for a milkshake.

For sports lovers, head to Playmakers to watch the game or play some pool and of course, in the morning, head to Starbucks for a coffee.

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Onboard Activities

There are plenty of activities on the new Star of the Seas, whether you want thrills or chills.

If you’re not scared of heights and you want the best view from the ship, step onto the Crown’s Edge. This aerial adventure course puts you above the sea then you can plunge six slides at the largest waterpark at sea – Category 6.

The Category 6 Waterpark has six slides, including the infamous Frightening Bolt. For the brave, try the first open freeall waterslide at sea, the Pressure Drop. And if you are competitive, take on a friend on the first mat racing duo slide, Storm Chasers.

Gather the whole crew – and your courage – for Hurricane Hunter and Storm Surge, doubling up the firsts with not one but two new raft slides you can ride with the whole family.

For the little cruisers, they can head to Splashaway Bay Aquapark or let their imagination run wild at the colourful Playscape.

The beauty of Star of the Seas, just like its twin Icon, is that it’s organised into neighbourhoods, meaning you can head for a few hours to wherever you’re vibing, and knock out a few activities at once. 

Thrill Island

The appeal of Thrill Island is in the name. This is where to head for a bit of adrenaline and excitement, with it being home to Category 6, the biggest waterpark at sea. Beyond the record-breaking waterslides, you can also find activities like mini-golf and rock climbing. It’s definitely the go-to neighbourhood for a day of excitement.

Chill Island

Once again with the clue in the name, if Thrill Island is the hotspot for adventure, Chill Island is the place to unwind. Expect a beach club feel, with pools and swim-up bars spreading over three different decks. Make sure to visit Royal Bay Pool, the biggest pool at sea, as well as enjoy the experience of Cove Pool and its edges.

The Hideaway

The Hideaway is similar to Chill Island, but even more tucked away and private. You’ll find another infinity pool, as well as several whirlpools and sundecks. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy ocean views and hopefully a bit of quiet to go with it. 

Surfside 

If you’re travelling with kids, you’ll likely find yourself spending plenty of time at Surfside. This is where you’ll find smaller water parks that are more suitable for children and other kids’ activities such as the arcade. The neighbourhood specifically accommodates kids six years and under, so it’s perfect for your little ones.

Aquadome

As mentioned, the Aquadome is home to a massive waterfall, which sets the ambience, but there’s plenty else happening. This neighbourhood is a great place to head in the afternoons and nights, as you can find plenty of restaurants and bars, making it perfect for quick eats or drinks as the sunsets. This is also where you’ll find the AquaTheatre.

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Entertainment

On the world’s biggest ship, you would expect plenty of entertainment, and that’s exactly what you’ll find on Star of the Seas. 

As far as unmissable shows go, definitely make sure you make it down to Torque. Here you’ll see amazing synchronised swimming and diving, amongst the incredible production value that the AquaTheatre offers.

Pirates and Mermaids is another one to make sure you catch. This show is designed for family fun, but you can still expect daredevil stunts and immense production value to be on show.

A brand new show designed for Star of the Seas is Sol, which takes place on the ice-skating rink, and features teams of skaters charting the journey of the sun, all while performing on the biggest ice rink at sea.

For something more Broadway-style, you’ll want to turn your eyes towards Back to the Future, where this classic story will be performed, as always, extravagance can be expected, with the musical backed by the biggest orchestra at sea.

Other late-night activities range from salsa dancing at Boleros, to live music all across the ship, comedy shows in The Attic, karaoke, rock and roll shows at the Music Hall and plenty more.

For those looking for daytime thrills, the FlowRider, Royal Caribbean’s famous surf simulator, is available, as well as Adrenaline Peak, a challenging rock-climbing wall.

Beyond this you can find almost everything you could imagine, from escape rooms to arcades to basketball courts, to ice skating, to mini golf, to ropes courses and plenty more. Don’t expect many dull moments on Star of the Seas.

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Bars and Nightclubs

With over two dozen bars and loungers, the nightlife on Star of the Seas is unparalleled. Some venues cater for live-music lovers to upscale cocktail bars.

There are lovely bars by the pool. For instance, The Lime & Coconut Bar serves bright and tropical cocktails, complete with island music to match the mood.

For swim-up bar service, Swim & Tonic, which guests can access till late. At Cantina Fresca, head here for zesty margaritas and frozen treats on those sunny afternoons.

Perfect for live music and handcrafted cocktails, the Latin-inspired lounge Boleros is a great place to dance the night away. If you have cruises on Icon of the Seas, The Overlook and Overlook Pods are back, which have cozy lounges and beautiful wraparound windows. Chill out here both day and night.

Other favourites are back, like the Crown Lounge, which is a sophisticated space that has a great wine menu, and for those who want a quiet space, head to Trellis Bar for conversations and cocktails.

The English Pub is the place for pints, live acoustic music and classic pub vibes, and the 1400 Lobby Bar is right in the centre of all the action – great for a pre-dinner drink or people watching.

Returning to Star of the Seas, Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues is great for date nights and serves lovely cocktails.

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Star of the Seas Deck Plan

Star of the Seas boasts a total of 20 expansive decks, housing 2,805 staterooms, 7 pools, 9 whirlpools, 6 waterslides, and 22 lifts.

This Royal Caribbean ship is zoned into several themed neighbourhoods: Suite Neighborhood, AquaDome, Chill Island, Central Park Neighborhood, Royal Promenade Neighborhood, The Hideaway, Surfside, and Thrill Island.

Deck 3 houses the ship’s Medical Center and the Conference Center. This deck also includes the lower level of the three-deck Main Dining Room, which spans Decks 3 to 5.

Deck 4 features the Royal Theatre and Casino Royale.

Deck 5 hosts the Royal Promenade, Fitness Center, Absolute Zero ice-skating rink, Sorrento’s, Spotlight Karaoke, and Starbucks.

Deck 6 contains The Attic, Duelling Pianos, The Crown Lounge, Schooner Bar, Adventure Ocean, Playmakers Arcade, and Social020.

Deck 7 is the site of the Surfside neighbourhood, including Pier 7, Sugar Beach, Splashaway Bay, Baby Bay, and the Water’s Edge Pool.

Deck 8 is home to the Central Park neighbourhood. This deck also houses Izumi, Chops Grille, Empire Supper Club, and the Park Café.

Decks 9 through 14 primarily accommodate staterooms, with the two-deck Vitality Spa spanning Decks 12 through 14.

Deck 15 features three neighbourhoods: Chill Island, AquaDome, and The Hideaway. This deck includes the AquaTheater, Celebration Table, Lime and Coconut, Cove Pool, Royal Bay Pool, and Hideaway Pool. It also houses the Windjammer Marketplace, Cantina Fresca, and El Loco Fresh.

Deck 16 is the site of the Thrill Island neighbourhood. This deck highlights Coastal Kitchen, Swim & Tonic, Crown’s Edge, Adrenaline Peak, and FlowRider.

Deck 17 features a Sports Court and Cloud 17.

Deck 18 houses the luxurious The Grove.

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Frequently Asked Questions