It’s easy to drop superlatives when talking about the new, 5,610-passenger Star of the Seas, now sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida. Brash and bold, Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon-class mega ship is, after all, one of the world’s two largest vessels at 248,663 gross tons. The other is sister Icon of the Seas, launched in 2024.
Travel Agent Central recently sailed on Star of the Seas for a three-night voyage from Port Canaveral. We found many of the same spaces and features as on Icon, but also some new and different facets. Here’s our perspective, plus that of several travel advisors and travel industry executives, about what to love about Star of the Seas.
1. AquaDome: New Eateries, The Overlook
(Photo by Susan J. Young.)
The visually impressive, AquaDome neighborhood on Decks 14 and 15 forward is found on both Icon-class ships. It combines entertainment, dining, and relaxation under a 164-foot-wide and 84-foot-high glass dome. But Star of the Seas has a few new enticing draws in this neighborhood.
Among them is an all-new, revved up aqua show, “Torque,” at the AquaTheater. Several travel advisors we spoke to loved this show. They told us they enjoyed watching the athletic stunt artists, synchronized swimmers, dancers, and slackliners in action.
The human movements are enhanced by a 55-foot waterfall, four robotic arms, one halfpipe, seven lifts and projection mapping. The result is a multi-media spectacle.
(Photo by Susan J. Young.)
In addition, the adjacent AquaDome Market proved a hit with many on our cruise. What’s different here from Icon of the Seas are three new food concepts:
- Mai Thai, serving Southeast Asian regional favorites like pad thai and beef panang
- Pig Out BBQ, serving smoky pulled pork and beef brisket
- La Cocinita, serving such South American delights as empanadas and arepas.
Personally, I can vouch for one of Mai Thai’s noodle dishes and a spring roll. Fellow traveler Marisel Aleman, vice president and co-owner of Cruise Elite, a Travel Leaders Network Agency, personally enjoyed the delicious Cuban sandwiches and empanadas.
But there are other eateries here as well. One star attraction for Aleman’s husband Marc Hayes, Cruise Elite’s president and co-owner, was the crepe station. Another plus for travelers is that AquaDome Market is open from 10:30 a.m. to midnight, allowing plenty of time for guests to indulge.
As for drinks, Aleman suggested guests who love coffee might head for the neighborhood’s Rye & Bean bar; it specializes in lattes and coffee-infused cocktails. She’d also suggest ordering a Ketel One espresso martini.
Behind the AquaTheater and near AquaDome Market is The Overlook, a uniquely designed, two-level area with ocean-facing loungers, floor-to-ceiling windows, live greenery and more. We observed guests socializing at The Overlook Pods, some of which are elevated. Aleman characterized those unique pods as comfortable spots to meet and catch up with friends, while offering spectacular ocean views.
2. The Cleaning Crew: Bob and Betsy
Royal Caribbean is known for its razzle-dazzle onboard attractions — everything from thrill slides to escape rooms, from high-tech, innovative entertainment to robotic bars, varying by ship. While rounding a corner to the elevator lobby, I came face to face with several members of the ship’s high-tech housecleaning team: Bob and Betsy.
They’re not human but they’re friendly robots, proudly displaying their names on their metal uniforms. They’re new to Star of the Seas. In one way, it was a surprise, in another not. After all, Royal Caribbean has robotic bartenders on some ships, so cleaning is another great shipboard job for a robot.
(Photo by Susan J. Young.)
Helping the ship’s housecleaning team, Bob handles public area cleaning of hard surfaces, while Betsy focuses on the carpeting. In fact, there are actually multiple Bob and Betsy robots on Star of the Seas. So, I couldn’t help wondering if they might spare one for a guest to take home and try out.
Let’s just say that guests, this writer included, got quite a kick out of encountering these robotic workers. Bob and Betsy were so cute that meeting them put a smile on my face. It was just another small, fun element of the Star of the Seas experience.
3. “Back to the Future: The Musical”
Perhaps the biggest change from Icon of the Seas is Star of the Seas’ new lineup of entertainment and shows. Describing the ship as the ultimate entertainment hub, Theresa Scalzitti, chief operating officer of Cruise Planners, pointed to the new aqua, ice, and theater shows.
“The quality is incredibly high, comparable to $150-per-person Vegas shows, and because it’s included in your cruise fare, this is an unbeatable value for families,” Scalzitti said.
Entertainment-wise, the top draw for many guests was the new “Back to the Future: The Musical” show.
“You would never know you’re on a ship in the middle of the ocean,” Andrew Garnett, president and CEO of Special Needs at Sea, said.
(Photo courtesy of Andrew Garnett)
After the cruise was over, Garnett and his wife Anita couldn’t help detouring slightly in walking out of the Port Canaveral terminal (see photo above) to pose with a show promotional display.
While his view of the entire ship was positive, Garnett emphatically said, “Booking the cruise just for the show would be worth it.”
Also new for Star of the Seas is “Pirates & Mermaids” and “Torque” (referred to in our #1 AquaDome mention above). In addition, AquaTheater hosts “SOL,” a visual journey themed around the sun.
4. Surfside: Designed for Young Families
(Photo by Susan J. Young.)
Strolling along the Surfside neighborhood, the first Royal Caribbean neighborhood ever designed specifically for young families, I noticed how welcoming and fun it was for the little ones. One toddler was riding a carousel with her mother. Other small children were splashing with friends in shallow water with parents watching from close by.
Splashaway Bay’s play area has gushing fountains, overhead buckets that fill up and then slowly overturn to douse small guests below, and a gently curving slide. Based on firsthand observations of kids 3 to 10, we found this space perfect for little ones not ready for Thrill Island’s bigger attractions.
Families also snacked on treats and snacks available at Surfside venues. What we liked about this family-friendly neighborhood on Deck 7 aft is the range of options for different ages of young children. For instance, Baby Bay is ideal for toddlers who love to sit and splash. Plus, an adjacent Water’s Edge pool overlooks the ship’s wake. So, parents can stay cool there while keeping tabs on their kids.
Above Surfside on two sides, guests will also see family-friendly accommodations that offer easy access to the neighborhood. For instance, families might choose either a Surfside Family Interior stateroom, Surfside Family View Balcony stateroom, Surfside Family Suite or the Ultimate Family Townhouse.
5. Thrills and Slides Galore
(Photo by Susan J. Young.)
Older children, teens, and adults who love thrills can instead head for Star of the Seas‘ 17,000-square-foot Thrill Island. Located aft on Deck 16, it’s highly visible even from far away. I spotted it atop the ship as I was riding in a car up to the terminal.
Home to six intertwined, multi-hued waterslides, this island has everything from a 46-foot-high Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea, to Pressure Drop, the first open freefall slide (with a 66-degree incline) on a cruise ship. Other options include Hurricane Hunter and Storm Surge, the first family raft slides at sea.
Not for the faint of heart, Storm Chasers is a pair of dual mat-racing slides that guests ride lying on their stomach and head first. And, of course, there’s the ever-popular FlowRider surf simulator.
One option that was getting oodles of attention from guests during our cruise was Crown’s Edge, a daring overwater obstacle course. Other diversions include a reimagined rock-climbing wall called Adrenaline Peak; the Sports Court with basketball and pickleball; and a new shipwreck-inspired Lost Dunes mini-golf course.
6. Quieter Spaces: Design with Nooks and Crannies
While I enjoy traveling on big ships, I absolutely love finding quieter spaces for relaxation without the crowds. For that, I often look for an empty bench in the green Central Park. With so much to see and do on Star of the Seas, people often use Central Park as a way to transit the ship, but not that many people, except diners for the specialty restaurants there, actually make the park their final destination.
(Photo by Susan J. Young.)
From the moment it debuted in 2009 on the first Oasis-class ship, open-air Central Park has been a popular spot to enjoy a drink or dinner. Thus, it’s not new for the line. It’s an adult-friendly neighborhood on many ships. Simply put, the park is designed to provide an oasis of calm, a spot where a humongous ship doesn’t seem quite so big.
While I worked on my laptop, I enjoyed a beverage and people watching as folks strolled by. I’d recommend it for those who’d like to read a good book, plan their next day’s activities, sip on a drink and relax, without a crowd.
(Photo by Susan J. Young.)
“My favorite lounge was Lou’s,” concurred Rachel Shapiro, a business development manager at Dream Vacations and CruiseOne. From sliding open windows looking out onto Central Park to what she described as the sultry stylings of The Gingersnap Band.
“The lounge transported me to a jazz club in Manhattan during the Roaring 20s,” she emphasized.
Central Park also is home to the Trellis Bar with a menu of light bites, plus a new Bubbles walk-up sparkling wine bar. When hungry, guests can stroll into the complimentary Park Cafe. Those with reservations can also dine at the park’s two specialty restaurants.
One is Chops Grill for steakhouse and seafood fare; the other is Izumi Hibachi & Sushi. While the park is a new location for that specialty Japanese eatery, it’s a fan favorite on other Royal Caribbean ships. One facet we liked was Izumi’s walk-up, take-out window.
7. Hideaway: Industry’s First Suspended Infinity Pool
( Photo by Susan J. Young)
For adults only, The Hideaway, an adults-only haven on Deck 15 aft, might be compared to a trendy beach club. It has that aura. Most notably, though, it’s home to the cruise industry’s first suspended infinity pool at sea. Here’s a bit more about that pool:
- It’s suspended eight stories above the sea waves below.
- Thanks to a clear glass infinity edge, it offers 180-degree ocean views
- On one side, a multilevel terrace has sun loungers and two large whirlpools.
- On the other side, there’s the Hideaway Bar. Guests 21 and older can enjoy such tropical libations as Castaway Spritz and Oh Mai Gawd.
8. Let’s Chill with Even More Water Space
One impressive new neighborhood on Star of the Seas is Chill Island. Spread over Decks 15–17, it features 62 percent more water space than found on any non-Icon-class ship. Four of the ship’s seven pools are located here.
One of those pools has another claim to fame. It offers Royal Caribbean’s first-ever swim-up bar at sea. This three-level, mid-ship neighborhood is also conveniently accessible from both the forward and aft elevators.
Starting on Deck 15, those who work their way upward will discover Chill Island’s largest pool, the 5,813-square-foot Royal Bay and two nearby whirlpools. Check out the pool’s in-water loungers within the shallow area. Guests can both sunbathe and then easily slip into pool’s deeper end for a cooling dip.
( Photo by Susan J. Young)
By crossing over to Deck 15’s port side, guests will find Cove Pool, which is also infinity-edged, plus two whirlpools. Nearby is The Lime & Coconut, a tropical-themed pool bar with an area for frozen cocktails and mocktails. If the munchies strike, head for Deck 15’s Windjammer buffet or savor the global flavors of the AquaDome Market.
Heading upward, Chill Island’s Deck 16 is home to Swim & Tonic, a swim-up bar and whirlpool. It’s definitely for pool lovers in bathing suits, so if you’re wearing regular clothes, head instead to the second location of The Lime & Coconut bar.
9. Learning About a Dog’s Life at Sea
Star of the Seas has its own chief dog officer, a seven-month-old Golden Retriever puppy called Sailor. The dog lives aboard the ship with her own chief of staff, a personal handler who reinforces the pup’s training and makes sure she’s comfortable onboard. (Incidentally, Icon of the Seas provides a similar home to Rover, that ship’s chief dog officer.)
(Photo courtesy of Theresa Scalzitti.)
During our trade preview cruise, Sailor appeared at several different spots in and around the ship. For example, her handler brought her to the end of a press conference on board with Michael Bayley, the line’s president. Let’s just say that upon spotting the Golden Retriever, all the audience members began oohing and aahing. Journalists raced to the stage to pet Sailor and take selfies.
How can guests interact with Sailor? Royal Caribbean told us that Sailor had several months of training — focused on socialization, obedience and adaptability — before joining Star of the Seas. The puppy is now meeting new people and experiencing new things. She’s shown with Scalzitti above.
As Sailor and her chief of staff make their rounds on the ship, guests are welcome to kindly approach Sailor and interact as she is up to it. How does Royal Caribbean protect the pup from too much socialization with guests? Sailor’s life on board is a blend of structured routine and fun-filled adventures.
So, the dog’s day begins with a leisurely walk around the ship, followed by a mix of play and training time. After her morning routine, Sailor and her chief of staff then explore the ship together often visiting the kid’s club Adventure Ocean or taking a walk along the Royal Promenade. Crew members ensure that Sailor enjoys plenty of downtime between her onboard adventures.
10. Hub of the Ship: Royal Promenade
( Photo by Susan J. Young)
A massive, reimagined orb, The Pearl is the centerpiece of Star of the Seas’ Royal Promenade neighborhood. It beckons guests with its unique shape, 3,600+ tiles, interior grand staircase to the promenade’s second level, and fantastic always-changing light, color and sparkle elements. A ground-level Star of the Seas sign also makes a great spot to pose just inside The Pearl for a selfie or family photo.
But this orb is just one element of the promenade. Think of this neighborhood as akin to a multi-level indoor mall or street-like experience. It has many restaurants, bars, and even a Starbucks counter. Sorrento’s Pizza serves great slices of pies, but also a wonderful breakfast.
My go-to spot onboard was Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, which offers savory cuisine and also a bar overlooking The Pearl. So, grab a high-top stool, order a drink, listen to the live music (at certain times of the day), and watch the action below — both the orb’s light show and people strolling through the Promenade.
Other dining options include such eateries as The Pearl Cafe, a great grab-and-go-spot. At the latter, we’d suggest trying the lunchtime chicken barbecue sandwich, which we found tasty. Michael Sinn, franchise owner of Dream Vacations in Lincoln, Nebraska, told us that he enjoyed The Pearl Cafe for three things — the food, drinks and people watching.
We watched many guests line up for that cafe’s made-to-order coffees and lattes. Sinn also liked the Pearl Cafe as a pleasant spot to meet friends.
On the ground level of the Royal Promenade, Thorn & Thistle delivers a pub-like experience. Entertainment-wise, guests might enjoy live piano music at the Schooner Bar, stand-up comedy at The Attic, Latin music (and salsa dancing late in the evening) at Boleros, or their own vocal talents at Spotlight Karaoke. And the list goes on with more dining, lounge and entertainment venues.
So Much More: Parting Thoughts
As for the accommodations on board, yes, they’re essentially what’s on Icon of the Seas. We looked at several suite categories and found them fantastic in many ways. Star of the Seas has a humongous Suite Neighborhood on Decks 16 to 19. Guests who book Royal Suite Class accommodations can access four decks of pampering, exclusive amenities.
Guests can choose from multiple categories of suites, everything from Sky Junior Suites to the Icon Loft Suite. Plus, The Grove is a two-level sun deck for suite guests. Besides a pool, whirlpool and bar, it offers alfresco Mediterranean dining. The suite neighborhood also has an exclusive, two-deck Coastal Kitchen.
(Photo by Susan J. Young.)
While we weren’t staying in the Suite Neighborhood, we stayed in a designated accessible, infinite-balcony cabin (#10578) that is among the best accessible accommodations we’ve ever had. The design afforded a guest on a scooter the opportunity to easily drive around the stateroom’s interior. The bathroom was also well-equipped with roll-in access, a fold-down shower seat and more.
In particular, we liked having an infinity-style balcony that made it easy for us to pull right up to on the scooter; that balcony area also has two soft casual chairs and a small glass table.
Each Icon-class ship has so many venues, activities and experiences to uncover. Even after one cruise, both first time cruisers, those new to the brand and even loyal past guests will likely be ready to head back soon on another cruise. For example, Star of the Seas and its sister Icon-class vessels (Icon of the Seas and the new, soon-to-launch Legend of the Seas) each offer the largest ice arena at sea.
Making a Match, Sailing the Caribbean
If an advisor has a client who is a good match for a large ship product with a razzle-dazzle portfolio of venues, activities and entertainment, then Star of the Seas should be on the table as a potential vacation choice.
No, it’s not for everyone, of course. No one ship is. As advisors know, it’s important to make the best match between the ship and the client’s travel style, approach, budget and personality. But for clients who love big ships and a wide diversity of onboard choices, Star of the Seas is certainly a new option to consider.
I also like the way in which Royal Caribbean spreads out guests with its ship design. Much of that is due to the neighborhood approach.
Itinerary-wise, Star of the Seas is now sailing seven-night voyages from Port Canaveral. Itineraries will include eastern or western Caribbean ports of call, plus Perfect Day at CocoCay, the line’s private-island-style destination in The Bahamas.
For more information, check out the Star of the Seas’ guidebook or visit Royal Caribbean’s website.
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