CRUISE SHIP: Star of the Seas from Royal Caribbean, what guests can expect

Star of the Seas, the second Icon-class ship, sets sail in August 2025 with a fresh take on the cruise holiday, offering a blend of thrills, relaxation, and thoughtful design across its 20 decks. With space for 5,610 passengers, this vessel, powered by eco-friendly liquefied natural gas, promises a tailored experience for families, couples, and solo travellers.

Guests aboard Star of the Seas will find eight distinct neighbourhoods, each with unique offerings. Thrill-seekers can tackle six record-breaking waterslides at the Category 6 waterpark or test their courage on the Crown’s Edge skywalk, while those seeking calm can unwind in one of seven pools or ten whirlpools. Over 40 dining and drinking venues cater to every taste, from casual bites to gourmet meals. Entertainment spans Broadway-style shows, ice skating performances, and live music, ensuring lively evenings. The ship’s layout, with family-friendly zones like Surfside and adults-only retreats like Hideaway, offers something for all ages.

Guest Experience

The onboard experience is designed for ease and engagement. The ship’s layout, with well-placed elevator banks, ensures smooth navigation despite its size. A crew of 2,350 provides attentive service, maintaining a high staff-to-guest ratio. Guests can fill their days with activities like rock climbing, mini-golf, or relaxing at the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar. The Surfside neighbourhood, tailored for young families, includes splash zones, a carousel, and family-friendly dining. The Royal Promenade, a central hub, buzzes with shops, bars, and live performances, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Complimentary Wi-Fi, powered by Starlink, keeps guests connected.

Reception Features

The Royal Promenade serves as the ship’s main reception area, offering a lively welcome with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. The Pearl, a three-deck interactive glass art installation with over 3,000 panels, adds a dynamic touch. Guest services, shore excursion desks, and retail outlets are conveniently located here, making it easy to plan activities. The open design and natural light create an inviting first impression.

Dining

With over 40 dining options, Star of the Seas caters to all tastes. The Main Dining Room offers a refined setting for breakfast, brunch, and dinner, while Surfside Eatery provides a family-friendly buffet. El Loco Fresh serves made-to-order Mexican dishes, and Park Café in Central Park offers light salads and sandwiches. For upscale dining, Coastal Kitchen, exclusive to suite guests, blends Mediterranean and Californian flavours, while Lincoln Park Supper Club delivers a 1930s Chicago-inspired gourmet experience. Desserted’s milkshakes and Basecamp’s casual eats near Thrill Island add quick, flavourful options.

Entertainment

Entertainment offers four main stages: air, ice, water, and theatre. The AquaTheater in the AquaDome features acrobatic shows with a 55-foot waterfall backdrop. Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, showcases Olympic-level skating with digital projections. The Royal Theater hosts Broadway-style productions like Back to the Future, while live music at venues like Thorn & Thistle pub and The Overlook Lounge ranges from jazz to rock. Thrill-seekers can try the FlowRider surf simulator or the Crown’s Edge ropes course.

Accommodation

The ship’s 2,805 cabins cater to a range of preferences, with 80% designed for three or more guests, ideal for families. The Ultimate Family Townhouse, a three-story suite with an in-suite slide and private patio, sleeps eight. Surfside Family Suites offer a curtained alcove for kids, while Infinite Balcony rooms extend living space with a button. Panoramic Ocean View rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Royal Loft Suite, at 1,482 square feet, includes a grand piano and wraparound balcony. Standard interiors, starting at 156 square feet, offer budget-friendly comfort, though storage can be limited.

Hospitality Features

Service is attentive and personalised, with crew members trained to anticipate guest needs. The Royal Suite Class offers three tiers—Star, Sky, and Sea—with perks like concierge service, priority boarding, and access to exclusive areas like the Suite Sun Deck and Coastal Kitchen. The Royal Genie service, available in Star Class suites, provides a VIP experience with tailored planning. Accessibility is well-considered, with 50 wheelchair-accessible cabins and support for embarkation and excursions. The ship’s eco-conscious design, including fuel cell technology, enhances the experience with sustainability in mind.