Experience a City at Sea on Star of the Seas

Courtesy Royal Caribbean.

I’M A NATIVE FLORIDIAN; of course I’ve been on a boat. I’ve had my fair share of time on a bass boat in Lake Maitland at 5:00 a.m., trolling the Florida Keys canals, riding the pontoon back and forth to Hontoon Island in Volusia County, pulling in and out of Eldred’s Marina on my way to Little Gasparilla Island, and even had a few ferry rides in the Cape Cod area; but I’ve never been on a cruise ship. Until now. Enter Star of the Seas.

Catherine Walters

Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship. Their largest ships in the fleet, Icon Class ships boast big rooms, big entertainment, and well, big ships. Here, where you stay is just as impressive as how you play — with some of the most spacious accommodations on any Royal Caribbean ship. Bring your favorite people and discover room types that give everyone their own space, or upgrade to elevated suites with exclusive amenities, private sun decks, and concierge service. Choose a different pool for every day of the week, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, available only on Icon Class ships. Next-level views are never far away, with infinity edges throughout the ship designed to keep you visually connected to the ocean. Discover adventure for all ages at Surfside™, a thoughtfully designed neighborhood with a sprawling, kid-approved aquapark, splash zones for toddlers, a pool just for grownups, and plenty of nearby dining to refuel between adventures. It has a boardwalk-feel to
it, and is just as fun for adults.

Star of the Seas docks at Port Canaveral, making it incredibly easy to access for Central Floridians. We parked in the lot and headed toward the Port Authority. Check-in was smooth, and within minutes we were ushered up the ramp and into what can only be described as a floating city. Passengers first enter the Royal Promenade on Deck 5, a two-story atrium filled with shops, restaurants, bars, artwork, and the captivating Pearl, a massive kinetic art installation that moves, shimmers, and transforms throughout the day. It feels alive, like the heartbeat of the ship. ere are stairs inside the Pearl leading up to the second level and the Pearl Café; it’s a fantastic location for a photo or two.

The Pearl Café was our first stop: a wide-open, 24-hour café serving sandwiches, quick bites, desserts, and Starbucks coffee. With ample seating next to floor-to-ceiling windows spanning two stories, guests can refuel and take in the views before the ship even leaves port. The chairs were comfortable, the vibe was relaxed, and the people-watching was elite.

Could this be my new favorite hobby, I wondered? With a crudité plate and latte in hand, we headed to our cabin to drop off our luggage. Guests can choose to bring their luggage onboard or have it delivered directly to their stateroom. I’m not sure why I chose the former, but I would absolutely recommend the latter. Hands-free is the way to go on a ship with an almost alarming abundance of food.

We stayed in an Ocean Balcony Room, perfect for up to four guests. It offered plenty of storage, a surprisingly spacious bathroom, and a private outdoor balcony that became our morning coffee ritual spot and our late-night ocean-gazing hideaway.

Courtesy Royal Caribbean.

The Decks

But back to the ship. Star of the Seas is enormous. After three days, I was still discovering areas I hadn’t seen yet, like the hidden seating nooks tucked behind the AquaDome or the quiet observation spaces near the Overlook that I somehow missed on day one. Although Star of the Seas can accommodate more than 5,600 guests per sailing, I only saw large groups during major theatrical events like Back to the Future: The Musical and the Aquatheater shows. Star has 20 total decks (18 accessible to guests). Here’s a quick tour:

Deck 3

Home to the Music Hall and the ship’s medical center, along with the lowest level of the three-story main dining room.

Deck 4

The Royal Theater, Casino Royale, and the second level of the main dining room are located here.

Deck 5

Level one of the Royal Promenade and home to Absolute Zero, the ice-skating rink where dazzling figure skating performances take place nightly. is is also where you’ll find some of the best people watching on the ship.

Deck 6

Level two of the Royal Promenade, featuring Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Boleros Latin Lounge, the classic Schooner Bar, and so many other options. is level feels like a lively downtown strip with entertainment options around every corner. ere was always a seat or two available, and drinks flowed freely from the many talented bartenders we encountered.

Deck 7

Surfside™ is designed for young families, but it’s not off-limits to adults. Kids and toddlers can splash at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, while adults relax at Water’s Edge, a nearby pool just for grownups. Dining options here include Surfside Eatery and Pier 7, both offering menus that appeal to picky eaters and foodies alike. Soft serve is readily available for passersby, and a candy shop spins larger-than-life sized cotton candy for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Catherine Walters

Deck 8

Our favorite space: Central Park. Yes, a literal park, with thousands of real plants, winding paths, upscale dining, and live acoustic music. It felt like stumbling into a hidden garden in the middle of the ocean. Royal Caribbean goes as far as playing bird sounds throughout Central Park, enhancing guest immersion. This space also offers many of the upgraded dining experiences on the ship, like Chops Grille, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi and Izumi in the Park.

Deck 14

Home to the Vitality Spa and The Overlook, where panoramic ocean views make you feel like you’re floating above the world.

Courtesy Royal Caribbean.

Decks 15, 16, and 17

Take us back to Chill Island. This three-deck paradise is designed for maximum relaxation and maximum fun. With four pools, including Royal Bay, multiple hot tubs, live DJs, and easy access to tropical cocktails, it’s the social heart of the ship. Swim-up bars like Swim & Tonic and favorites like The Lime & Coconut™ ensure no one is ever far from a piña colada.

Catherine Walters

AquaDome & Thrill Island

One of the most breathtaking spaces onboard is the AquaDome, a glass-enclosed oasis with wraparound ocean views. By day, it’s tranquil and sunlit; by night, it transforms into an electrifying performance venue. The AquaTheater features high divers, aerialists, robotics, and cinematic water effects that are hard to believe are happening on a moving ship. The AquaDome is also home to several dining and bar options, including the AquaDome Market food hall, Hooked Seafood, the Rye & Bean bar, and The Overlook, where cocktails come with an unbeatable sunset. Don’t skip on the food hall, with options like made-to-order crepes, pad Thai, and BBQ sandwiches at the ready.

Catherine Walters

Thrill Island is where adrenaline junkies congregate. This is home to Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, featuring six record-breaking waterslides, from family raft rides to near-vertical drops. Crown’s Edge, a part-skywalk, part-thrill ride experience suspended 154 feet above the ocean, is not for the faint of heart. Fan favorites like the FlowRider surf simulator and rock-climbing wall round out the adventure.

Dining on Star

Where do I even begin? There are more than 20 ways to dine onboard, from casual grab-and-go bites to upscale, multi-course culinary experiences. Many restaurants are included with your cruise fare, while specialty dining venues offer elevated experiences for an additional cost.

And don’t forget, you also receive a standard dining time in the main dining room each evening. The menu changes but your servers do not; a rare treat as you both grow to know one another over the course of the cruise. They had my drink order down by the end of night one.

Catherine Walters

Our Complimentary Favorites

Pearl Café
Open 24 hours, serving sandwiches, pastries, snacks, and espresso drinks. It’s the ship’s unofficial living room. We stopped at Pearl on the way to larger meals, and on the way back on occasion.

AquaDome Market
A food hall with multiple stations serving everything from barbecue to Asian-inspired dishes. Perfect for groups who can’t agree on what they want or just a quick meal in between meals.

Surfside Eatery
A family-friendly buffet with comfort classics. Their fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and parfaits became a repeat stop for us.

Windjammer
The main buffet, offering a rotating international menu. Breakfast alone could justify the cruise. And don’t forget to washy washy.

Our Favorite Specialty Dining Upgrades

Lincoln Park Supper Club
A 1930s Chicago-inspired experience pairing live jazz with an eight-course tasting menu. Reservations are essential.

Chops Grille
A classic steakhouse with premium cuts, elegant service, and indulgent desserts. Lunch at Chops is also available and a great bargain.

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
Sushi, hibachi, and Asian fusion, Izumi is perfect for a fun, interactive dinner.

Catherine Walters

Hooked Seafood
Fresh seafood in a New England-style setting, complete with lobster rolls and chowder.

Bars & Nightlife

Royal Caribbean did not skimp on nightlife. There are more than a dozen bars, each with its own personality and menu. Here are just a few:

• Bubbles – Champagne and sparkling wines.
• Rye & Bean – Coffee by day, craft cocktails by night.
• The Lime & Coconut – Tropical party vibes with live music.
• Schooner Bar – Nautical piano bar energy.
• Boleros – Latin music, dancing, and mojitos.

Adults-Only Escapes

While Star of the Seas is incredibly family-friendly, it also knows how to cater to adults. The Solarium offers a peaceful, adults-only retreat with cascading pools, padded loungers, and a serene atmosphere. It’s the place to read, nap, or just stare at the ocean without a cannonball splash nearby.

Catherine Walters

Take in the 18 and over comedy show or head to the casino for some table games or slots. Lincoln Park Supper Club is a terrific option as well or check out any of the 19 bars and lounges. Need even more relaxation and Zen? The Vitality Spa is equally indulgent, featuring thermal suites, heated loungers, saunas, and treatment rooms that rival luxury resorts.

Courtesy Royal Caribbean

Perfect Day at CocoCay

One of the highlights of any Royal Caribbean itinerary is Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas. CocoCay is essentially a massive tropical theme park with something for everyone.

• Thrill Waterpark features the tallest waterslide in North America.
• Oasis Lagoon is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.
• South Beach offers volleyball, floating bars, and DJ sets.
• Chill Island lives up to its name with calm waters and shaded cabanas.

Catherine Walters

For adults, there’s Hideaway Beach, an adults-only oasis with a massive infinity pool, swim-up bars, live music, and beachside cabanas. It’s a full-on party-meets-relaxation hybrid, and it was one of the most unexpectedly fun days of the entire trip. We spent the day here, noshing on coconut shrimp and drinking piña coladas in hammocks over the water.

Catherine Walters

Dancers and musicians kept the party atmosphere lively and fun, and occasional champagne showers made the pool goers go wild! For some added privacy, private cabanas are available for an upcharge.

Star of the Seas is less a ship and more a floating destination. It’s a place where you can choose your own adventure, whether that means waterslides, Broadway-caliber shows, fine dining, or quiet moments watching the sun melt into the sea. And for someone who’s spent a lifetime on Florida boats but never on a cruise ship? I get it now.

Publisher’s Note: A big thank you to Royal Caribbean for hosting us and allowing us to experience this marvel of a ship. Orlando magazine covered all travel expenses, tips, incidentals and upgrades. We already have our rooms booked for their newest ship, Legend of the Seas, debuting later this summer; a testament to an incredibly positive experience.