When I first saw Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas in person, I couldn’t believe the size. From the back, it almost looked like two ships parked side by side — massive, sleek, and absolutely beautiful.

Embarkation was seamless. Thanks to express boarding, it took under ten minutes from the time we entered the terminal until we stepped onboard. We were among the very first on the ship by 10:30 a.m., and I immediately noticed the décor: bright, beachy, tropical, and full of color. It’s photogenic from every angle, and the energy is just as versatile — high-energy fun in some areas, with peaceful escapes in others. Star of the Seas truly offers something for everyone, from kids to grandparents.

Stateroom Experience: Infinite Ocean View Balcony

I stayed in an Infinite Ocean View Balcony stateroom. The bathroom felt slightly smaller than those on Oasis-class ships, but it was smartly laid out. Storage was a bit lacking, but I loved the balcony being integrated into the room, which provided extra space and seating. Just keep in mind that opening the balcony does warm up the entire room.

The tech was a highlight. I could control lighting, temperature, and even the TV right from the Royal Caribbean app. Power shades and the infinite balcony design added a modern, innovative touch.

Dining & Drinks

One of the best meals I had onboard was at Izumi, a specialty restaurant. The hibachi steak was outstanding — some of the best I’ve ever had. I also really enjoyed AquaMarket, which is new to the Icon Class and offered plenty of fresh, casual options.

Service was consistently superb, from specialty dining to quick-service spots. For drinks, I loved the Trellis Bar in Central Park, which was peaceful in the evenings. Dueling Pianos was another favorite — lively, fun, and packed every night.

Entertainment & Activities

The entertainment on Star of the Seas impressed me. I saw Back to the Future, the new main musical, which had a fantastic surprise ending. The aqua show, Torque, was unreal. Even though shows were still in pre-production, they were already amazing.

I didn’t get a chance to try the new water park, Category 6, but it looked incredible. With six slides — some raft-style — it’s sure to be a family favorite. Another innovation I loved was the new Find My Kid feature, which lets parents locate their children via the app and wristband.

Relaxation Spaces

My favorite spot onboard was The Hideaway, an adults-only retreat at the back of the ship with beach club vibes, loungers, a DJ, and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. It was the perfect place to unwind, especially when leaving CocoCay.

With seven pools onboard, it was always possible to find a quiet space. The spa looked serene and beautifully designed, though I didn’t try a treatment this time.

Family & Kids Area

Royal Caribbean really thought about families with this ship. I was impressed by the teen space, Social 020, which felt modern and well-equipped. For younger kids, Adventure Ocean was comparable to other ships in the fleet.

The standout was the Surfside Neighborhood, designed just for families. It features a splash pad, kiddie pool, carousel, family-friendly eatery, and even kid-approved mocktails at its own bar. This space makes it easy for multi-generational families to enjoy the ship together.

Technology & Sustainability

The Royal Caribbean app was smooth and easy to use — I could plan activities, make reservations, and even control my stateroom. I also loved the Find My Kid feature for extra peace of mind.

Sustainability is another major focus. Star of the Seas uses LNG hybrid energy, shore power connections, robotic hull maintenance, and AI-driven food waste reduction. These innovations are part of Royal Caribbean’s Destination Net Zero 2050 commitment.

Itinerary & Daily Life

Our preview sailing visited Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. A typical day onboard for me was packed with ship tours, training presentations, and exploring every corner I could. My favorite memory was relaxing at The Hideaway while watching CocoCay fade into the distance at sunset.

Final Thoughts

Compared to other ships I’ve sailed, Star of the Seas feels bigger, more diverse, and even better laid out. With more neighborhoods, endless entertainment, and spaces that never feel crowded, it’s a dream for families and multi-generational groups.

My top tips for booking:

Choose an Ocean View Balcony (preferably port side).
Book show reservations and specialty dining before boarding.
Look for quiet evening moments in Central Park with a drink from Trellis Bar.

In three words, I’d describe Star of the Seas as: Thrills, Relaxation, Family-Fun.

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