Star of the Seas
Class: Icon | Tonnage: 248,663 GT | Capacity: 5,610 passengers | Launched: 2025
Quick Take
The evolved Icon Class ship — everything Icon offers plus upgraded dining, better entertainment, and a Port Canaveral homeport closer to Orlando’s theme parks.
Why Choose Star?
Star of the Seas is the second Icon Class ship, and Royal Caribbean used lessons learned from Icon’s debut to refine the formula. Here’s what sets Star apart:
- Second Icon Class ship (August 2025): Benefits from Icon’s real-world performance and guest feedback
- Upgraded AquaDome Market: Improved dining concept with better variety and execution than Icon’s version
- Back to the Future: The Musical: Exclusive to Star, widely praised as the best show at sea with Broadway-quality production
- Lincoln Park Supper Club: New 8-course dining concept themed around Chicago’s golden era with live jazz
- Port Canaveral homeport: Strategic location just 45 minutes from Orlando, perfect for combining cruise + theme parks
- Slightly fresher condition: As the newer ship, expect pristine interiors and newer furnishings
8 Neighborhoods
Star of the Seas features the same innovative neighborhood concept as Icon, with strategic refinements:
Central Park — 33,000+ living plants create a lush urban oasis. Star’s version is even more meticulously landscaped than Icon’s, with enhanced lighting and additional seating areas.
Thrill Island — Category 6 waterpark featuring 6 slides including the EdgeSlide that extends beyond the ship’s edge. Same adrenaline-pumping thrills as Icon.
Chill Island — Multiple pools totaling 7 across the neighborhood. Perfect for guests seeking relaxation over excitement.
The Hideaway — Adults-only suspended infinity pool that appears to merge with the ocean. An exclusive escape for 18+ guests seeking peace and premium service.
Surfside — Family-focused neighborhood with Splashaway Bay water play, Sugar Beach lounge, and a classic carousel. The heart of family activities on ship.
Suite Neighborhood — Exclusive to suite guests with private amenities including Coastal Kitchen (casual fine dining), The Grove (lounge), and early booking access to shows.
Royal Promenade — Three-deck shopping street and entertainment hub featuring Point & Feather English pub, boutiques, and casual meeting spaces.
AquaDome — The crown jewel featuring the Torque water show within a stunning ocean-view glass dome. Motorcycles, synchronized swimmers, slackliners, and divers perform in perfect synchronization.
Signature Experiences
Back to the Future: The Musical
This is the main event. Star secured an exclusive production of this Broadway smash, and it delivers 90% of the Broadway experience in a theater at sea. A DeLorean actually drives across the stage. The time-travel story, humor, and nostalgia make it unmissable. Book immediately via the Cruise Planner app at least one week before sailing. Arrive 30 minutes early to claim a good seat.
Torque
The AquaDome’s centerpiece combines motorcycles, synchronized swimmers, acrobats on slacklines, and high-divers performing in perfect choreography. Sit in the center section for the best viewing angles of the stunt work. Shows run multiple times daily; check your daily program or app.
SOL Ice Show
Figure skating pairs, individual skaters, and ice acrobatics performed in a full-sized ice rink. Unlike land-based ice shows, the movement of the ship adds genuine danger—performers must constantly adjust. Any seat has good sightlines; book early as this sells out quickly.
Category 6 Waterpark
Six slides including the EdgeSlide (the ship’s signature attraction), family tube slides, and speed slides. The elevated location provides ocean views while you climb. Best enjoyed early morning or sea days to avoid peak crowds.
Crown’s Edge
Walk the ship’s edge on a suspended pathway or take the zip line over open ocean. This experiences costs extra ($14-29 per person depending on activity) but provides unmatched views and an adrenaline rush.
Key Amenities
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Theater | 2,178 seats; back to back entertainment |
| Restaurants | 13 dining venues (8 complimentary, 5 specialty) |
| Bars & Lounges | 27 venues with signature cocktails |
| Pool Decks | 7 pools, 5 hot tubs across Chill Island |
| Fitness Center | 25,000 sq ft with ocean views |
| Spa | 20,000 sq ft; thermal suite + treatments |
| Casino | Slots, tables, poker room |
| Shops | 20 boutiques, duty-free |
| Shows | Back to the Future: The Musical (Star exclusive) |
Dining Options
Complimentary Venues:
- Main Dining Room: Three seatings or open seating; multi-course dinners
- Windjammer: Buffet with live cooking stations. Pro tip: Embarkation day features complimentary lobster and crab legs
- Park Cafe: Light lunch and breakfast with park views
- Surfside Eatery: Casual beach-themed fare
- AquaDome Market: Upgraded from Icon’s version with improved variety, better execution, and higher-quality ingredients
- Pearl Cafe: Grab-and-go pastries, coffee, sandwiches
- El Loco Fresh: Mexican street food
Specialty Dining:
- Chops Grille: Premium steakhouse with aged beef and wine pairings ($45 per person)
- Giovanni’s Italian: Casual Italian with pizza and pasta ($15-25)
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: Hibachi shows at the bar plus chef’s counter for sushi
- Hooked Seafood: Fresh fish and crustaceans ($30-40)
- Lincoln Park Supper Club: NEW — 8-course tasting menu with live jazz. Chicago golden era theme with elegant 1920s decor. Highlight of Star’s dining lineup ($150-175)
- Celebration Table: Chef’s table VIP experience with wine pairings ($200+)
- Sorrento’s Pizza: Casual Italian pizzeria
Cabin Recommendations
| Cabin Type | Rating | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinite Ocean View Balcony | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Premium comfort | Glass railings offer unobstructed ocean views; premium pricing but worth it |
| Deluxe Ocean View Balcony | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Couples, families | Standard balcony cabin; excellent value |
| Promenade Inside | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Budget + views | Overlooks Royal Promenade; social and lively |
| Virtual Balcony | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tech-savvy guests | HD screens show real-time ocean views; good for non-window sleepers |
| Inside Cabin | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget-conscious | Basic but clean; focus expenses on dining/experiences |
| Suite (Neighborhood exclusive) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | VIP treatment seekers | Priority reservations, exclusive lounge, butler service options |
Best For
| Guest Type | Rating | Why Star Works |
|---|---|---|
| Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 6 waterslides, Splashaway Bay, family dining, kids clubs with live shows |
| Musical/Show Lovers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Back to the Future is unmissable — best show at sea; book early |
| First-Time Cruisers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Intuitive neighborhoods, variety of activities, easy to navigate |
| Orlando Visitors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Port Canaveral homeport is 45 min from parks; combine cruise + Disney/Universal |
| Couples | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Hideaway adults-only pool, Lincoln Park Supper Club for elegant dinners, spa services |
| Budget-Conscious | ⭐⭐⭐ | Icon-class pricing is premium; specialty dining and experiences add up quickly |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Back to the Future musical is legitimately the best show at sea
- Upgraded AquaDome Market fixes Icon’s dining weaknesses
- Port Canaveral location enables easy Orlando combo trips with theme parks
- Lincoln Park Supper Club is a unique and elevated dining experience
- Icon Class thrills with second-generation refinements and freshness
- Embarkation day includes complimentary lobster and crab legs at Windjammer
- AquaDome and Torque performances are genuinely impressive
Cons:
- Premium pricing on par with Icon; expect $1,500-2,000+ per person for 7-night sailings
- Port Canaveral GoPort bus adds logistics for off-port guests (55 minutes from downtown; buses run every 30 minutes, 10am-12:30pm)
- Sea day pool decks can get crowded; arrive early or visit during dinner hours
- Popular shows (Back to the Future, Torque, SOL) book fast; reserve via app one week before departure
- Adult-only areas sometimes invaded by children (parents occasionally ignore signage)
- Specialty dining charges add $300-800 to typical cruise budget
Common Itineraries
Port Canaveral (Orlando) Year-Round Homeport:
- 7-night Eastern Caribbean: CocoCay, St. Thomas, St. Maarten
- 7-night Western Caribbean: CocoCay, Cozumel, Roatan, Costa Maya
- Optional 5-night sailings available seasonally
Ingrid’s Take
Star is what happens when Royal Caribbean takes the world’s largest ship concept and refines it. The Back to the Future musical alone is worth the trip — it’s legitimately Broadway quality with a DeLorean that drives across the stage. The upgraded AquaDome Market fixes Icon’s dining weaknesses. If you’re near Orlando, Port Canaveral makes this an incredible combo with theme parks. Pro tip: book Torque and Back to the Future via the app at least a week before, and bring $200-300 cash for port bargaining at Cozumel.
Last updated: March 2026