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What to expect from Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Star of the Seas

Star of the Seas holidays are available to book as Royal Caribbean’s newest ship sails the high seas. This is what to expect onboard.

Royal Caribbean is raising the bar once again with Star of the Seas, the latest Icon Class ship which launched in August 2025. The mega ship includes a Broadway show, new dining experiences and even comes with the debut of a brand-new private island beach club.

When did Star of the Seas launch?

Star of the Seas launched in August 2025. Voyagers can embark on Royal Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, enjoying seven-night escapes to the Caribbean and the cruise line’s private islands.

Is Star of the Seas available to book?

Star of the Seas holidays are now available on Royal Caribbean’s website or via your trusted travel agent.

How big is Star of the Seas?

Star of the Seas has capacity for 5,610 passengers.

 

– READ MORE: Entertainment onboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

Where does Star of the Seas sail?

Star of the Seas sails itineraries across the eastern and western Caribbean, as well as The Bahamas, offering adventurers the perfect balance of island-hopping excitement and relaxation.

Travellers can explore picturesque destinations like Basseterre in St. Kitts and Nevis, Philipsburg in St. Maarten, Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras, and the historic charm of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Every voyage also includes a stop at Royal Caribbean’s exclusive private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, a paradise offering everything from adrenaline-pumping attractions like 13 waterslides and the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean to tranquil escapes at Hideaway Beach, the premier adults-only haven.

From December 2025, select sailings will also call at Royal Caribbean’s new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island – a premium beach retreat in The Bahamas with chill zones, party vibes and family-friendly areas.

 

– READ MORE: We tried new Utopia of the Seas – this is what happened

What’s onboard Star of the Seas?

Star of the Seas holidays encompass the best aspects of the ultimate getaway, from beach retreats to resort escapes and theme park adventures, spread across eight distinct neighbourhoods that are destinations in themselves. Whether you’re chasing thrills or craving chill, there’s something for every type of traveller.

High-octane fun

Thrill Island is the ultimate playground for adventure seekers. At its heart is Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, home to six record-breaking waterslides. Race down a family raft slide, take on the mat-racing duos or dare the drop slide. More adrenaline awaits at Crown’s Edge, a skywalk-ropes course-thrill ride hybrid suspended 154 feet above the ocean. You’ll also find FlowRider, mini-golf, and casual bites at Basecamp and Desserted.

Relaxing pursuits

Chill Island spans three serene decks and is home to four of the ship’s seven pools, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea. Sip cocktails at Swim & Tonic, the ship’s swim-up bar, or soak in the laid-back atmosphere with live DJs, bands, and drinks from The Lime & Coconut. For something extra special, head to The Hideaway – an adults-only retreat 135 feet above the sea, complete with an infinity pool, whirlpools, DJ sets and uninterrupted ocean views.

Family-friendly spots

Surfside is tailor-made for young families, offering all-day fun with splash zones like Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, while grown-ups relax at Water’s Edge pool. Dining is easy with family-friendly venues including Surfside Eatery and The Lemon Post bar. Nearby, Windjammer delivers global cuisine with more than 12 international options daily — the biggest buffet in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

All-new entertainment

The entertainment is stepping up a gear with five signature shows across air, ice, stage and water. The big headline? Back to the Future: The Musical, making the leap from Broadway to the high seas, complete with epic choreography, classic rock hits and the largest orchestra at sea.

At the AquaTheater, Torque brings action-packed stunts from divers, dancers and slackliners. For families, Pirates & Mermaids is a fun-filled blend of comedy, artistic swimming and dancing, delivering a heartwarming tale of unexpected friendship. Over at Absolute Zero, the biggest ice arena in the fleet, SOL follows the sun’s path through mesmerising visuals and Olympic-level skating.

Fab public spaces

In Central Park, more than 30,500 real plants set the scene for live music and alfresco drinks. Grab sushi or champagne from the pick-up windows, sip bubbly at Bubbles, or check out Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues for smooth live tunes. Brand new to Star is Lincoln Park Supper Club, a 1930s-Chicago-style, multi-course dining experience paired with cocktails and live jazz — a nod to iconic venues like The Pump Room and Chez Paree.

Diverse dining options

With over 40 places to eat and drink, culinary variety is off the charts. At the AquaDome Market — Icon Class’s signature food hall — three new stalls are debuting: one dishing out smoky pulled pork and brisket, another serving Southeast Asian dishes like pad thai and beef panang, and a third offering South American favourites such as empanadas and arepas.

Other returning favourites include Hooked for seafood, Rye & Bean for coffee-infused cocktails, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi for dinner with a fiery twist, and Chops Grille for steakhouse classics. For a special celebration, book Celebration Table, a private dining experience made for big moments.

Late-night vibes

As the sun goes down, the ship lights up. Choose from more than 20 bars and lounges, including Duelling Pianos, The Attic for adults-only comedy, karaoke hotspots and Casino Royale. Whether you’re toasting at Bubbles, vibing at Lou’s, or getting caffeinated cocktails at Rye & Bean, nightlife is as lively or laid-back as you want it.

Luxury touches

For those after a premium escape, the Suite Neighbourhood offers an ultra-luxurious experience with exclusive amenities, elevated dining and refined elegance away from the crowds.

 

– READ MORE: Full list of new ocean cruise ships sailing in 2025

Is Star of the Seas good for families?

Yes. Star of the Seas is an ideal choice for families seeking an unforgettable holiday experience. Designed with every type of traveller in mind, the ship offers a variety of activities and amenities tailored for families of all ages.

The Surfside neighbourhood, specifically designed for young families, provides all-day entertainment, from splash zones like Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay for the little ones, to the Water’s Edge pool where adults can unwind.

Dining options such as Surfside Eatery and The Lemon Post bar cater to both kids and adults, ensuring that mealtime is a breeze. Thrill Island delivers excitement for adventure-seeking families, with the Category 6 waterpark featuring six record-breaking waterslides and the exhilarating Crown’s Edge skywalk.

For those seeking relaxation, Chill Island offers a peaceful escape with multiple pools, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea.

 

– READ MORE: The coolest things onboard next ship Legend of the Seas –

Set Sail

Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day from Port Canaveral

Duration: 7 nights
Where: Orlando (Port Canaveral), USA | Perfect Day at Cococay | Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas | Basseterre, St. Kitts | Orlando (Port Canaveral), USA
Ship: Star of the Seas
Price: From £1,286 pp

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Author

Harriet Mallinson

Harriet Mallinson is Editor of Sailawaze and an award-winning cruise and travel journalist with 10 years of experience. Named Specialist Travel Writer of the Year at the 2024 Travel Media Awards for her cruise coverage, she writes about cruise ships, destinations, travel trends and life at sea. Her adventures have taken her from flyboarding in Malaga and ziplining in Costa Rica to truffle-hunting in Tuscany and whale-watching in Iceland. After finally ticking off the Northern Lights in Sweden, she’s now dreaming of Antarctica or French Polynesia.

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Published 29.10.25