Royal Caribbean's new Star of the Seas is almost ready to welcome passengers onboard, and I can't wait to see it myself.
The first official cruise departs Port Canaveral on August 16, followed by a series of short showcase sailings leading up to the official maiden voyage on August 31st.
Star of the Seas is the second Icon Class ship, and it's Royal Caribbean's follow-up to the mega hit that has been Icon of the Seas.
A new ship launch is always exciting, but the sequel to a truly game-changing ship is going to be something not to miss.
When I embark Star of the Seas and start exploring, I've already come up with a six things I'll be looking for to see how this ship stands out from her big sister.
Lincoln Park Supper Club
Royal Caribbean exceeded my expectations when it opened its first supper club on Icon of the Seas, so I can't wait to see its follow-up.
The supper club on Icon had a New York theme, and the one on Star of the Seas will have a Chicago theme to it.
If you haven't tried the Empire Supper Club yet, it's a fine dining experience that combines food, cocktails, and live music. Trust me, it's an experience you don't find on cruise ships.
Each course matches what you're eating and drinking to the music played, and I liked it much more than I expected when I tried it on Icon.
In fact, I went back for a second time because I liked it so much.
I also really like the fact it has a strict dress code, so everyone going in to dine has an elevated look. Sometimes, it's fun to dress up and look fancy.
I booked a seating on Star so I can check it out for myself and see how this version measures up to the original.
New Aquadome Market
Another follow-up restaurant hit is the complimentary food hall on Star of the Seas.
When Royal Caribbean announced it would open its first food hall, I was sold immediately. Freshly prepared food that leaned into various regional offerings in a quick service manner sounded like the perfect idea.
Sure enough, Aquadome Market quickly became my favorite restaurant, and it sounds like the version on Star of the Seas could be even better.
Royal Caribbean is keeping a few of the food halls from Icon, but swapping out some others.
- NEW: Pig Out BBQ: Serves smoky pulled pork and beef brisket
- NEW: Mai Thai: Specializes in Southeast Asian favorites like pad Thai and beef panang
- NEW: La Cocinita: Offers South American staples such as empanadas and arepas
- Crème de la Crêpe: Serves sweet and savory French crêpes
- Feta Mediterranean: Features fresh pitas and bowls with Mediterranean flavors
Not only did they add three new halls, but they kept the two best ones from Icon.
Part of the reason I like Aquadome Market so much is it's included in your cruise fare, conveniently located near the pool deck, and it's open late.
You can bet I'll be headed to Aquadome Market on embarkation day for lunch.
Back to the Future: The Musical
I was really surprised when Royal Caribbean confirmed they'd have a full Broadway musical on Star of the Seas, especially a brand new show.
It has been a number of years since Royal Caribbean added a Broadway show to one of its ships and I feared they might have moved past that trend.
So when Back to the Future: The Musical was revealed as the show for Star, I was really excited. Not only was it a new show, but a crowd pleasing musical that even casual theater fans could appreciate.
I don't need to recap what this musical is about because I think everyone has seen the film, but it should be a real hit with guests.
The Wizard of Oz is performed on Icon of the Seas, and I think that quickly impressed a lot of people. So now with a show that has even more pizzazz, I think it's going to be a hot ticket.
Crowd management
If there's one thing Royal Caribbean really got right with Icon of the Seas, it's the crowd flow. So I'm hoping it's just as good (if not better) on Star of the Seas.
One of the early takeaways on Icon was that it felt so much less crowded than the Oasis Class ships.
Initially I thought this might have been a fluke on my sailing, but I've been on Icon a few more times and it's incredible a ship that can handle up to 7,000 passengers can feel as uncrowded as it does.
When the ship feels uncrowded, I think it makes a significant difference in how passengers enjoy the experience overall. It feels less contentious and almost liberating because you're more at ease with everything.
I'm going to pay special attention to a few areas, such as the Royal Promenade and it's improved Pearl. I also want to see how the change to adults-only at Swim & Tonic impacts the venue, as well as the entire pool deck vibe.
Aquadome show
If there's one must-see on any Royal Caribbean ship, it's their aqua show.
I don't care which ship it is, I'll always make a point to go to the Aquatheater to see the show because it's such a crowd pleaser.
Royal Caribbean has a new show for Star of the Seas, called Torque.
A revved-up aqua show featuring athletic artists, synchronized swimmers, dancers and slackliners for an action-packed show of thrilling stunts, cutting-edge tech and immersive visuals.
When it comes to the aqua shows, it's about taking in the spectacle of talented performers that dance, dive, and balance better than anyone I've ever seen. Often, it's to some really good music too.
I got chills when I saw the Darth Vader scene in the aqua show on Icon of the Seas, so I can't wait to see how they top that on Star.
What changes (if any) to the cabin
I pay particular attention to my cabin on any cruise ship I sail on, because it's where the most tweaks tend to happen.
With Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas built right around the same time, I'm not certain how much of a difference there will be in the cabin. However, I've noted cabins get updates more easily than public areas.
Whether it's additional storage, new connectivity options, or even just an improvement to the shower, I'm curious to see what Royal Caribbean has lined up for the staterooms on Star.
Star of the Seas begins sailing in August 2025
Beginning with the August 31 sailing, Star of the Seas will sail 7-night cruises to the Caribbean from her homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida.
Every sailing includes a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
You can book a cruise on Star through early 2027, and there are even a few last-minute rooms left on the early showcase sailings.
