Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Star of the Seas, is poised as the best family vacation out there, and there's plenty to see and do while onboard.
The 1,198-foot-long, 250,800 gross-ton floating resort offers just about everything you'd want or need over the course of a week-long sailing. There are over 40 restaurants and bars, and each has its own draw to as to why you'd want to go there.
I spent 10 nights on Star and I was determined to try out as much of the ship as I could.
Here's a list of my eight favorite things onboard Star of the Seas, including six water slides and even a family pet.
Back to the Future: The Musical
When Royal Caribbean announced it was bringing a hit Broadway musical to Star of the Seas and it would be based on one of my favorite movies of all time, it instantly became a must-see.
I probably don't need to recap what Back to the Future is about, so instead I'll simply say it's even better than I expected.
The familiar story is established with some incredible set pieces that bring the story to life, including the Delorean time machine.
The best part? There's no cost to see the musical! Royal Caribbean includes it in your cruise fare. You just need to make sure to pre-book reservations in the Royal Caribbean app in the weeks before the cruise begins.
The 6 water slides
Cruise ships have had water slides for years, but Star of the Seas has an entire water park.
Category 6 water park is purposefully called a water park because the cruise line believes it's worthy of that title.
Located on the back of the ship, you'll find six slides to choose from:
- Frightening Bolt 46-foot-tall drop slide
- Two Storm Chasers mat-racing slides
- Hurricane Hunter raft slide
- Storm Surge family raft slides
- Pressure Drop one-person, freefall-style body slide
There's no cost to use the water slides, and they do not disappoint. I prefer the raft slides over the body slides, but I think most people will give them all a go.
The one slide I'm too scared of is the drop slide. I tried one drop slide once, and that was enough for me.
Torque
In addition to Back to the Future, there are two other venues offering stage shows and my favorite is the one in the Aquatheater.
Torque is a high energy acrobatic performance involving high dives. Trust me when I say it's worth your time to see it, because I think your jaw will be wide open a few times seeing the stunts here.
Royal Caribbean's Aquatheater shows have always been a hit, but each new shows seems to push the limits set by the last one.
Oh, and did I mention there motorcycles in this show? It's seriously fun.
The swim-up bar
There are a few different pools you can try on Star, but the Swim & Tonic bar is my favorite.
A swim-up bar is undeniably fun. It's why Royal Caribbean is putting them across all of its new private destinations.
There's a different vibe when you're in a pool with a bar instead of any other pool. Plus, the bar provides shade and somewhere to sit! Those two things are vastly underrated in a pool.
The Swim & Tonic is now an adults-only area, which I really don't mind. While I have kids, I think it works better as kid-free than when it was open to everyone.
Plus, there's a special drink menu here to try (and the menu itself is designed to float in the pool).
The best sing-a-long bar
My favorite spot every evening is Dueling Pianos, because the energy and humor is infectious.
The idea simple, but it works. Two pianists take song requests from the audience and play off of each other. It's less about the actual songs, and more about how each of the talented performers makes it fun.
They could bring someone up to dance/twerk to it, or start a conga line, or even beg the audience for $1 to not have to play it.
Clearly I'm not the only one that loves Dueling Pianos because it's packed every night. In fact, if you don't arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts, good luck getting a seat!
The formal dinner experience
Royal Caribbean outdid itself with the Lincoln Park Supper Club, which is one of the best date night experiences I could imagine.
Based on famous lounges and restaurants in Chicago during the 1930s and 1940s, you're set for an incredible couple of hours of entertainment, cocktails, and food.
This is a six-course meal that features a live jazz band, and each course is paired with a full cocktail.
I thought Royal Caribbean's first supper club experience set a high bar, but I think I liked Lincoln Park even more.
It's pricey, but if you want to celebrate a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, honeymoon), this is probably the best idea yet for it.
The hidden gem food hall
Skip the buffet, and head straight to Aquadome Market for lunch, dinner, or even a quick bite.
This food hall offers five different cuisines, and I really struggled which one to try first.
- Feta (Mediterranean)
- Creme de la Crepe (crepes)
- Mai Thai (Thai)
- Pig Out BBQ (Barbecue)
- La Cocinita (South American)
From falafel, to crepes, to brisket, there's a lot to love here. Not only is it included in your cruise fare, but it's open late too! Usually you can stop by Aquadome Market until at least 11pm or midnight.
Instead of a late night slice of pizza, I think a schwarma run is the right move.
Meeting Sailor
While food, water slides, and shows are all wonderful, I dare you not to fall in love with the ship's dog.
There's a golden retriever that lives onboard Star of the Seas, and her name is Sailor.
She is just about the cutest dog ever, and you can meet her and pet her during your sailing. She's not around all the time, but each day she pops up in different spots to meet passengers.
It's such a simple idea, but having a dog on the ship is all but guaranteed to put a smile on your face when you see her.
