Star of the Seas offers over two dozen stateroom categories, from wallet-friendly inside cabins to multi-story suites. However, not all cruise rooms are created equal, with some offering less convenience or privacy than others.
Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship is the second-ever Icon Class ship and shares many features with Icon of the Seas, including the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, cutting-edge entertainment, and modern stateroom designs.
Star of the Seas has 2,805 cabins comprised of 28 different categories, ranging from standard interior staterooms to infinite balconies, family-friendly suites, and more. With so many choices, it's easy to spend thousands of dollars on a room you aren't happy with.
For example, some cabins inherently experience more noise, while others have obstructed views. These factors may not bother some passengers. However, they're important to consider when booking your cruise.
Here's a rundown of the worst cabins on Star of the Seas that should be avoided.
Below Chill Island
Chill Island is Star of the Seas' upgraded pool deck. Boasting seven pools, ten hot tubs, and more, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a poolside cocktail while enjoying your sea day.
Initially, it may seem like a smart idea to be located steps from the pool deck. It would make snagging a coveted lounge chair easier in the morning, right?
While that might be true, Chill Island isn't the quietest spot on board. Crew members begin shuffling chairs early in the morning.
Balconies on Deck 14 are also subject to a lot of noise bleed from the bustling neighborhood. Everything from live music to screaming children and poolside competitions can turn your peaceful veranda into a spot you'd prefer to avoid.
Cabins to avoid:
- 14172 - 14276
- 14572 - 14676
Below the buffet and adults-only pool deck
Deck 15 is also home to Star of the Seas' buffet. The Windjammer Marketplace is a Royal Caribbean staple that's open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
As one of the ship’s main included restaurants, it is undeniably popular. Whether you're trying to feed a group of particular children or want a quick breakfast before heading ashore, the Windjammer sees a steady flow of guests throughout the day.
While lunch and dinner patrons are less likely to be bothersome, morning breakfast traffic might be an earlier-than-anticipated wake-up call.
Additionally, The Hideaway, Star of the Seas' adults-only pool deck, is located next to the Windjammer on Deck 15. It replaced the Solarium that's on other ships in the fleet.
This hangout spot features plush daybeds, an aft-facing bar, an infinity pool, and a DJ who frequently plays upbeat music to foster a party-like atmosphere.
As such, cabins underneath The Hideaway can hear more noise throughout the day, from the thumping of the live music to scraping deck chairs.
Cabins to avoid:
- 14278 - 14362
- 14678 - 14752
Near the AquaDome
At night, the AquaDome transforms into a theater for high-diving spectacles. However, the bustling, multi-use space also hosts various events during the day. As such, rehearsals and other activities can generate unexpected noise.
The AquaDome also houses more than just the ship’s AquaTheater. Hooked, the seafood specialty restaurant; the Rye & Bean coffee bar; and the AquaDome Market are all located in the same area. The additional foot traffic can result in extra noise.
Cabins to avoid:
- 14138 - 14170
- 14538 - 14570
Balconies near the Surfside neighborhood
The Surfside neighborhood effectively replaced the Boardwalk, which debuted on Oasis of the Seas in 2009. Although the bones are similar, Surfside was designed to be a stay-all-day area for families with children. There's everything from a splash pad to a pool, a family buffet, a specialty brunch restaurant, a bar, and more.
Just like Oasis Class ships, there are inward-facing balconies on Star of the Seas. While these staterooms can be fun for families with younger children, they're less-than-ideal for cruisers sans kids.
Regardless of where your cabin is located, you will hear the constant buzz of activity from Surfside, including children playing, music, arcade games, the carousel, and more.
Moreover, some ocean-view balconies near Surfside are more prone to experiencing higher noise levels from the family-focused neighborhood throughout the day
Cabins to avoid:
- 7280 - 7346
- 7680 - 7746
- 8321 - 8347
- 8721 - 8747
- 9289 - 9347
- 9689 - 9747
- 10289 - 10347
- 10689 - 10747
- 11289 - 11347
- 11687 - 11747
- 12289 - 12347
- 12689 - 12747
Obstructed Central Park balconies
Central Park quickly became a guest favorite on Oasis Class ships, earning its place on the new Icon Class ships for its real greenery, open-air concept, and al fresco dining.
Balconies facing the Central Park neighborhood are generally quieter than Surfside balcony rooms. However, cabins located above The Pearl are partially obstructed.
The top of the structure means that it's hard to people-watch from your balcony or admire the lush plants.
Cabins to avoid:
- 10219 - 10235
Outside Music Hall
While it's true that the lower decks are better for those who suffer from motion sickness, there are some spots to avoid if you're a light sleeper.
One reason that cruise ships are popular vacation choices is the endless entertainment, from daytime belly flop competitions to late-night dance parties.
The Music Hall is one venue on Star of the Seas that comes alive later at night. As such, guests who are sensitive to noise and prefer to retire earlier will want to steer clear of staterooms near the two-story Music Hall.
Cabins to avoid:
- 3180 - 3200
- 4180 - 4200
- 4577 - 4591
By the casino
Deck 4 is home to one of the largest casinos at sea. While a stateroom near Casino Royale could be convenient for avid gamblers, it's more likely to be a nuisance to those who would rather not bet their hard-earned money.
Like the Music Hall, Casino Royale comes alive at night, and the noise from the slot machines, the spinning of roulette wheels, and excited cheers of jackpot winners can be disruptive.
Cabins to avoid:
- 4202 - 4270
- 4602- 4670
The front of the ship
Cruise rooms in the front of the ship are more susceptible to the rocking of the vessel. As such, if you're someone who gets easily motion sick, it's important to select a cabin that's centrally located.
Seasickness affects everyone differently. Some cruisers could stay in a forward stateroom and feel fine, while others may find small swells uncomfortable.
While a mid-ship cabin can’t completely prevent motion sickness, it’s a smart precaution for those particularly sensitive to movement.
Guarantee staterooms
If you have a specific area you do NOT want to be by (for example, Casino Royale or Surfside), don't let Royal Caribbean assign your stateroom for you — even if you think it's worth the cost savings.
Guarantee cabins are cheaper fares that Royal Caribbean offers in exchange for allowing them the right to randomly select your room closer to your cruise's sail date. In other words, you forego the option to select your stateroom for a cheaper fare.
