Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas has windowless cabins for budget-conscious travelers and lavish suites for high-end cruisers. However, you'll also find plenty of mid-range options for those who prioritize comfort without breaking the bank. 

Historically, suites on Royal Caribbean's newest ships aren't cheap. The Ultimate Family Townhouse, for example, costs well over $15,000 per person on a weeklong cruise. Although Star Class suites come with the most perks, entry-level suites still offer plenty of value and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Paul Cranston shared images of his Junior Suite on Star of the Seas in the Star of the Seas 2025/2026 Facebook group, showing a spacious cruise cabin, modern décor, and a larger-than-usual balcony. 

Junior Suites are typically the most abundant suite category available. On Star of the Seas, for example, there are over 60 Junior Suites on Decks 9, 10, and 11. 

The price of Junior Suites on Star of the Seas varies. At the time of publication, a Junior Suite for two on the October 18, 2026, voyage starts at $9,417.84. However, the price increases to nearly $12,230 on a weeklong cruise on Star in July 2027. 

Here's a photo tour of a Junior Suite on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Inside Junior Suite #10130 on Star of the Seas

During Cranston's cruise, he stayed in room #10130, a forward Junior Suite located over 10 cabins away from the elevator bank.

With 322 sq. ft. of interior living space, it's larger than standard oceanview balconies, which come in at around 204 sq. ft. The Junior Suite's balcony is bigger, too. Where standard balconies measure 50 sq. ft, the Junior Suite's personal verandah is 80 sq. ft. 

As the mega-ship's entry-level suite, the living and sleeping area is combined, rather than having a separate bedroom. Still, the layout feels open and airy. 

On older ships, the Junior Suite's bed is positioned against one of the cabin's walls, which can make the space feel slightly more enclosed. On Star of the Seas, however, the bed faces the balcony, allowing guests to wake up to natural light and enjoy the passing scenery. 

According to the ship's deck plan, the Junior Suites can accommodate up to four guests: two in the Royal King (or two twin) beds and two on the double sofa bed. Someone else in the comments added that when they stayed in room #10554, there was plenty of extra space for a portable crib. 

Moving on, Cranston's photos show that his Junior Suite on Star of the Seas had ample storage, a well-appointed bathroom, a small seating area, and a vanity area. 

As such, it's a versatile choice for couples or families who want more space but don't necessarily want to pay for a larger suite. 

The bathroom is designed with a large vanity and tub-shower combination. Conversely, standard cabins have a small sink area and a standalone shower. 

Still, the highlight of the Junior Suite is the 80 sq. ft. balcony. The private verandah has upgraded seating, an outdoor dining table, and a plush chair with a footrest. 

What perks come with a Junior Suite on Star of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class is comprised of three different tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. The Junior Suite falls within the entry-level Sea tier. As such, it comes with fewer benefits than Sky and Star Class suites.

Perks for the Sea Class Junior Suite include: 

• Dedicated Check-In Line
• Priority Boarding
• Dinner At Coastal Kitchen, Based On Availability (Reservations Required)
• Royal Caribbean Plush Bathrobes
• Luxury Pillow Top Mattress and Linen
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine

Read more: Photos show what suites on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas look like

A certain number of Junior Suites are classified as Sky Junior Suites. The rooms themselves are the same, but they come with upgraded Sky Class benefits. 

The perks, however, come with a greater price tag. For example, a standard Junior Suite on Star of the Seas' Feb. 14, 2027, sailing starts at $3,767 per person, while a Sky Junior Suite comes in at $4,796 per person. As such, the Sky Junior Suite is nearly $2,000 more for the weeklong Caribbean voyage. 

Sky Class benefits on Royal Caribbean ships include: 

• Concierge Service All-Day
• All-Day Access To Coastal Kitchen (Reservations Required For Dinner)
• Specialty Bottled Water
• VOOM, The Fastest Internet At Sea (Until May 2026)
• Flexible Arrival Boarding & Priority Departure
• Priority Dining Reservations
• Reserved Entertainment Seating
• Suite Lounge Access
• Access To Suite Sun Deck (The Grove)
• Royal Caribbean Plush Bathrobes
• Luxury Pillow Top Mattress and Linen
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine

Choosing between Wonder of the Seas and Star of the Seas isn't as simple as picking the newer ship.

Royal Caribbean keeps raising the bar with its newest ships, so choosing the right one seems harder than ever. While both are among the largest cruise ships in the world and packed with activities, dining, and entertainment, each has a very different ship design and itinerary.

Wonder of the Seas is one of the last ships in the popular Oasis Class, and is the product of refined updates. Star of the Seas is just the second Icon Class ship that introduced so many innovative experiences and redesigned neighborhoods that have set a new standard for the cruise industry.

Depending on what you're looking for in a cruise, each ship has a different approach to what you can expect on your vacation.

If you’re trying to decide which ship is better for your next cruise, here are the key differences you should know.

Quick Comparison

Before we dig into the nuances and aspects of what makes Wonder and Star different, here is a glance at key metrics.

Ship Basics

Wonder of the Seas was at one time the biggest cruise ship in the world. While it lost that title a few times over, it remains in the top 10 biggest ships in the world and certainly won't leave you bored.

Star of the Seas doubles as Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and biggest cruise ship in the world. Star is 14,000 gross tons heavier and a bit longer than Wonder.

Another key difference between each ship is Star of the Seas is about 24% more efficient than a ship like Wonder. That's largely due to the fact it runs on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as its primary fuel, as well as a streamlined hull design, and significant improvements made in waste heat recovery.

Star of the Seas currently sails 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from its homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida. Every sailing includes a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Wonder of the Seas only sails short cruises that are 3- or 4-nights long and is based in Miami, Florida.

Design & Neighborhoods

Royal Caribbean introduced the concept of neighborhoods on a cruise ship with the launch of the Oasis Class, and it further enhanced it with the Icon Class.

Both Wonder and Star rely on neighborhoods to make it easy to navigate these megaships, even if you've never been on one before.

You will find some of the same neighborhoods on both ships, with a few differences. Here are the neighborhoods on Wonder of the Seas:

• The Boardwalk, a nostalgic, family-fun area featuring a carousel, Playmakers, and the AquaTheater.
• Pool & Sports Zone, which features a Caribbean-style pool deck and thrilling water slides.
• Central Park, a lush, open-air garden with thousands of live plants.
• The Royal Promenade, the main thoroughfare, complete with shops and entertainment venues.
• Entertainment Place, the center of entertainment, featuring the comedy club, casino, Royal Theatre, and Studio B.
• Youth Zone, home to Adventure Ocean programming, an arcade, and a teen club.
• Vitality Spa & Fitness, Royal Caribbean's spa and fitness center.
• Suite Neighborhood, reserved area for suite guests and has its own restaurant, bar, and sun deck.

Here's how Star of the Seas is different with its neighborhood lineup:

• Thrill Island, home to a six slide waterpark, surf simulator, rock wall, and more.
• Chill Island, the pools and hot tubs on the top deck of the ship designed for relaxing.
• Surfside, area designed with young families in mind with restaurants, activities, and Splashaway Bay.
• AquaDome, home to the AquaTheater, it also features restaurants and bars with sweeping views from the front of the ship.
• The Hideaway, the adults-only Vegas pool party with infinity pool off the back of the ship.
• Suite Neighborhood, even bigger area for suite guests.
• Royal Promenade, two deck bustling center of the ship with shopping, dining, and bars.
• Central Park, open-air garden in the center of the ship.

Dining

You will find lots of dining options on both ships with a mix of included and extra cost restaurants.

It can be argued Star of the Seas offers more included restaurants that are worth dining at, compared to Wonder. It's an impressive array of included restaurants that had me questioning buying a dining package.

Both ships have a Main Dining Room and Windjammer buffet, that offer meals every day.  The Main Dining Room is open every day for breakfast and dinner (lunch on sea days). The Windjammer is open every day for all meals.

Wonder of the Seas has the Mason Jar, which is a Southern American restaurant. It's a country restaurant and bar, with many staples of comfort food from the South.

Star of the Seas has the Lincoln Park Supper Club, which is six-course meal that pairs music, cocktails, and food to create a fancy night out. This jazz club dining experience is unparalleled with the level of sophistication and service provided.

Perhaps the best included restaurant on any Royal Caribbean ship is the AquaDome Market. This is a food hall concept where there are different stalls for different types of cuisine. Thai, BBQ, Mediterranean and more are available.  

Plus, Star has specially designed restaurants for kids in the Surfside area. These lean heavy towards pizza, chicken fingers, hot dogs, and the typical foods kids love.

Here's a look at what venues are on each ship: 

Staterooms

Each of these Royal Caribbean ships have the same basic four cabin categories: inside, oceanview, balcony, and suite.

Star of the Seas actually has less cabins at 2,805, while Wonder of the Seas has 2,867 cabins.

Both ships have balcony rooms that face inwards instead of out to the ocean. You'll find Boardwalk and Central Park view balcony rooms on Wonder, while Star has Surfside and Central park view balcony rooms.

Star of the Seas has a number of room categories that you won't find on Wonder, and that's because Royal Caribbean came up with new ones for this ship class. Over half of the staterooms on Star of the Seas are unique to the Icon Class, including 8 new Suite categories and rooms designed specifically with families in mind. 

The Surfside Family Suite is one such room that offers space for kids and their parents to share.

It's divided into three areas and can handle up to 4 passengers.

The beauty of this room is the kids nook, which has a pullout sofa that converts to a bed. There's a TV just for the kids, along with USB plugs too.

Both Star and Wonder each have an impressive Ultimate Family Suite.  

The Ultimate Family Townhouse on Star of the Seas is an over-the-top jaw-dropping stateroom that easily costs over $100,000.

It has its own slide, movie room, bunk beds, and private patio with a fenced-in backyard.

The suite’s total indoor space measures 1,772 square feet, but when you add in the multiple balconies and backyard, the outdoor space totals more than 700 additional square feet.

Entertainment and activities

You won't be bored on either of these two ships, because Royal Caribbean has a well-deserved reputation for offering more to do onboard than anyone else.

Both ships offer trivia, rock wall climbing, surfing, mini golf, water slides, and laser tag.

One notable difference is Wonder of the Seas has the Ultimate Abyss, a 10 story high dry slide that looks quite intimidating. While not as scary as it seems, it's a thrill attraction families love.

Star of the Seas has significantly more water slides than Wonder. In fact, Star has double with 6 slides.

Both ships have Royal Caribbean comedians, live performances, ice skating shows, and AquaTheater shows. However, Star stands out because it has a full Broadway show.

Back to the Future: The Musical is performed on Star of the Seas and it's included in your cruise fare.  This is the same musical you'd see touring in theaters and it's a fantastic production.

The exact bars and lounges vary slightly, so here's a breakdown of which are available:

Who each ship is best for

In deciding to sail on Wonder of the Seas or Star of the Seas, the length of the cruise will be a major factor.

Wonder of the Seas offers 3- and 4-night cruises, and these are usually the kind of cruises first time cruisers gravitate towards because they offer a sampling.

Another advantage of going on Wonder is it will likely cost less because they are shorter sailings.  This allow someone on a budget or anyone wanting to squeeze in an extra cruise an attractive option.

You'd want to pick Star of the Seas for a traditional weeklong cruise vacation. Star visits many more places outside of The Bahamas, and there's a good mix of sea days and port days.

Plus, Star of the Seas is brand new and has the latest and greatest options. 

Certainly families will love either ship, but if you have kids under the age of 8, I'd recommend Star of the Seas because of how much more there is for them to do onboard.

You can argue adults sailing without kids might find Wonder more appealing because it has an indoor adults-only Solarium, the Mason Jar bar, and more of a party vibe because of the short sailings that include more parties.

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.

Royal Caribbean's ships have cabins for all types of cruisers, and their new mega-ships are no exception. 

Budget-friendly cruisers can book affordable, albeit windowless, interior staterooms, while those with more wiggle room can splurge on multi-story suites within the Royal Suite Class.

One such suite is the Royal Loft Suite. Although it still doesn't compete with the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, it delivers an elevated cruise experience with access to the suite-only Coastal Kitchen dining room, a spacious private balcony, exclusive sun deck, upgraded bathrooms, and more. 

Lesley Sawhook, one of the owners of Exclusive Travel Partners, shared photos of the Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. Sawhook has over 15 years of experience and specializes in all-inclusive resorts, Disney and Universal trips, and major cruise lines. 

Onboard Star of the Seas, there's just one Royal Loft Suite. It's located within the Suite Neighborhood on Decks 17 and 18, although the entrance to the suite is on Deck 17. 

The Royal Loft Suite is steps from the suite-only Coastal Kitchen restaurant and Cloud 17 pool. It's also one deck below The Grove Sun Deck. 

Like the Ultimate Family Townhouse, the Royal Loft Suite isn't cheap. In fact, don't be surprised if it's more expensive than the family-friendly suite. 

For example, the cost for two people in a Royal Loft Suite (at the time of publication) on Star of the Seas' 7-night Jan. 11, 2026, departure costs $66,761. Comparatively, the Ultimate Family Townhouse is $65,481. 

Here's a photo tour of the Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas

With over 1,400 square feet of interior living space, the Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas isn't a cramped stateroom. Instead, it offers more than enough room to relax and entertain on one of the world's largest cruise ships.

In addition to two sectionals, the living area has a dining table, which is nice for when you want to enjoy meals or snacks in your spacious suite. There's also a wet bar with an upgraded coffee machine, ice bucket, and glasses. 

Additionally, the living area acts as a third (yes, third!) bedroom with a convertible double sofa bed, allowing up to six guests to stay in the suite.

It also features a piano, which can be a major plus if you have a talented cruiser in your travel party. Even still, it's a nice statement decoration that makes the space feel more refined. 

Although the interior living space is impressive, the balcony is undoubtedly a major highlight of the Royal Loft Suite. 

Coming in at 705 square feet, there's no shortage of space (or ways) to take advantage of the suite's verandah.

From the two outdoor dining tables to the private hot tub, it’s designed for relaxation and entertaining. Plus, the wrap-around balcony gives you a front-row view of the ocean, as well as the ship's top deck. 

You never have to wonder what the vibe is like on the pool deck, but the best part is that you don't have to worry about crowded hot tubs. 

Loft bedroom

The primary master bedroom of the Royal Loft suite isn't enclosed. Instead, the open concept allows guests to take in the sweeping ocean views from the second-story bedroom. 

The large floor-to-ceiling windows allow tons of natural light in, rather than hiding suite guests away in a dark room. It also features a king-sized bed with a Matermoll Summer Mattress. 

That said, one of the highlights is the spacious ensuite master bathroom. 

Outfitted with an extra-large vanity with dual sinks, a massive shower, soaking tub, and ample storage, you don't need to worry about stepping over one another when getting ready. 

The soaking tub is a nice touch for families with younger children, too. 

Although there’s another full bathroom downstairs, that one doesn’t have a tub — just a standing shower. 

Another plus is that the master bathroom has some natural light, as well as a spacious vanity area. There's also a separate toilet room with another sink. 

Yes, that makes 3 sinks on the second level of the Royal Loft Suite!

Second bedroom

Downstairs, there's a second full bedroom. It lacks access to the balcony, but the floor-to-ceiling window overlooks the pool deck. 

As expected for a suite, the furnishings are a major upgrade compared to standard staterooms. For example, the nightstands are nicer, and there's an abundance of bedside charging ports.

The stylish headboard further helps distinguish the second bedroom in the Royal Loft Suite from standard cabins. 

The second full bathroom isn't too shabby, either. The extra-long vanity doesn't have dual sinks, but it offers plenty of counter space for toiletries and other everyday essentials. 

 What perks come with a Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class is comprised of three different tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. The Royal Loft Suite falls within the highest Star Class tier. As such, it comes with a slew of benefits to enhance the onboard experience.

Perks for the Star Class Royal Loft Suite include: 

• Exclusive access to Royal Genie Service
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen
• Complimentary dining throughout the ship (including most specialty dining venues; premium choices in the Main Dining Room; lobster at Chops Grille; Trellis Bar and Playmakers food items; ice cream floats, milkshakes, and shakes at Desserted; and more)!
• Priority reservations and a discounted per-person cover charge at Izumi, Hibachi/Teppanyaki ($15.00), Chef’s Table ($50.00), Izumi Omakase ($60.00), and the Lincoln Park Supper Club ($130.00)
• Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package (for guests 21 years or older)
• Complimentary Refreshment Package (for guests under the legal drinking age)
• Still and sparkling water replenished daily
• Complimentary gratuities
• Complimentary VOOM Wi-Fi
• Expedited boarding & departure
• Best seats in the house in select entertainment venues
• Priority entrance to many onboard activities
• Suite Lounge access (complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm each evening)
• Access to The Grove
• Complimentary minibar stocked with Coca-Cola® beverages and water
• Complimentary laundry and pressing services
• Luxury mattress, pillows, and linens
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Luxury bathrobes for use onboard
• In-suite coffee machine

I'm a frequent cruiser on Royal Caribbean, and I've sailed on Star of the Seas five times. It's not only its newest ship but also it's most impressive.

New ships are incredible because they offer the latest and greatest features.  Whether or not you take advantage of everything is secondary to the fact it's great to have access to it all, if you so choose.

Since Star debuted in August 2025, I've figured out all the nuances of the ship.  But someone new to it should know a few things before boarding.

Here are the seven things I wish someone would have told me before I ever went on Star of the Seas to make it a better cruise.

The included restaurants are better than on other Royal Caribbean ships

There are so many different places to eat around Star of the Seas, and I was surprised by how good the included restaurants are.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has included and specialty restaurants. Usually the included restaurants are satisfactory, so you are easily tempted by the extra cost ones.

However, the included options on Star are so good that you can easily rely just on them.

Dining at Aquadome Market, Basecamp, Park Cafe, and Pearl Cafe are all good enough to keep me going all day.  Add to that the Windjammer buffet and the Main Dining Room, and I really don't think you will long as much for specialty restaurants as you would on other ships.

Don't get me wrong, the specialty restaurants are all really good too.  It's just the included food is that much better on Star.

To that point, I'd also add you should skip the Windjammer (and its crowds) on embarkation day.

You'll find really good alternatives at Aquadome Market or Basecamp with far fewer people to contend with.

Price is Right is pay to win

Royal Caribbean added the Price is Right game show to Star of the Seas as a new entertainment event onboard.

The game show offers guests the chance to win cash and prizes, similar to the television show.  However, there are some notable differences.

First and foremost, you have to pay if you want to play.  Before the show begins, you have the option of buying into the game.  Essentially, you buy entries towards the grand prize and that gets you into the game as a potential contestant.

• 1 entry: $15
• 2 entries: $25
• 6 entries: $60

If you don't buy in, you can't be called up to participate and you can't participate in any of the games.

Each item up for bid and game played relies on passengers using their phone to access a website and submit their bid or vote. Only those that paid to enter the game can truly participate.

It reminded me how bingo works on the ship in that respect.

When I played, there were easily over a 100 people that paid to participate.  This made it quite competitive with any of the audience voting.  

When an item was up for bid, you basically had to get the amount exactly right and fast. In the case of a tie, whoever put their price in fastest wins.  Most of the winning bids were submitted in under two seconds.

I had a lot of fun, but the cruise ship version is definitely not exactly what you remember on television.

Finding the dog is likely not going to happen

The top thing everyone I met on Star of the Seas wanted to see was the family dog that lives onboard, Sailor.

Royal Caribbean has captured the imagination of its cruisers by adding a dog to this ship.  However, the dog is not so easy to track down.

Real talk: you're probably not going to even see the dog, let alone meet her.

It seems they limit Sailor to interactions in uncrowded areas and at random times. This means, you're not going to see Sailor on the Royal Promenade or the pool deck.

In all my sailings on Star of the Seas, I've seen Sailor only once or twice.  On my recent sailing, she made a very brief appearance at the Top Tier event for Crown and Anchor Society members.

Based on photos I've seen from other passengers, it seems the only tried and true way to find Sailor is to stalk her relief pad on the jogging track. Sooner or later, she has to go there.  This doesn't sit well with me as a strategy, but so many photos I've seen of guests with Sailor are on the jogging track and that's not a coincidence.

Don't skip restaurants in Surfside because you don't have kids

The Surfside neighborhood is an area of the ship specifically designed for young families, but you shouldn't avoid it just because you don't have kids.

Sure, the arcade, Splashaway Bay, and the mini slide are probably not going to be of interest to you.  But you should still visit for the food.

There are three restaurants in Surfside that are vastly underrated and overlooked by too many cruisers:

• Surfside Eatery: family-friendly buffet
• Surfside Bites: grab-and-go comfort food
• Pier 7: specialty restaurant 

Surfside Eatery might be advertised as a "kids buffet" but there are a lot of food that adults will enjoy too.  Heck, on embarkation day they had the same filet mignon and lobster tails that the Windjammer had.

Plus, this buffet is far less crowded than the Windjammer.

I think Pier 7 is the most underrated restaurant on the ship.  It's almost hidden in the back of Surfside, and it serves up "California-inspired dishes," and I really like that there are different foods you won't usually find elsewhere on the ship.

If you pre-purchase Pier 7 on the Royal Caribbean app, you can get in for just $8.99 per person and it's well worth it at that price.

The shower is amazing, but the basket storage is disappointing

Two things stand out about most of the cabins on Star of the Seas.

First, I love the shower on Icon Class ships.  Royal Caribbean designed a larger than expected shower that has a seat in it too.

Other cruise ships typically have a "tube" design to their shower that feels constricted and tight.  

But the shower on Star of the Seas is one you'd actually want to spend more time in.

However, one design flaw in these staterooms are the choice of baskets for storage.

While there are drawers and a closet, you'll find a set of wire baskets too.  The issue is it puts its contents on display for anyone to see.  But worst of all, they make an awful sound when you pull or put back the basket as it slides against the wood.

The ship's layout makes it feel so much less crowded

If you've been on other cruise ships, then you know how crowded they can feel at times. But that's not really the case with Star of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean engineered the crowd flow so well that even with 2,500 kids onboard our Thanksgiving cruise, it was rare to truly find a crowd.

Having the Royal Promenade be two decks and fully loop really helped open up that space and keep people moving. The pool deck is also well designed, with three decks and smaller, separate pools that spread people out.

Plus, the destination elevators are a godsend.  You'll rarely wait for elevators and encounter even fewer crowded ones. This alone is one of the best quality of life changes I've seen on a cruise ship.

Don't expect the ship to feel like your own private yacht, but you can look forward to less lines than you might have had on other ships.

Some people really are bothered that there's no Solarium

I've heard from a number of readers that they missed having an enclosed adults-only pool area on Star.

Instead, the adults-only pool area are both outdoors at Swim & Tonic and The Hideaway.

Both pools are fun for different reasons, but each has a different vibe from the Solarium that you'd find on other Royal Caribbean ships.

Personally, it doesn't bother me because I'm not someone that ever spent much time in the Solarium.  But it seems to be a piece of feedback worth repeating since it's often mentioned after trying this ship.

Ever since Royal Caribbean made the Swim & Tonic adults-only, I didn't have as much of an issue with the adult spaces. I find Hideaway too loud and lacking shade, but I recognize I'm not the target demographic for that space.

I'll gladly go back on Star of the Seas anytime

Each time I've sailed on Star of the Seas I've come home thinking how much I loved this ship.

Like Icon of the Seas, this class of ship is truly outstanding and I think it's worthy of being called the very best in the world.

Yes, you'll pay a premium to sail on it, but the changes, innovations, and additions to Star make it easily my favorite.

I had a great time sailing on the world's largest cruise ship for 7-nights, but I couldn't help but notice others onboard made mistakes that could have been avoided.

It's not my job to correct anyone on the ship, but the cruise writer in me naturally notices when these faux pas' occur.  I assume it's like how a marketing executive might always internally critique how other businesses advertise.

Some of these mistakes are typical for first time cruisers, while others are ones that anyone could have made.  Regardless, I wanted to highlight these so you can be aware of them now to avoid making them yourself!

Here are the six mistakes I saw other cruisers make while I was on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas this past week.

The gym had so many people not knowing the rules

I try to take advantage of the fitness center on any Royal Caribbean ship once or twice per sailing because their equipment is so much better than my home gym.  

I pre-booked a fitness trainer to help guide me through a workout, but he had to talk to no less than five or six other guests in less than an hour about the gym rules.

The number one mistake guests made was not wearing the proper footwear.  Royal Caribbean's rules are anyone in the gym must be wearing shoes.  Flip flops, sandals, Crocs, or Uggs don't count as acceptable footwear.

Proof Matt was in the fitness center

This rule is in place for safety reasons, and each of these people were asked to halt their workout and go put on shoes.

The other mistake were underage guests using the gym. The fitness center is for adults, although teens may use it.

In the cast of teens, they need to get a permission paper signed by their parent authorizing them to use it under the guidance of their parent.  

Younger kids are not allowed to use the gym.

I think some people missed the ship in one port

On our visit to Costa Maya, Mexico, it's clear half a dozen passengers either were late or missed the ship.

We had odd hours in port, 7:30am to 1:30pm, so while it's not typical port times, it's not an excuse for ignorance.

As the all aboard time came and went, Star of the Seas blew its horn multiple times and then there were two different announcements over the public address system asking certain people to go to Guest Services if they are onboard.

Being left behind at a port is probably one of the worst cruise mistakes you can make, so the key is to manage your time closely.

I always plan to return to the port at least 1-2 hours before all aboard time to assure any traffic or bathroom breaks do not make us late.

Also, be sure to set your phone or watch to ship time. I turn off automatic time zone changes on my phone to prevent confusion with this.

If you're ever confused what time it is on the ship, the Royal Caribbean app always has the time in the top corner.

Paid too much for the drink package

When I see a passenger buying a Royal Caribbean drink package on the ship, I shake my head in disbelief because of how much they overpaid for it.

I don't have a problem with anyone buying a drink package, but it costs significantly more on the ship. Like almost double.

There are so many sales and opportunities before the cruise begins to buy a drink package at a discounted cost that there's simply no excuse for waiting to buy it onboard.

I suspect many that do purchase it on the ship might either do so impulsively or after they realize they do indeed want it to cap their drink spending.  Everyone's allowed to change their mind, but if you're on the fence about it, go ahead and pre-purchase it and save yourself hundreds of dollars later.

Skipped Surfside because they didn't have kids

If you sail on Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas and avoid Surfside completely because you don't have kids, you are missing out on some great food options!

I get it, you think Surfside is just for families and young kids and you're imagining the IKEA ball pit room multiplied by a factor of 10, but it's worth going there for the restaurants.

Pier 7 is vastly underrated as a great and inexpensive specialty restaurant.

Considering you can pre-book brunch there for just $8 and kids under 12 eat free, I think it's worth a reservation.  Plus, they have some really good food choices you can't get elsewhere.

Equally compelling is Surfside Eatery.  It's considered the "kids buffet", but they have a lot of food adults would want too.  

On embarkation day, they had a much less crowded buffet with lobster and filet mignon! 

Lost out on casino free play

Did you know Royal Caribbean's casino gives everyone a few dollars to gamble for free?

It's just a few dollars, and it's meant as an incentive to get you in the casino and try your luck.  They're hoping a few spins is enough to compel you to put your own money in too.  But with the right amount of self control, you might hit it big.

Plus, if you gamble with your free play in the first 48 hours of the sailing, you get a bonus free play of an additional two dollars.

You're right to think it's not a lot, but I'll take free money to gamble with any day.  It's "use it or lose it".

One person flagrantly cheated the service animal rule

One family on my cruise almost certainly cheated Royal Caribbean's service animal allowance and it bothered me so much because their selfish act not only is wrong, but it diminishes the important role real service dogs serve.

To be fair, I don't know for a fact this dog wasn't a service animal, but the vest the dog had on was just about the cheapest "vest" I've ever seen.  Plus, on some days it didn't have the vest on at all.

I also noticed the dog was leading the person on the leash and consistently sniffing around as it walked.  

I could be completely wrong, but it left me (and others) in disbelief this was a service animal. This isn't the first time I've seen a so-called service dog on a ship and doing things service animals shouldn't be doing.  

Emotional support animals are not allowed, and neither are regular pets. I love dogs, but the rules are in place for a reason, and buying a service animal vest on Amazon doesn't make your pet a service dog.

My family has been taking cruises ever since my kids were old enough to sail, and spending a holiday like Thanksgiving at sea was surprisingly satisfying.

I think most people associate major holidays that center around family being celebrated at home, but I've found real advantages to going on a cruise instead.

We picked a 7-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Star of the Seas, to spend Thanksgiving and enjoy not only the holiday but getting away from it all.

Since this is a holiday sailing, a lot of other people have the same idea.  The ship has a maximum capacity of 7,600 people, along with 2, 350 crew members.  That means there can be as many as 10,000 people onboard the ship.

While that sounds daunting, the truth is this ship has been engineered to a point you'd never know that many other people are onboard with you. And it made for a Thanksgiving vacation that perfectly suited our needs.

The ship has so much to do, including a touch of holiday spirit

You won't confuse Star of the Seas for spending Thanksgiving at grandma's house, but that's not a bad thing either.

This is the biggest cruise ship in the world, and that means it's packed with so much to do.  In fact, this is why I love to cruise because of how much there is to do.

Our cruise departed on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and for the actual holiday, our ship was docked in Roatan, Honduras for the day.

It's a little surreal when you're on a cruise ship for a holiday because you might forget what day it is.  Rest assured there are plenty of reminders.

Royal Caribbean decorated the ship with Thanksgiving messaging and colors.  It's nothing over the top, but a nice touch.

Plus, there are special Thanksgiving events aboard:

• Thanksgiving wordsearch
• Thanksgiving trivia
• Thanksgiving scavenger hunt
• Thanksgiving Scattergories game

Of course, there's plenty of the usual cruise ship activities too.  Royal Caribbean's activities staff will add some holiday fun to the mix, but you can easily fall back on what you'd expect on any other cruise. 

There's a special Thanksgiving menu for the traditionalists

Even though spending Thanksgiving on a cruise ship is anything but traditional, you don't have to forgo the basics.

Royal Caribbean ships still serve a full Thanksgiving dinner in the Main Dining Room (or Windjammer buffet), where you can get all the classic foods.

The main offering is a turkey dinner, complete with mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and and vegetables.

Plus, there's pumpkin and pecan pie to choose from.

I can't say it will be the best turkey dinner you've ever had, but it's undeniably a turkey dinner you did not have to prep, cook, or clean up after.

You can still watch all the football

A lot of people associate watching football games as much with the holiday as they do the food.

The major NFL football games are available to watch on the ship, and you can see it both in your stateroom as well as at various bars.

If you want the big game energy, Playmakers Sports Bar has the game on so many screens surrounding the bar that you can't miss it.

Plus, there's beers, bar snacks, and lots of people cheering along with trying to figure out why the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving.

Spending thanksgiving in a pool is the best

But the best thing about a Thanksgiving cruise aren't all the things you can do at home on a ship. Rather, it's what else you can do!

The fact you can enjoy a warm Caribbean cruise means time in a bathing suit at the pool.  Or on shore at a beach.  For a lot of people that travel from colder weather back home, this is a real treat.

Even in late November, it's still plenty warm for outdoor activities.  High temperatures each day were easily in the low to mid 80s.

Not to mention Star of the Seas is packed with lots of activities onboard to try, including a brand new Price is Right show where you could win cash prizes or even a new car.

I think the real appeal of cruising over a major holiday is you get to combine the holiday traditions with the best things about taking a cruise.

One man put himself in danger by climbing out his cruise ship window and sitting on top of it.

The incident occurred during a cruise last week, in which someone noticed the man doing something very dangerous and something he definitely shouldn't doing.

Purposefully disregarding these rules can have serious consequences, ranging from hefty fines to permanent bans. 

Recently, one cruiser caught another passenger incorrectly using their infinite verandah cabin on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. 

In the photograph, the guest is seen sitting on the edge of the open window, with his legs dangling over the side. Presumably, he wanted a better view of the action in Central Park. 

One way to take advantage of the neighborhood is by reserving an inward-facing balcony cabin. On Royal Caribbean's Icon Class, most of these staterooms are infinite verandahs, a modern, innovative twist on the traditional balcony experience. 

Instead of having a separate open-air space, infinite verandah cabins feature a floor-to-ceiling window. The top half can be lowered at the push of a button to transform the entire room into an outdoor retreat. 

Generally speaking, these rooms are pretty controversial. Some cruisers love the extra indoor living space, while others prefer traditional cruise balconies. 

Still, when the window is down, it creates a bright, airy space that brings Central Park right into the stateroom. 

That said, the window is not meant to be sat on when open. Doing so can be extremely dangerous, and this passenger is lucky that he did not accidentally fall! 

Last year, a 12-year-old passenger fell off their Central Park balcony and died 

Witnesses sailing on Harmony of the Seas claimed that the boy had been playing with friends he had met onboard before going over the stateroom's balcony railing, falling to his death. 

Royal Caribbean confirmed that although crew members tried to resuscitate the child, the life-saving efforts were unsuccessful. He unfortunately succumbed to his injuries before the ship returned to Galveston, Texas, on September 8, 2024. 

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests. Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told PEOPLE.

It wasn't the first time someone had died in a balcony-related incident on Harmony of the Seas, either. In 2019, a 16-year-old guest passed away trying to climb onto their balcony after forgetting their SeaPass card. 

Harmony was docked in Labadee at the time — Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti. According to reports, the Broward Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the passenger was on Deck 8 when he slipped and fell on the pier. 

Most recently, a viral TikTok captured a scary moment when teenagers were caught climbing on a cruise balcony.

(Credit: @dvandzzedsw/TikTok)

The 5-second clip was likely meant as a social media stunt (thankfully, no injuries were reported), but it served as a harsh reminder of how quickly things can take a turn for the worse. 

For instance, one boy can be seen wearing flimsy flip-flops and protruding their stomach over the railing while holding onto the ceiling above. Had he taken one wrong step, he could have plummeted overboard into the sea!

Not only that, but passengers were outraged by the reckless behavior. Some went as far as asserting that the teens — along with their parents — should be banned from sailing with the cruise line again. 

Read more: Video captures scary moment teenagers caught climbing on cruise balcony

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.

Royal Caribbean changed a Caribbean itinerary in an effort to avoid the strengthening tropical storm system in the Atlantic Ocean. 

Guests sailing aboard Star of the Seas' September 28, 2025, cruise were notified that they'd no longer be heading to the Eastern Caribbean. 

Instead, the 7-night Caribbean cruise will visit the Western Caribbean, calling at Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.

"Our Captain, along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Zetzer, has been monitoring the expected development of a tropical storm near the northwest Bahamas and a hurricane in the Atlantic," reads the email.

"We have decided to change our itinerary to safely avoid the storm and large seas on our eastern route. As a result, we will now sail a Western Caribbean itinerary..." 

This sudden change means that guests won't visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island in The Bahamas. Moreover, Star's inaugural visit to St. Kitts has been postponed. 

Star of the Seas will now call at St. Kitts for the very first time on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2025 — assuming that there aren't any future storm systems that further derail the plans. 

Although disappointing, Royal Caribbean emphasized that the safety and comfort of its guests and crew remain the company’s top priority.

"We're terribly sorry for this last-minute change caused by the weather - your safety is our top priority," the email continues.

"Please remember, being onboard is one of the safest places because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather." 

This is the first storm-related itinerary change for Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. She entered service for the cruise line in Aug. 2025. 

Read more: Cruising in hurricane season: What you need to know

Not a tropical storm yet

Although the strengthening disturbance isn't a tropical storm yet, the National Hurricane Center predicts that it has an 80% to 90% chance of developing by late Friday, Sept. 26, or over the weekend. 

The path of possible Tropical Storm Imelda prompted Royal Caribbean, as well as Disney Cruise Line, to reroute ships to ensure that all guests and crew members remain safe. 

According to the National Hurricane Center's 8:00 a.m. EDT report on Friday, Sept. 26, an area of low pressure will likely form along the wave by tonight as it moves near the southeast Bahamas. 

The low is expected to develop into a tropical storm when it's in the vicinity of the central and northwest Bahamas over the weekend. 

Even if the storm doesn't strengthen, it will bring heavy rains and gusty winds to places like Haiti, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Dominican Republic, eastern Cuba, and The Bahamas.