Inside Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, one of the world’s largest ships

If you’ve never taken a cruise, the Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas might just blow your expectations out of the water.  

“Walking up to the port, seeing the size of the ship was a bit overwhelming,” recalls Cristina Panetta, a first-time cruiser and CAA Travel Consultant. “But once I was there, it didn’t feel like a cruise at all. There was so much to do… I was just so excited and happy to be there.” 

At 248,663 gross tonnes and with more amenities than you could experience in a single voyage, Star of the Seas shares the mantle of world’s largest cruise ship with her sister vessel, Icon of the Seas. More than just a feat of scale, the two ships represent a shift and re-imagining of what a cruise experience can be. More akin to a floating resort than a traditional liner, the ship trades crowded decks and predictable buffets for immersive experiences, expansive entertainment and a level of comfort designed to make every guest feel like royalty. 

Entertainment that goes beyond the pool deck

With seven pools, six waterslides, more than forty restaurants and a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers, the Star of the Seas feels less like a cruise ship than a floating city. However, despite her immense scale, the experience aboard is surprisingly seamless, thanks in part to eight distinct ‘neighbourhoods’ and a near-endless catalogue of activities designed to keep every moment of the voyage engaging.  

“There were a lot of people, but it didn’t feel like it,” Panetta remarks. 

From oceanside promenades to thoughtfully designed staterooms, many of which are complete with private balconies, the ship delivers a sense of space and comfort that extends well beyond its public decks, bringing a taste of luxury to every cabin and gangway.  

While lounging in the sun may be the perfect way to pass a day at sea, Star of the Seas offers such a wide variety of activities and entertainment that you won’t want to miss a beat. 

On board, there is no lack of options. Rock climbing walls, a sprawling water park, ping pong tables, mini golf and an unbelievable variety of pools. Parents and younger travellers will find themselves equally amused, with a dedicated kids zone featuring supervised play areas, lounges and even PlayStations.   

Yet, despite the nearly endless options, the decks never feel overrun. “If you were looking for an adult-feeling cruise, this one felt like it. I didn’t really see kids until dinner time,” Panetta notes.  

Off the decks, the Star’s travel itineraries usually include a stop at Perfect Day CocoCay, a small island in the Bahamas privately owned by Royal Caribbean, that offers a real taste of Caribbean adventure amid the comfort and convenience found on board.  

No shortage of things to do after dark

Once night falls, the options spice up. From captivating ice-skating shows to dramatic aquatic performances, and even a full musical adaptation of Back to the Future, the onboard programming lives up to Royal Caribbean’s reputation.  

“Royal Caribbean is known for its entertainment… it was nice to be able to see it and not just hear about it,” Panetta says. 

Dig into over 40 onboard restaurants

“I was not expecting the food to be this delicious,” recalls Panetta with a smile. 

From kid-friendly diners to elevated, haute-cuisine experiences and even a swanky ‘1930s Chicago’ inspired live jazz venue, the experience is well-suited for a diverse range of interests. Whether you're satisfying your cravings at the expansive buffet or sitting down to a refined multi-course dinner, every meal contributes to the complete experience.  

“You could go to the buffet or build a personal relationship with your server… by the second day, they knew exactly how I liked my steak,” Panetta says. “The food was to die for.” 

Overall review 

“My overall rating is a ten out of ten,” Panetta says confidently. “I would absolutely sail with Royal Caribbean again. It was an amazing experience.” 
 
While bigger isn’t always better, the Star of the Seas makes a compelling case. With its vast range of amenities, standout entertainment and consistently high level of service, it is an easily recommendable experience for both seasoned cruisers and curious first-timers  

alike. With itineraries weaving throughout the Caribbean, there’s also a voyage out on the seas for every kind of traveller.  

Ready to set sail? 

Book an appointment with a CAA Travel Consultant. They can help you plan your dream trip, and CAA Members enjoy average savings of 20% on Royal Caribbean cruises, with even more perks and benefits on board.