Star of the Seas Review and Photo Tour

Is Star of the Seas Too Big? We recently sailed on the Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean cruise line‘s newest and largest ship and here’s our Star of the Seas Review and honest first impression.

We were worried Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas would feel overwhelming. After all, this is their newest and largest ship, bigger than anything we’d sailed before. We love the Oasis Class, but would adding even more decks and restaurants push it over the edge into crowded chaos?

The Star of the Seas by Royal Caribbean is one of the Icon-class ships and one of the most impressive ships ever built, following in the footsteps of her sister ship, Icon of the Seas. Designed to deliver the world’s best family vacation, this next-generation ship is packed with jaw-dropping thrills, innovative neighbourhoods, and incredible entertainment at every turn. From record-breaking attractions to expansive open spaces and world-class dining, Star of the Seas pushes cruise travel to a whole new level, combining adventure, relaxation, and family-friendly experiences all in one unforgettable ship. After travelling on her, here’s what we thought!

Everything you need to know about Star of the Seas with Photos!

We soon found out we were going to love Star of the Seas! The answer hit us the moment we stepped onto the promenade deck. Instead of cramped hallways and bottlenecked stairs, we found sprawling open spaces, hidden quiet corners, and a level of thoughtful design that made every turn feel exciting rather than exhausting.

Here’s what actually happened when we spent days exploring every deck, restaurant, and quirky statue on Star of the Seas.

Why Star of the Seas Feels Different From Every Other Cruise Ship

Most mega ships can feel like they’re trying too hard to cram attractions into every corner.

Star of the Seas does the opposite. The promenade alone stretches wider and longer than any we’ve experienced, with plenty of breathing room even during the busiest deck parties. When dancers appeared on platforms during evening events, the crowd had space to move, dance, and enjoy without bumping elbows. During the day, you could walk the entire length without weaving through clusters of people.

The whole ship radiates this same philosophy. Open, airy, never claustrophobic. The ceilings feel higher. The walkways meander instead of running in sterile straight lines. Every deck offers pockets where you can sit with a drink and watch the action without being in the middle of it.

What makes this ship genuinely special is the details. Bronze statues tucked into greenery. A little boy in a manhole cover pulling on a policeman’s pant leg. Planets, people, popping up. Street art splashed across ceilings in Surfside. These aren’t gimmicks. They make the ship feel alive, like wandering through a well-designed urban park rather than a floating hotel.

If you’ve sailed Oasis Class and loved it, Star of the Seas takes that energy and refines it. If you’ve never tried a large ship because you assumed it would feel overcrowded, this is the one that proves you wrong.

The Promenade Deck Sets the Tone for the Entire Experience

The promenade isn’t just a hallway with shops. It’s the heartbeat of the ship.

The massive pearl sitting in the center is impossible to miss, though we’re still not entirely sure what it represents beyond being a stunning focal point. Inside the pearl structure on Deck 6, you’ll find the Pearl Café, which feels more like a high-end New York café than a cruise ship dining spot. Hot and cold drinks, fresh food, incredible variety, all in a space that invites you to linger and watch the wide open sea from it’s huge windows.

The promenade meanders, creating natural gathering spots instead of one long corridor. You’ll pass the Thorn and Thistle pub, a properly sized British-style space that feels authentic. Above it sits Schooner Bar, which overlooks the promenade and feels far more modern than the traditional Schooner Bars on other Royal Caribbean ships. We hit happy hour here first, snagging $6 margaritas between 4 and 6 pm, the perfect way to start our first evening onboard.

Other highlights on the promenade:

• Spotlight Karaoke, which gets packed but is worth arriving early for
• Starbucks for your caffeine fix
• 1400 Lobby Bar for cocktails with a view
• Guest Services and retail shops
• The Attic, Dueling Pianos, Giovanni’s Wine Bar and Kitchen, and Boleros on the deck above overlooking the promenade.

Walking the upper level gives you a bird’s-eye view of everything happening below. The flow between decks makes the space feel connected rather than segmented, and we loved being able to grab a drink upstairs and watch the energy unfold on the promenade without being in the thick of it.

Navigating the ship

Everything seems well laid out and split into areas. It was actually really easy to navigate, and the smart lift technology was simply amazing! You just press your floor, and then it directs you to the elevator. At the far end of Deck 5, you’ll find the Royal Theatre and main dining rooms on either end, the entrance to Absolute Zero at the back, and the fitness centre tucked away for anyone who wants to sneak in a workout. Crown and Anchor Lounge sits nearby with escape rooms that genuinely surprised us with how well-designed they are.

This deck alone could keep you entertained for an entire cruise. But it’s just the beginning.

Surfside Reimagines the Boardwalk as a Family Paradise

Royal Caribbean swapped the Boardwalk for Surfside, and the change is brilliant.

Where Boardwalk always felt like a mixed-use space trying to serve both kids and adults, Surfside fully commits to being a vibrant, colourful, family-first zone. The moment you step in, a giant Flamingo greets you, setting the playful tone. Street art covers the ceilings. Bright chairs and umbrellas create a beachy vibe. The carousel isn’t your standard old-fashioned ride. It features octopuses, giraffes, flamingos, and rubber dinghies, all updated and visually stunning.

Key Surfside spots worth hitting:

• Sugar Beach for sweets and treats
• Arcade games for kids (and competitive adults)
• Surfside Eatery, a free buffet with tons of variety
• Pier Seven, a specialty dining option
• The Lemon Post Bar for parents needing a drink
• Surfside Bites, offering smaller portions perfect for kids, half burgers, popcorn chicken, hot dogs, pizza, fries, churros, fruit skewers, and confetti cookies

The real win here is Splashaway bay and Baby Bay, a water play area with a shallow pool exclusively for children. No adults splashing around. Just kids enjoying their own space. This sits where the AquaTheatre used to be on Oasis class, which felt strange at first, but the layout works. It keeps families in one concentrated, well-designed area while leaving the rest of the ship more open for those who want quieter spots.

Surfside feels intentional. It’s not just slapping a kids’ club in a corner and calling it family-friendly. It’s an entire neighborhood designed to make families feel like the ship was built with them in mind. And because it’s so well-contained, parents know exactly where to go, and everyone else knows where to avoid if they’re seeking a more adult atmosphere.

Central Park, the Vitality Spa, and Hidden Gems Across the Decks

Central Park on Deck 8 delivers the same lush, peaceful vibe you’ll find on other Royal Caribbean ships.

Real trees, flowers, and greenery create a completely different atmosphere from the rest of the ship. Walking through here feels like stepping into a quiet garden in the middle of a bustling city. You’ll find Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, Chops Grille, the Park Café, the Trellis bar, Bubbles Champagne Bar, Lou’s Cocktail Bar, and a few retail shops tucked into this space.

There’s also a small dry slide that takes you down to Deck 7, a fun little surprise most people miss.

Lets explore the Decks

The Vitality Spa hides away on Decks 12 and 13, and unless you’re actively looking for it, you might walk right past. The Vitality Café sits nearby, offering protein drinks and healthy snacks for anyone using the spa or fitness center. It’s quieter up here, a nice escape when the main decks feel too energetic.

Deck 15 is where the AquaTheatre now lives, relocated from Surfside. The space features unusual overlook pods, a small bar, and a layout that feels modern and fresh. Hooked Seafood and the AquaDome Market sit on this deck as well, and the AquaDome Market became one of our favourite spots on the entire ship.

We’ll get into food in detail later, but the variety here is stunning. You can bounce between different global cuisines in one sitting, grab crepes with strawberries and chocolate, try authentic Thai noodles, pick up spring rolls, or load up on tacos. Every time we went, we found something new, and nothing disappointed.

Pool Decks on Star of the Seas

Deck 16 onward is where the ship opens up into pool areas, bars, and outdoor hangouts. You’ve got the Royal Bay Pool, the Cove Pool, multiple whirlpools, Lime and Coconut Bar, Sprinkles Ice Cream, and a swim-up bar called Swim and Tonic.

El Loco Fresh even has its own little Cantina Fresh Bar now, a nice touch that makes grabbing a margarita with your tacos effortless.

There’s a small dry slide here that takes you down a deck, and Chill Island offers tons of lounge chairs and cabanas. It feels like an adult section even though it’s technically open to everyone. The vibe skews quieter and more relaxed.

Base Camp and Thrill Island

At the back of the ship on Deck 16, you’ll find Base Camp, which might be our favorite casual dining spot onboard. It’s designed like a camping trip, with wood tones, rustic decor, and a laid-back energy that makes you want to grab a burger and settle in. The food is free and available from 11 am to 8 pm. Chicken tenders, hot dogs, smash burgers, tater tots, and pretzel bites with cheese sauce that are dangerously good.

Mini golf sits nearby, along with Thrill Island, where all the water slides start. The FlowRider is back here too, keeping the energy high.

Coastal Kitchen and the Suite deck

Deck 17 features Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Area, along with Cloud 17, a pool that hangs off the side of the ship and feels almost surreal when you’re in it. More whirlpools, more seating, and Lime and Coconut Bar for easy drink access. Suite guests get their own Groove Suite Sundeck on Deck 18 with a private pool, whirlpool, dining, and bar. There’s an additional sundeck on Deck 19, and technically Deck 20 exists as the base for the water slides.

The ship is massive, but it never feels chaotic. Every deck has a purpose, and the flow between them is so intuitive that you rarely feel lost, even on your first day.

Dining on Star of the Seas: You Could Cruise for a Week and Still Miss Restaurants

The sheer number of dining options is almost ridiculous.

You will not run out of places to eat. Even on a seven-day cruise, you’d struggle to hit every restaurant, café, and food station onboard. The variety isn’t just for show. The quality is consistently strong, and the free options rival what some cruise lines charge extra for.

Free Dining Options on Star:

• Main Dining Room: Three-course meals every evening, excellent service, rotating menus similar to other Royal Caribbean ships
• Windjammer: The classic buffet with everything you’d expect, open from morning until late night
• Coastal Kitchen: Exclusive to suite guests
• Base Camp: Burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, tater tots, pretzel bites, open 11 am to 8 pm
• El Loco Fresh: Tacos, fajitas, guacamole, salsa, all the Mexican favorites
• Park Café: Famous roast beef sandwiches and other café-style bites
• Pearl Café: Hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries, feels like a high-end café
• Sorrento’s Pizza: Massive selection of pizzas available most hours
• Sprinkles: Ice cream and frozen treats
• Surfside Bites: Smaller portions for kids, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, fries, churros, fruit skewers
• Surfside Eatery: Free buffet with tons of variety, sits right next to Surfside Bites
• Vitality Café: Protein drinks and healthy snacks near the spa
• The Grove: Suite guest dining area

We rotated between the main dining room in the evenings and hit the AquaDome Market, Park Café, and Pearl Café regularly. Base Camp and AquaDome became a go-to for casual lunches. The main dining room never felt crowded because so many guests spread out across the other options.

Specialty Dining on Star of the Seas (Paid Options):

• Chops Grille: Steaks, ribs, and that red velvet chocolate cake
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar: Authentic Italian with a wine bar overlooking the promenade
• Hooked Seafood: Oysters, crab, twin lobster tails, lobster rolls, around $65 for dinner, $25 for lunch
• Izumi Hibachi and Sushi: Sushi and hibachi, around $70 for hibachi, $40 for à la carte sushi
• Linkin Park Supper Club: $200 per person, stunning venue with live music, steep price but the experience looks incredible
• Pier Seven: Around $25 for dinner, great value for a specialty option
• Playmakers Sports Bar: Pulled pork burgers, nachos, Impossible Burger, all the bar favorites
• Sugar Beach Dessert Milkshake Bar: Over-the-top desserts and milkshakes
• Starbucks: Your usual Starbucks menu
• Chef’s Table: Around $110 per person, eight-course meal, communal seating, incredible food

Room service runs $7.95 for delivery. Prices for specialty dining typically hover around $50 to $65 for dinner, with a few outliers like Linkin Park Supper Club on the high end.

Check out some of the Royal Caribbean menus here

The AquaDoma Market

The AquaDome Market deserves its own paragraph. This isn’t your standard buffet. It’s a collection of food stalls offering global cuisines, each one delivering restaurant-quality dishes. Crème de la Crêpe, Mai Thai, Pig Out BBQ, Feta Mediterranean, La Cocinita for Mexican. We tried everything, and not a single stall disappointed. The Thai noodles were legit. The crepes with strawberries and chocolate became a daily obsession. The tacos and spring rolls hit every time.

If you only ate at AquaDome Market, Park Café, and Base Camp for an entire cruise, you’d leave completely satisfied. The fact that those are all free makes the value proposition of this ship almost absurd.

AquaDome Market Dining Options:

• Pig Out BBQ: Features savoury pulled pork, beef brisket, and mac & cheese.
• Crème de la Crêpe: Serves sweet and savoury French crepes
• Mai Thai: Offers Southeast Asian flavors like Pad Thai, grilled lemongrass chicken, and beef panang curry.
• Feta Mediterranean: Serves custom pitas and fresh bowls.
• La Cocinita: Specializes in Latin street food, including empanadas and arepas.

Bars, Lounges, and Nightlife: Something for Every Mood

The bar selection is just as overwhelming as the dining.

You could spend an entire cruise hopping between bars and still not hit them all. Each one has its own vibe, and the variety ensures you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s a quiet cocktail overlooking the ocean or a high-energy karaoke session.

Standout Bars and Lounges:

• Schooner Bar: Modern take on the classic, overlooks the promenade, perfect for happy hour
• Thorn and Thistle Pub: Proper British pub feel, decent size, great for a pint
• Boleros: Latin-inspired cocktails and music
• Giovanni’s Wine Bar: Overlooks the promenade, excellent wine selection
• Dueling Pianos: High-energy, gets packed early, arrive ahead of time
• The Attic: Quirky decor, intimate space
• Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade: Multiple screens, bar food, arcade games
• Crown and Anchor Lounge: Loyalty program lounge
• 1400 Lobby Bar: Central location on the promenade
• Lime and Coconut Bar: Frozen drinks, poolside vibes
• Swimming and Tonic Bar: Swim-up bar on Deck 16
• Cantina Fresh Bar: Pairs perfectly with El Loco Fresh tacos
• Bubbles Champagne Bar: Elegant, tucked into Central Park
• Lou’s Cocktail Bar: Also in Central Park, more casual than Bibo
• The Lemon Post Bar: In Surfside, perfect for parents watching kids play
• Music Hall: Two-floor space with DJs, great for dancing, amazing decor with vintage band posters
• Spotlight Karaoke: Gets busy but worth it if you love karaoke

The Hideaway

The Hideaway on Deck 16 is adults-only and became one of our favorite spots. The infinity pool overlooks the back of the ship, and while it gets busy on sea days, port days left it wide open. Plenty of loungers, never a fight for space, just a chill place to hang out with a drink.

The Music Hall on Star of the Seas

The Music Hall deserves special mention. The decor alone makes it worth visiting. Posters of fictional Oasis-class bands cover the walls, giving it an edgy, rock-club vibe. The two-floor layout creates natural flow, and the DJ nights we caught were genuinely fun. It feels like a venue you’d find on land, not a cruise ship.

Bars never felt overcrowded except for Dueling Pianos and Spotlight Karaoke during peak times. Even then, we usually found a seat if we arrived a few minutes early. The sheer number of options spreads people out beautifully.

Activities, Entertainment, and the Details That Make This Ship Special

Beyond dining and drinking, the ship is packed with things to do.

The two escape rooms are phenomenal and rarely talked about. The Escape Diner is themed like a 1950s diner and genuinely challenging. It’s cold inside, adding to the immersion. Starscape Records is designed like an old record shop, and the puzzles are creative and satisfying. We completed both and earned little iron-on badges, which was a fun touch. If you’ve done escape rooms before, these will impress you. If you haven’t, this is a great introduction.

The shops onboard are solid, with a massive Jellycat selection for kids. Sugar Beach offers giant Hershey bars and plenty of candy, though prices run high. The Lemon Tree gift shop has unique items you won’t find on every cruise. And of course you can not miss the Star of the Show Sailor dog merchandise on Star of the seas!

Shows on Star of the Seas

Entertainment onboard the Star of the Seas by Royal Caribbean is on another level and honestly one of the standout parts of the entire experience.

There is so much going on throughout the ship, from full-scale theatre productions to high-energy aqua shows, and it really feels like there’s something for everyone, day and night.

The headline show has to be Back to the Future: The Musical, which is a full Broadway-style production at sea. In fact, it is exactly like the one I saw in the West End. The production quality is incredible, with amazing special effects, live music, and a real wow factor.

Another highlight is the AquaTheater shows, which are always a favourite. These combine diving, acrobatics, and water stunts in a way that’s completely unique to Royal Caribbean. It’s fast-paced, visually impressive, and definitely one to book early as it gets busy.

The ice show is also well worth seeing; it takes place in the Absolute Zero ice arena, with talented skaters performing high-energy routines in a surprisingly large arena on board. It’s one of those shows that really adds something different to the entertainment lineup.

Around the ship, you’ll also find live music, piano bars, and smaller entertainment venues, which are perfect if you want something a bit more relaxed in the evening. And let’s not forget the pop-up piano! We found him outside the state-of-the-art, advanced destination-controlled elevators.

Overall, the shows on Star of the Seas really exceeded expectations. Despite the size of the ship, everything feels well organised, and there’s plenty of opportunity to see multiple performances during your cruise.

Top tip: Make sure you book your shows as early as possible in the app, as the most popular ones fill up quickly.

The Crowns Edge on Star of the Seas

One of the most exciting and talked-about attractions onboard Star of the Seas by Royal Caribbean is Crown’s Edge, a skywalk course, and adrenaline ride suspended high above the ocean. As you make your way around narrow platforms over 150 feet above sea level, the experience builds in intensity before finishing with a heart-racing drop and glide that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. It’s a unique, extra-cost activity that really sets the ship apart and perfectly captures the next-level experiences. The only reason we did not do this is because you have to wear a full boiler suit, and it was so hot!

Stylish Sculptures on Star of the Seas

What really sets this ship apart is the quirky art and sculptures. A bronze policeman with a little boy tugging his pant leg. Statues tucked into trees in Central Park. Planes hanging overhead and Giant flamingoes. Even Street art on the Surfside ceiling. Every deck has something to notice, and these details make the ship feel alive and thoughtfully designed rather than just functional.

More Amazing activities on Star of the Seas

Playmakers has an arcade attached. Adventure Ocean sits on Deck 6 for kids’ programming. The Royal Theatre hosts shows, and the AquaTheatre on Deck 15 puts on performances in a completely redesigned space.

The FlowRider, water slides, mini golf, fitness center, and Vitality Spa round out the active options. Thrill Island consolidates all the slides in one area, making it easy to bounce between them if that’s your thing.

Activities never felt forced or overly scheduled. You could participate as much or as little as you wanted, and the ship offered enough variety that everyone in your group could find something they enjoyed.

Who Should Book Star of the Seas

This ship is perfect for anyone who loves variety, energy, and modern design.

Families will thrive here. Surfside is the best family area Royal Caribbean has ever built, and the sheer number of dining options means picky eaters and adventurous eaters alike will find something they love. Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay gives young kids their own safe water play area, and the separation between family zones and adult zones works brilliantly.

Couples looking for a mix of relaxation and excitement will love it too. The Hideaway offers an adults-only retreat. Central Park provides peaceful pockets. The specialty dining is top-tier. And when you want energy, the promenade, Music Hall, and bars deliver it.

First-time cruisers worried about feeling overwhelmed can relax. Yes, the ship is massive, but the layout is intuitive, and the open design keeps it from ever feeling cramped or chaotic. You’ll find your favorite spots within a day and settle into a comfortable rhythm.

Solo travelers and groups will appreciate the sheer number of places to hang out. You can claim a spot at a quiet bar in Central Park, grab a seat overlooking the promenade, or jump into the energy at Spotlight Karaoke or Music Hall.

The only travelers who might prefer a different ship are those seeking an ultra-quiet, small-ship experience. Star of the Seas is big, and while it never feels overcrowded, it’s definitely a high-energy environment. If you want a yacht-like vibe with 200 passengers, this isn’t it. But if you want a floating city that’s packed with incredible food, thoughtful design, and endless things to do without ever feeling like you’re fighting for space, this is the best cruise ship we’ve sailed.

We were nervous about the size. We left wanting to book another cruise immediately. That tells you everything you need to know.