Considering booking Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Star of the Seas? Here is my honest Star of the Seas review that is worth reading before clicking “book now!”
I had the chance to sail on Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Star of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, and it truly lived up to its reputation for scale and spectacle. From the moment I stepped on board (lights flashing, music blaring), I was struck by how vibrant and bright the decor felt and you definitely feel like you’re in “party time vacation mode” as soon as you arrive. If you’re considering booking a cruise on the largest cruise ship in the world, today’s post is for you.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas Review
First things first – it’s really hard to put into words just how massive this ship is. The photo below it is of another Royal Caribbean ship (Symphony of the Seas) and when we watched it come dock beside us, I remember thinking…that looks huge. Then I got off Star and thought…MY GAWD.
The ship is just enormous. There are 20 total decks, 9 neighborhoods, 2,805 state rooms that can house 5,610 guests (double occupancy) and a total of 2,350 crew. Even looking at those numbers does not do it justice.
@bykaithanson Step aboard @Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas—the largest cruise ship in the world—and explore every level of epic adventure! From jaw-dropping thrills in the Category 6 waterpark with record-breaking slides and Crown’s Edge skywalk to family-first fun at Surfside’s Splashaway Bay. Chill out with style in The Hideaway’s suspended infinity pool or catch a Broadway-level AquaDome show with a 55-ft waterfall. Don’t miss immersive ice entertainment at Absolute Zero, over 40 dining & bar options—including the swanky Lincoln Park Supper Club—and the unforgettable Back to the Future: The Musical. Welcome to the world’s best family vacation, debuting August 2025 from Port Canaveral! #StarOfTheSeas #RoyalCaribbean #CruiseTour #FamilyVacation #CruiseTikTok ♬ Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl) (with Chad Introduction) – Looking Glass
Star Of The Seas Rooms
My balcony oceanfront stateroom was surprisingly spacious, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the view, which made for a comfortable home base during the sailing. I will say, I shared the room with my mom and for the two of us – it was great. That said, there is potential to make the couch into a pull-out bed and admittedly, 4 people in that space is something I don’t even want to think about. That would be so crammed and uncomfortable.
What I Loved About Star of The Seas
What I loved most were the thoughtful touches that made the ship feel fun and engaging for pretty much any kind of traveler (kids and adults). There were endless photo opportunities at every turn, perfect for capturing memories, and if you are traveling with young children, I can’t think of a better destination than this ship.
The crew was incredibly friendly, always going out of their way to make guests feel welcome, and of course, Sailor, the 6-month-old Golden Retriever who lives on board, completely stole the show. Wherever she goes a mass of people follows!
It’s also worth mentioning just how clean everything felt. Granted, we were only the second cruise of passengers, but there are cleaning robots and workers always milling around cleaning.
I also appreciated the walking/running track for getting in some steps, the walk-up champagne bar for a quick celebratory sip/higher end brands, and offering three big shows SOL (ice rink), TORQUE (water show), and Back to the Future (musical). We didn’t get to see TORQUE, because the space was maximized, but it got rave reviews. Pro tip: Show up EARLY. We got to each show about 30 minutes before it started and still weren’t sitting front row for any of them.
What I Didn’t Love On Star of The Seas
Where the ship fell flat for me was in the food department. Royal Caribbean clearly emphasizes quantity and over-the-top presentation, but the flavors just didn’t deliver. Most of what I tried felt a little bland, and while there was certainly no shortage of options, I found myself wishing for more quality over quantity. Seriously – there are SO MANY RESTAURANTS and each time I tried something, I got my hopes up, but it was all very mediocre in my opionon. Unfortunately, the specialty dining restaurants were booked solid during my 3-night press tour, so I can’t speak to those, so hopefully that is where the culinary highlights might be hiding. You can watch my TikTok which includes more food photos.
My other complaint would be the beds and pillows. Comfort is key when you’re cruising, and I found both to be on the stiff and unforgiving side, which made it hard to get a truly restful night of sleep. My mom agreed and each night we would laugh ourselves to sleep trying to get comfortable.
All that said, Star of the Seas is undeniably impressive. It’s colorful, fun, and full of energy, with enough activities and entertainment to keep you busy from sunrise until long past sunset. If you’re looking for a cruise that’s all about the wow factor, this ship delivers. Just be prepared to prioritize the experience itself over the dining and the comfort of your stateroom bed. I’d also like to share that this experience was part of a 3-night hosted media stay, but I feel strongly that it’s important to be honest about experiences, which is what is reflected in my post.
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