10 Things to Know Before Sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is the highly anticipated sister ship to Icon of the Seas and is already making waves as the next evolution of cruising. I had the chance to preview the ship on a media sailing last month before its first official sailing and let me tell you one thing: That is one massive cruise ship.

If you’re planning a trip on this incredible new ship, here are 10 things you’ll want to know before you set sail.

10 Things to Know Before Sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

It’s the largest cruise ship in the world.

Star of the Seas takes the crown as the world’s largest cruise ship, with room for over 7,000 guests. Be prepared for a floating city packed with endless things to see and do. Also, let go of any notions about what you think being on a cruise ship “feels like,” because this ship will prove you wrong.

The neighborhood concept returns.

Like Icon, the ship is divided into themed “neighborhoods,” each offering its own vibe, dining, and entertainment. Expect favorites like Central Park, Surfside (perfect for families), and the Suite Neighborhood. We loved Central Park the most, I think, because there are tons of trees and plants.

Surfside is a game-changer for families.

Royal Caribbean designed Surfside specifically for families with young kids. It’s packed with kid-friendly dining, splash pads, and family activities so little ones (and their parents) are guaranteed fun. My mom and I walked around the area a couple times and can absolutely attest to the fact that no detail has been overlooked.

Thrills are everywhere.

From the adrenaline-pumping Crown’s Edge (a mix of ropes course and skywalk where you dangle over the water) to waterslides that twist down multiple decks, thrill seekers will have no shortage of activities. I didn’t participate in any of these things because I had just had surgery, but it looked fun, and I *almost* had my mom convinced to do the Crown’s Edge experience. 

Reserve dining early.

The ship has over 20 dining options, from upscale specialty restaurants to quick bites. Popular spots book quickly, so snag reservations as soon as they open in the app. This is probably my biggest beef with the cruise ship altogether. The specialty dining is likely where some of the best food on the whole ship is located, and we didn’t get to experience it at all because it was entirely booked. The main dining options leave a lot to be desired IMO, so getting reservations early is crucial.

The shows are Broadway-caliber.

Royal Caribbean is known for its entertainment, and Star of the Seas levels it up with ice shows, aqua theater productions, and Broadway-style musicals that rival anything on land. I was SO impressed with Back To The Future and Sol (ice skating show). We didn’t get a chance to see Torque (water show), because again, these things fill up REALLY fast.

You’ll want the Royal Caribbean app.

From booking shows and dining to checking deck plans, the app is your best tool for navigating such a massive ship. Download it before you board and get familiar with it. I made the critical error of not getting super familiar with it prior to boarding so while I understood how to navigate it, knowing exactly what to look for (and where) would have been a lot more helpful.

Don’t miss the adults-only oasis.

With so many family-friendly features, adults may crave some quiet time. The adults-only Solarium offers pools, hot tubs, and ocean views—no kids allowed. 

Wi-Fi is surprisingly good.

Royal Caribbean’s Starlink Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, making it easy to share photos, work remotely, or stream your favorite shows while at sea. I was impressed that I never had any “dead spots” either.

Plan extra time to explore.

This isn’t the kind of ship where you’ll see everything in one day. Give yourself plenty of time to wander, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the full experience of the world’s newest and biggest cruise ship. We were only on board for three days and didn’t come close to seeing it all!