A rendering of Star of the Seas. Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Embarking on a cruise vacation with the family is an unforgettable experience, especially when you choose Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas. This majestic ship promises a world of adventure, relaxation, and exploration for travelers of all ages. What sets the Star of the Seas apart is that it belongs to Royal Caribbean's Icon class of ships, representing the pinnacle of innovation, luxury, and entertainment on the high seas. Let's explore what makes the Icon class unique and delve into the Star of the Seas attractions on, and off, the ship.
Icon Class Highlights
The spacious Ultimate Family Townhome. Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Advanced Accommodations
From spacious staterooms to luxurious suites, the Icon Class offers a range of accommodations designed to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning travelers. With innovative features such as virtual balconies, smart technology, and personalized service, guests can enjoy the ultimate in comfort, convenience, and luxury throughout their voyage with configurations to fit any group size. The top of the line Ultimate Family Townhome even offers a tube slide for kids (and kids at heart) to slide between floors.
Next-Generation Entertainment
Onboard the Icon Class, guests will find a world of entertainment options across the ship. From late-night Broadway-style shows to matinee performances at the AquaThreatre, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy. In addition to evening entertainment, families will love the daytime art, science, and exploration sessions offered through the Kids Club, Adventure Ocean.
Culinary Excellence
Dining aboard the Icon Class is a culinary journey like no other, with a diverse array of restaurants, bars, and lounges offering an unparalleled dining experience. From gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs to casual fare available around-the-clock, families can always find food to satisfy even the pickiest of palettes. With so many dining options, your family can choose to linger over a multi-course indulgence or grab a quick slice of pizza without missing out on any of the activities of the day.
LNG-Powered Propulsion
The Icon Class is the first series of cruise ships to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional marine fuels. LNG propulsion significantly reduces emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, showcasing Royal Caribbean's efforts to make the Icon Class among the most environmentally friendly fleets at sea.
Unmatched Service
At the heart of the Icon Class experience is Royal Caribbean's unwavering commitment to exceptional service. From the moment guests step aboard, they are greeted with warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail that ensures every aspect of their journey is seamless and unforgettable from the legendary towel animals in your stateroom to the attentive staff of the Main Dining Room, the service is sure to exceed your expectations.
Star of the Sea Highlights
Attractions
Part of the Category 6 Waterpark aboard Star of the Seas. Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean
FlowRider
The thrill-seekers in your family will delight in the opportunity to catch waves on the FlowRider, where you can try your hand at surfing or boogie boarding under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Rock Climbing Wall
Test your strength and agility as you scale the ship's rock climbing wall, offering stunning ocean views and a sense of accomplishment once you reach the top.
Category 6 Waterpark
The six record-breaking slides reach new heights, like Storm Surge, an adrenaline-pumping family raft slide. The toughest part? Figuring out what slide to tackle first.
H2O Zone Water Park
Designed with families in mind, the H2O Zone Water Park features exhilarating water slides, splash pads, and interactive water cannons, providing endless fun for younger kids, and parents alike. For babies and toddlers not yet potty trained, a dedicated water play area is offered which is a rarity on cruise ships.
Mini-Golf
Enjoy friendly competition with a round of mini-golf on the ship's onboard course, complete with challenging obstacles and panoramic ocean vistas. Mini golf competitions are regularly scheduled throughout cruises for families wishing to showcase their skills.
Adventure Ocean Kids Program
Parents have an opportunity to relax or take in some of the ship's evening entertainment while your kids embark on their own adventures with Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean Youth Program, offering supervised activities, games, and themed parties for children of all ages from baby to teen.
Dining
Sorrento's Pizza Restaurant. Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Included:
Main Dining Room
Indulge in a world of culinary delights in the ship's elegant Main Dining Room, where chefs prepare mouthwatering dishes ranging from gourmet seafood to savory steaks and decadent desserts. Expect fun theme nights, exceptional service and personalized touches that will make these meals a highlight of your trip.
Windjammer Marketplace
For casual dining with panoramic ocean views, head to the Windjammer Marketplace, where you'll find an array of international cuisines, buffet-style options, and live cooking stations to satisfy every craving.
Sorrento's Pizza
Sorrento's Pizza is the perfect spot for guests craving a slice of authentic New York-style pizza whether its a quick dinner on the way to evening entertainment or just a late night snack. Made with fresh ingredients and hand-tossed dough, Sorrento's Pizza offers a selection of classic and specialty pies, as well as calzones, stromboli, and garlic knots.
Additional Options:
Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine
Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine is a whimsical and avant-garde dining experience that transports guests into a world of culinary imagination. Inspired by the whimsical tales of Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland," this restaurant offers a multisensory dining experience where every dish is a work of art. A perfect opportunity for a date night while the kids have a blast in Adventure Ocean.
Chops Grille
Chops Grille is Royal Caribbean's signature steakhouse, offering guests a sophisticated and elegant dining experience. Featuring premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts, Chops Grille is the perfect destination for carnivores and connoisseurs alike.
Jamie's Italian
Jamie's Italian brings the rustic flavors and hearty dishes of Italy to the high seas. Created in partnership with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, this restaurant offers classic Italian fare with a modern twist. From homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas to fresh antipasti and indulgent desserts, Jamie's Italian invites guests to savor the vibrant and authentic flavors of Italy.
Izumi Hibachi
Izumi offers guests a taste of Japan with its authentic sushi, sashimi, and hibachi-style grills. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, savory noodles, or flavorful sushi rolls, Izumi delivers an exquisite dining experience that celebrates the artistry and precision of Japanese cuisine. Parents will love the cuisine and kids will love the show.
Chef's Table
For guests seeking a truly immersive dining experience, the Chef's Table offers an exclusive culinary journey led by the ship's executive chef. Featuring a multi-course tasting menu paired with fine wines, the Chef's Table provides guests with a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating each dish.
Entertainment
Entertainment in the AquaTheater. Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas is also a floating paradise of entertainment for the entire family. From Broadway-style shows to immersive experiences, the ship offers a wide array of entertainment options to suit every taste and preference.
Broadway at Sea: Prepare to be dazzled by world-class performances and Broadway-style productions in the ship's state-of-the-art theaters. From captivating musicals to spectacular dance shows, guests can enjoy live entertainment that rivals the stages of New York City.
AquaTheater Shows: Step into the spectacular AquaTheater, an outdoor amphitheater located at the stern of the ship, where guests can witness jaw-dropping acrobatics, high-flying dives, and mesmerizing water ballets performed against the backdrop of the open sea.
Ice Skating Spectaculars: Cool off with a thrilling ice skating show in the ship's onboard ice rink, featuring professional skaters performing daring jumps, spins, and choreographed routines on a glistening stage of ice.
Live Music and Performances: Throughout the ship, guests can enjoy live music and performances in various venues, including jazz clubs, piano bars, and lounges. From solo artists to full bands, there's always something happening to keep the party going into the night.
Casino Royale: For parents, the Casino Royale offers an exciting array of gaming options, including slot machines, blackjack, poker, and roulette. Whether you're a seasoned gambler or a novice player, the casino provides thrills and excitement for all.
Nightclubs and Dance Parties: Dance the night away at the ship's vibrant nightclubs and dance parties, where DJs spin the latest hits and guests can show off their best moves on the dance floor. With themed nights and special events, there's never a dull moment after dark.
Outdoor Movies Under the Stars: Experience movie magic under the night sky with the ship's outdoor movie screenings. Snuggle up with a cozy blanket and enjoy blockbuster films, classic favorites, and family-friendly features in an unforgettable alfresco setting.
Interactive Game Shows and Trivia: Put your knowledge to the test with interactive game shows and trivia contests hosted by the ship's entertainment staff. From trivia quizzes to audience participation games, there's plenty of fun and laughter to be had for guests of all ages.
Kids and Teen Programs: While parents enjoy the evening's entertainment, kids and teens can embark on their own adventures with Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean and Teen Club programs. From themed parties to supervised activities, young cruisers can make new friends and create lasting memories in a safe and engaging environment.
Destinations
Royal Caribbean's private island CocoCay. Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean
CocoCay: Royal Caribbean's Private Paradise
Royal Caribbean has confirmed that all Star of the Seas sailings will include a stop at CocoCay which is a definite win for families. CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island destination in the Bahamas, is a tropical paradise where guests can unwind, explore, and indulge in a variety of exciting activities. From pristine beaches to thrilling water parks, CocoCay offers something for everyone, including:
Thrilling Water Parks: CocoCay is home to two spectacular water parks, Thrill Waterpark and Coco Beach Club. Thrill Waterpark features towering slides, wave pools, and zip lines, while Coco Beach Club offers exclusive cabanas, infinity pools, and gourmet dining options overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Beachside Fun: With miles of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, CocoCay is the perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and beach volleyball. Guests can also relax in hammocks, soak up the sun, or explore the island's natural beauty on scenic walking trails.
Adventure and Excitement: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, guests can embark on thrilling excursions such as jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling with stingrays, or riding in a helium balloon for panoramic views of the island and surrounding seas.
Island Cuisine: From beachside BBQs to gourmet dining experiences, CocoCay offers a variety of culinary options to satisfy every palate. Guests can indulge in fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and authentic Bahamian cuisine while enjoying the island's laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.
Port Canaveral: Gateway to Adventure
Star of the Seas will set sail from Port Canaveral. Located on Florida's Space Coast and 45 minutes for Orlando airport, Port Canaveral is a gateway to some of the Sunshine State's most iconic attractions. From the Kennedy Space Center to the beaches of Cocoa Beach, sailings out of Port Canaveral offer families the opportunity to add a day or days onto their sailing and explore the attraction-dense area of Orlando. Some highlights in this area include:
Kennedy Space Center: Explore the wonders of space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center, where guests can tour historic space shuttle launch pads, meet real-life astronauts, and experience immersive exhibits and simulators that bring the history and future of space travel to life.
Cocoa Beach: With its pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and vibrant beachside atmosphere, Cocoa Beach is the perfect destination for sun-seekers, water sports enthusiasts, and families looking to relax and unwind in the Florida sun.
Theme Parks: Just a short drive from Port Canaveral, Orlando offers a wealth of attractions and theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, Peppa Pig Theme, and SeaWorld, where guests can experience the magic of their favorite characters and embark on thrilling adventures for the whole family.
For more ideas on Orlando attractions, read our Family City Guide to Orlando.
Explore the World with Royal Caribbean
An Alaska cruise adventure. Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean
If you are looking to explore other areas of the globe, rest assured Royal Caribbean still has you covered. Some of the most popular itineraries will bring families to some truly unforgettable places:
Alaskan Adventure: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska on a scenic cruise through the Inside Passage, where you'll encounter towering glaciers, majestic wildlife, and picturesque fjords, with opportunities for whale watching, dog sledding, and glacier trekking.
Mediterranean Magic: Embark on a cultural odyssey through the Mediterranean, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history, art, and cuisine of iconic cities such as Barcelona, Rome, and Athens, with visits to ancient ruins, medieval castles, and bustling markets.
Transatlantic Voyage: Embark on a transatlantic voyage, crossing the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the Americas, with days at sea to relax, unwind, and enjoy all the amenities and entertainment the ship has to offer.
South Pacific Paradise: Discover the enchanting islands of the South Pacific on a tropical cruise adventure, where you can snorkel among colorful coral reefs, hike to cascading waterfalls, and experience the warm hospitality and vibrant culture of Australia and more.
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