Next August sees the debut of Royal Caribbean's second Icon-class ship, the largest in the world. The Star of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, year-round, and here's what's new.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 73 – June 2025
While we wait to see if, as with the Oasis class, the Star of the Seas will be a few centimeters longer or have a few more tons than the Icon of the Seas to claim the title of the world's largest cruise ship, we do know that it will incorporate a host of exciting new features within its 248,663 gross tons.
The godmother will be Diana Ross, a true global music icon, and the main show on board the Star will be Back to the Future, instead of The Wizard of Oz, which is performed on the Icon. This won't be the only one; there will be five exclusive shows on stage, in the air, on the water, and on ice. It's worth remembering that these ships boast several venues for innovative shows: the main Royal Theater, the AquaTheater for water shows, and the Absolute Zero ice rink for skating shows.
The theater will also premiere the show “Create,” which follows the journey of a curious robot, KRE-8, in search of his soul, using singing, dancing, visual arts, and all forms of expression. And at the AquaTheater, the new show will be “Pirates & Mermaids.”
It will sail year-round from Port Canaveral
Inside the AquaDome, the enormous glass structure that houses the AquaTheater at the top of the bow and other facilities, will be the AquaDome Market, an exclusive Icon-class dining space, featuring five food stalls, including three new ones on the Star class serving smoked pulled pork and beef brisket; Southeast Asian regional favorites such as pad thai and beef panag; and typical South American dishes such as empanadas and arepas.
Most of the dining options on both ships will remain unchanged, and guests on both ships will be able to enjoy a wide variety of casual and formal dining choices.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the Lincoln Park Supper Club. This is a sequel to the Empire Supper Club, which trades its original, dazzling New York theme for an experience inspired by 1930s Chicago. The sensory experience combines live jazz music with sophisticated cocktails and curated dishes that evoke iconic dining spots in the Windy City, from Chez Paree to the renowned Pump Room.
Star will debut a pilot system that allows guests to unlock their cabin doors with facial recognition, eliminating the need for the traditional SeaPass key. However, this system will not be rolled out across the board; it will only be used in a limited number of cabins for testing. The ability to track children using smart wristbands and the cruise line's app will also be available on Star after its successful testing and implementation on Icon.
Surfside, the children's neighborhood, is expanding its focus: while on Icon it was geared towards children under 6, on Star it extends the experience to ages 10 and up, adding more complex activities and games. Speaking of families, the impressive Ultimate Family Townhouse suite will be redesigned based on feedback received from guests on Icon. We also know that the kids' clubs will feature more traditional games to discourage excessive reliance on video games, and that teenagers will be offered more activities spread throughout the ship.
Although it may seem like a minor detail, a tenth Jacuzzi is being added, located next to the AquaDome and Lime & Coconut. And inside, the large sphere on the Royal Promenade, The Pearl, is being enhanced on Star with multi-colored light rings that allow for more vibrant shows.
Like the Icon, the Star of the Seas will be organized around seven neighborhoods:
Aqua Dome, the semi-spherical dome at the top of the bow, offers ample space for relaxed dining and drinking during the day and vibrant performances in the AquaTheater at night.
Chill Island, as its name suggests, this relaxing space features pools and bars perfect for unwinding and corresponds to the main pool areas at the top of the ship.
Thrill Islandis home to a Category 6 water park, featuring exhilarating water slides, a surf simulator, a ropes course, and sports facilities. It occupies a large portion of the ship's upper aft area.
The Hideaway. Right where Thrill Island ends, The Hideaway begins, an adults-only space with an infinity pool, exclusive bar, and jacuzzis.
Surfside, located at the rear of the lower decks, is a family-friendly area with customized dining options, family cabins, a water park, and much more.
Royal Promenaderuns through the heart of the ship from bow to stern; it is an interior street full of restaurants, bars, shops and spaces to relax.
Central Park, a real open-air park in the center of the ship with thousands of real plants, along with shops, bars and restaurants.
The Suite Neighborhood, the exclusive part of the ship where the suites are located, as well as a private terrace and a restaurant just for suite guests.
Star of the Seas will offer 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean with stops at Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. Beginning in December 2025, Star passengers can visit Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas, the first beach club in the Royal Beach Club Collection, offering the ultimate beach day for every vibe, with family-friendly, relaxing, and party experiences.
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