Star of the Seas Preview Review: A First Look at Royal Caribbean’s Newest Marvel!

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is making waves—literally and figuratively. With capacity for over 7,000 guests, this ship is designed to wow at every turn. We had the chance to preview it, and here’s a full breakdown of what to expect, from pre-cruise planning to show-stopping entertainment.

Pre-Cruise & Arrival at Port Canaveral

Our Cruise Compass (the daily schedule) wasn’t available until the night before, which was unusual since it’s typically posted a week in advance. A tip? Switch your sailing to an earlier one on the app to get an idea of activities, shows, and even what to pack.

We flew into Orlando (MCO) and used Lyft to get to Cape Canaveral. We stayed at Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral, which offers a shuttle to the port for $10 per person. However, we grabbed another Lyft for only $7.

The night before, we headed to the port to admire Star of the Seas lit up against the night sky and enjoyed dinner at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill—a fantastic pre-cruise recommendation. The food was excellent, and if you time it right, you might even catch a rocket launch from nearby Kennedy Space Center.

Check-In & Boarding

We were in a Surfside Family Suite (Sky Class), which meant priority boarding perks. After breezing through security, we discovered we could’ve used a dedicated suite lounge with refreshments and seating, though regular check-in was so efficient it barely mattered.

Boarding itself was smooth. As with most Royal Caribbean sailings, you’ll find photo ops before stepping into the heart of the ship. And what a welcome—walking into the Royal Promenade and seeing The Pearl gleaming in natural light is breathtaking. This area quickly became the hub of activity, with bars, karaoke, comedy shows, and dueling pianos keeping the energy high well into the night.

Our stateroom was ready immediately (a nice surprise), and luggage followed shortly after. Muster Drill was quick and painless—a simple check-in at our assigned location.

Dining Highlights

We had first-seating dining in the Main Dining Room, which worked perfectly for catching sunsets and evening shows. On two nights, we dined there, and on the third, we enjoyed Chops Grille—joined by some VIPs including Royal Caribbean executives and even Vicki from Vicki’s Coffee Talks.

Tip: If you need to get out quickly for a show, just let your waiter know—they’ll pace the service accordingly.

Exploring the Ship

The Star of the Seas is divided into themed neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Here are some of the standouts:

AquaDome

A stunning multi-level space at the front of the ship, home to Torque (the AquaTheater show), Hooked Seafood, and Celebration Table. With floor-to-ceiling views and the peaceful Overlook Lounge, this area felt like a glasshouse retreat at sea.

Central Park

A lush open-air oasis with real greenery, restaurants like Chops Grille and Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, live music, and plenty of tucked-away corners to relax. Balcony rooms overlooking Central Park offer a quieter alternative to ocean views.

Chill Island

Think relaxation meets fun: multiple pools, infinity-edge views, the adult-only Swim & Tonic swim-up bar, and Mexican bites from El Loco Fresh. Pro tip: the pool decks can get hot—water shoes are your friend.

Thrill Island

The ultimate water park at sea, featuring record-breaking slides, mini golf, rock climbing, and the adrenaline-pumping Crown’s Edge obstacle course. Lines were minimal at port days, but expect longer waits at sea.

Royal Promenade

The buzzing heartbeat of the ship with nightlife, shops, and eateries—including fan-favorite Sorrento’s Pizza. The Pearl towers above, anchoring the space in style.

The Hideaway

An adults-only escape with a suspended infinity pool, DJ beats, and unbeatable wake views. Perfect for those craving serenity with just a touch of party energy.

Surfside

Tailored for families, Surfside features splash zones, casual dining, an arcade, and even its own Sprinkles ice cream stand (though, curiously, no sprinkles).

Suite Neighborhood

Reserved for suite guests, this enclave includes Coastal Kitchen and The Grove pool deck, both of which delivered some of the best food and atmosphere on board.

Entertainment & Activities

The entertainment lineup was still in preview mode, but even with some tweaks, the shows impressed:

SOL (Ice Show): Edge-of-your-seat performances on ice, a must-see for all ages.
Back to the Future: The Musical: Nearly two hours of nostalgia and humor—adults will love it, though younger kids may struggle with the length.
Torque (AquaTheater): A high-energy spectacle combining athletes, swimmers, and cutting-edge tech.

Beyond the theaters, Music Hall hosted live bands, the casino buzzed with action, the escape room challenged puzzle fans, and the Vitality Spa & Fitness Center offered a wellness fix for those who prefer dumbbells to daiquiris.

Adventure Ocean Kids Club

Families will love the revamped kids’ programming. Located on Deck 6, the clubs feature bright, modern spaces with everything from science experiments to talent shows. The Theater room was especially charming and promises plenty of fun on longer sailings.

Disembarkation

Leaving the ship was surprisingly smooth. We opted to set luggage out the night before, and by the time we got off, it was waiting for us. From cabin to curb took about 10 minutes—a record for a ship this size.

Final Thoughts

The Star of the Seas lives up to its name—it shines in nearly every aspect, from sleek modern design to nonstop entertainment. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, foodie, family traveler, or just want a luxe suite experience, there’s something here for everyone. Contact a super to book your trip today!