Vacationers looking to get in their daily step goal will have no problem achieving that while on board Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas.
The world’s largest cruise ship, which arrived at Port Canaveral earlier this month as the company’s second Icon-class ship, has plenty of spaces to relax, new technology and adventurous ways to spend time onboard. At 248,663 gross tons, the ship has 20 decks, seven pools, six waterslides and more than 40 venues for dining and drinking. It can accommodate 5,610 passengers at double occupancy and more than 7,000 passengers at full capacity, plus 2,350 crew.
The Pearl is a giant kinetic art sculpture visitors can walk through onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Royal Promenade has shops and dining onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Sculptures of sea turtles and fish hang above the Pearl Cafe onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Casino Royale has slots and table games onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Deck 3-4: The Music Hall is a place for entertainment onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Sorrento’s serves authentic New York Pizza onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Surfside neighborhood is geared toward families onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Surfside neighborhood is geared toward families onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Surfside Eatery is one option for dining onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Surfside neighborhood is geared toward families onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A giant flamingo sculpture watches over the Surfside neighborhood onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Adventure Ocean is geared toward young cruisers onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is docked at Port Canaveral on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Pearl is a giant kinetic art sculpture visitors can walk through onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Dueling Pianos presents evening entertainment onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Ultimate Family Townhouse has a slide in the suite and a hot tub outside on the deck onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A flamingo mural can be seen on the ceiling above the Surfside neighborhood onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Surfer sculptures can be seen on the upper pool decks onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Ultimate Family Townhouse has a dedicated room for watching movies and gaming and a hot tub outside on the deck onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
One of the suite options onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Windjammer Marketplace features colorful art onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Lincoln Park Supper Club is an exclusive dining destination onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Deck 15 is home to multiple pools and bars onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Deck 15 is home to multiple pools and bars onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Thrill Island is home to the Category 6 Waterpark onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Deck 15 is home to multiple pools and bars onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Thrill Island is home to the Category 6 Waterpark onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Thrill Island is home to the Category 6 Waterpark onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Thrill Island is home to the Category 6 Waterpark onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests attend a set sail party onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Deck 15 is home to multiple pools and bars onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Adrenaline Peak is a rock climbing destination onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Deck 15 is home to multiple pools and bars onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Deck 15 is home to multiple pools and bars onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Deck 15 is home to multiple pools and bars onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Deck 15 is home to multiple pools and El Loco Fresh onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Aquadome and Aquatheater are a defining feature of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Surfside neighborhood features a large Flamingo sculpture onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A view from the Windjammer Marketplace shows the Surfside neighborhood onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Deck 15 is home to multiple pools and El Loco Fresh onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Deck 15 is home to multiple pools and bars onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Aquadome and Aquatheater are a defining feature of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Hideaway is an adults-only destination onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Flowrider surf simulator helps teach visitors how to surf onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Hideaway is an adults-only destination onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Hideaway is an adults-only destination onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Flowrider surf simulator helps teach visitors how to surf onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Thrill Island is home to the Category 6 Waterpark onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Hideaway is an adults-only destination onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Hideaway is an adults-only destination onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Flowrider surf simulator helps teach visitors how to surf onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Deck 15 shows a view of the ship lit up at night onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Royal Promenade is home to eclectic art onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Star of the Seas Showband performs live onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 14, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests gather near the Pearl on the Royal Promenade onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests gather for a midnight balloon drop over the Royal Promenade onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests gather for a midnight balloon drop over the Royal Promenade onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests gather for a midnight balloon drop over the Royal Promenade onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
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The Pearl is a giant kinetic art sculpture visitors can walk through onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on Aug. 13, 2025. The company’s second Icon-class ship is the world’s largest cruise ship. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
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The Star of the Seas feels like a floating city, complete with its own Central Park in the middle and eight neighborhoods, each designed for different activities and age groups. It’s bright, artsy, colorful and has scenes of idyllic vacations playing out around every corner.
Most passengers embark on Deck 5, where they are greeted by The Pearl, a three-deck art installation with 3,600 computer-driven kinetic tiles that move with music. The sphere sits in the middle of the Royal Promenade where guests can find shopping options, bars and eateries — including Spotlight Karaoke on Deck 5, right across from New York pizza restaurant Sorrento’s, and a dueling piano bar on Deck 6.
Deck 4 is home to Casino Royale and the Music Hall, while the main dining room is at the aft of the ship on decks 3-5. In addition to housing the Royal Promenade, Deck 5 is where guests can find the fitness center, outdoor jogging track, the Royal Theater, the location of the “Back to the Future” musical, and Absolute Zero, an ice arena for the “Sol” skating show that’s accessible from Deck 6.
Deck 7 has the Surfside neighborhood at the aft of the ship, which is geared toward families with a carousel, Surfside Eatery, ice cream and a water playground called Splashaway Bay. Dozens of staterooms overlook this neighborhood, some with their own balconies.
That is also the case with a selection of staterooms that overlook Central Park on Deck 8. The interior neighborhood features greenery, bars and dining venues such as Chops Grille, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi and Park Cafe. Moving toward the fore of the ship, guests can see the exclusive Lincoln Park Supper Club, a formal upscale dining venue with limited space.
Decks 9-14 consist mostly of cabins, except for the Vitality Spa accessed on Deck 14.
On Deck 15, passengers can visit the Windjammer Marketplace, a buffet-style eatery, or head out to the Chill Island pool deck. Nearby the Royal Bay Pool sits The Lime & Coconut Bar as well as El Loco Fresh, which serves up Mexican food. At the aft of the ship, guests ages 18 and older can visit The Hideaway, which includes an infinity pool and a bar for adults only.
At the fore of Deck 15 sits the 82-foot-tall, 164-foot-wide, glass-and-metal AquaDome. The entertainment venue hosts the “Torque” show and sits adjacent to Hooked Seafood, Chef’s Table and Celebration Table. On the opposite side, the AquaDome Market has five stands serving different cuisines, including Thai food, barbecue, South American staples, Mediterranean bites and crepes.
Deck 16 has the continuation of Chill Island, which includes the Swim & Tonic, a pool with a swim-up bar, and a dry slide down to Deck 15. The chills quickly turn into thrills when heading to the aft of the ship.
Thrill Island is the access point for Crown’s Edge, a harnessed ropes course and skywalk that dangles guests out over the ocean. That area of Deck 16 is also where guests can find the Adrenaline Peak rock-climbing wall, the Lost Dunes mini golf course and the stairs to access the Category 6 Waterpark.
More high adventure can be found on Deck 17 during a visit to the sports court or the FlowRider surf simulator at the aft of the ship. The fore of the ship has access to the Suite Neighborhood on decks 16-18 with pools and eateries reserved for guests staying in suites.
Star of the Seas will sail seven-night alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, which also serves as homeport to Royal’s Utopia of the Seas. That ship debuted in summer 2024 at Port Canaveral and will continue three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries. Many sailings include a stop at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
Originally Published: August 13, 2025 at 8:59 AM EDT
