Royal Caribbean dropped $2 billion on their latest floating city. Star of the Seas launched in August 2025 as the second Icon Class vessel, and the cruise world hasn't stopped talking about it since.
But here's the real question , is this ship actually revolutionary, or are you paying Icon Class prices for recycled thrills?
Let's cut through the marketing fluff and break down what makes Star of the Seas tick. We're talking Thrill Island, the AquaDome, that brand-new Royal Railway dining concept, and whether this thing really lives up to being called the "ultimate family ship."
What You're Actually Getting with Icon Class
Star of the Seas carries 7,514 guests across 2,805 cabins. That's a lot of people. The ship runs on LNG fuel with fuel cell technology , Royal Caribbean's way of saying they're trying to be greener while still operating a vessel the size of a small town.The Icon Class concept takes everything Royal Caribbean learned from Oasis Class ships and cranks it up. More neighborhoods. More venues. More everything. Star of the Seas sails year-round from Port Canaveral to the Eastern Caribbean, hitting spots like CocoCay (their private Bahamian island), Cozumel, Roatan, and Costa Maya.
Your seven-night cruise starts around $1,500 to $1,800 depending on when you book and which cabin you pick. Not cheap, but we're talking about the newest ship in the fleet.
Thrill Island: The Waterpark That Might Actually Justify Your Cruise Fare
Thrill Island is Royal Caribbean's answer to everyone who said cruise ship waterparks were getting boring. This six-slide complex sits at the aft of the ship, and it's genuinely impressive.You've got Category 6, the first waterpark raft ride at sea. It sends you and three friends on a high-speed journey through tunnels and drops. There's also Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide on any cruise ship , because apparently regular slides weren't terrifying enough.
The Pressure Drop slide combines trapdoor drops with twists. Storm Chasers gives you racing competition. And for kids who aren't ready to face their mortality on a waterslide, there's Hurricane Hunter and Storm Chaser , tamer options that still deliver excitement.
Here's what matters: Thrill Island actually delivers. It's not just marketing. The waterpark pulls in families, teenagers who'd rather die than be seen with their parents, and adults who never grew up. The wait times can get brutal during peak hours, so hit it early or during dinner time.
The AquaDome: Your Weird, Wonderful Living Room
The AquaDome might be the most Instagram-friendly space on the ship, which means you'll spend half your time dodging influencers with selfie sticks. But it's also genuinely cool.This multi-story glass dome sits at the front of the ship. By day, it's a lounge space with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. By night, it transforms into an entertainment venue with acrobatic shows, live music, and themed parties. The space features a waterfall, surreal sculptures, and a layout that feels more like a boutique hotel than a cruise ship.
You'll find bars, casual seating, and the Aqua Action show , a performance combining high divers, aerial artists, and synchronized swimmers. It's Cirque du Soleil meets cruise entertainment, minus the $200 ticket price.
The AquaDome also houses some specialty dining venues and connects to the AquaTheater on Deck 16. The whole setup creates what Royal Caribbean calls a "neighborhood" , cruise speak for a themed zone where you can eat, drink, and be entertained without walking the entire ship.
Royal Railway: All Aboard the Hype Train
Royal Railway represents Royal Caribbean's attempt at immersive dining. You're not just eating dinner , you're supposedly on a train journey through different regions, with the scenery changing around you as courses arrive.The concept borrows heavily from European sleeper trains. Your "cabin" seats four to six guests. Digital windows show passing landscapes. The menu changes to reflect the region you're "traveling" through. It's theatrical dining that wants to be more than just good food.
Does it work? The execution is better than most cruise ship gimmicks. The projections look convincing. The food quality exceeds typical main dining room fare. The courses pair with the journey narrative instead of feeling tacked on.
But here's the catch , Royal Railway costs extra. You're looking at around $100-$125 per person on top of your cruise fare. For that price, you want more than novelty. You want exceptional food and an experience that justifies skipping the included dining options.
Most people who've tried it say the first half delivers. The concept is fresh. The presentation is polished. The dishes are creative. But by the final courses, the gimmick wears thin. You're ready to just eat without the multimedia show.
Worth it? If you're cruising with kids who need entertainment with their dinner, absolutely. If you're food-focused adults, you might prefer hitting one of the other specialty restaurants.
Star vs. Icon: What's Actually Different?
Star of the Seas is the second Icon Class ship. Icon of the Seas launched first in January 2024. So what changed between vessels one and two?Not much, honestly. Royal Caribbean took the Icon formula and tweaked it. Star features slightly different restaurant lineups and refined some entertainment offerings. The layout remains nearly identical. The neighborhoods are the same. The overall experience mirrors Icon closely.
This isn't necessarily bad. Icon of the Seas received solid reviews. Star benefits from Royal Caribbean's ability to fix small issues from Icon's inaugural year. The crew knows what works. The operations run smoother.
But if you've already sailed Icon, Star won't blow your mind. You're getting the same ship with minor variations. The real question is whether Icon Class itself justifies the hype, not whether Star specifically brings something revolutionary.
The Ultimate Family Ship Label: Does It Hold Up?
Royal Caribbean markets Star of the Seas hard as a family vessel. They're not wrong, but that label comes with asterisks.Yes, the ship works brilliantly for families with kids ages 3 to 17. Thrill Island keeps teenagers occupied. The AquaDome provides entertainment for all ages. Royal Caribbean's kids clubs remain industry-leading. The variety of dining options means picky eaters won't starve.
But "ultimate family ship" also means you're surrounded by families. Expect noise. Expect crowds at the pool. Expect kids everywhere, including places you'd hope might be adults-only oases. If you're looking for a romantic, quiet cruise, this isn't your ship.
The ship includes some adult-focused spaces. The Hideaway on Deck 18 provides a quieter pool area for guests 16 and up. The Suite Neighborhood creates exclusive spaces for suite passengers. Various lounges and bars cater to adults.
But make no mistake , Star of the Seas prioritizes family appeal. Royal Caribbean designed this ship for parents who want to keep their kids happy without losing their minds. If that's you, this ship delivers. If that's not you, consider other options in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
The Verdict: Hype Justified?
Star of the Seas doesn't revolutionize cruising. It refines what Royal Caribbean already does well.The ship excels at providing variety. Multiple pools, restaurants, entertainment venues, and activities mean you can cruise Star repeatedly without repeating experiences. The Icon Class design creates genuine neighborhoods that feel distinct instead of just different hallways.
Thrill Island stands out as a legitimate differentiator. Most cruise ship waterparks feel like afterthoughts. This one feels purpose-built. The AquaDome creates visual wow factor even if you never attend a show. Royal Railway offers something different from typical cruise dining, even if it's not perfect.
But you're paying for this innovation. Icon Class pricing runs higher than older Royal Caribbean vessels. Your $1,500-$1,800 base fare doesn't include specialty dining, premium drinks, or the inevitable upcharges that inflate your final bill.
Is Star worth it? That depends on what you value. If you want the newest ship with the latest features, yes. If you're looking for maximum value, older Royal Caribbean ships offer 80% of the experience at 60% of the cost.
Star of the Seas delivers on its promises. It's a well-executed megaship that handles crowds efficiently and packs in more activities than you can possibly do in a week. The hype is justified : just understand you're paying for the privilege of being on the newest, shiniest vessel in the fleet.
Want to dig deeper into real passenger experiences? Head over to our Royal Caribbean forum where cruisers who've actually sailed Star share their unfiltered opinions, tips, and photos. No marketing spin, just honest feedback from people who spent their vacation money to find out if this ship lives up to the billion-dollar price tag.