ON BOARD STAR OF THE SEAS — For all the awesome features of Star of the Seas – from the glowing Pearl on its Royal Promenade to top deck adventures for thrill seekers – the real beauty of Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship is the luxury of space due to clever design and architectural heft that makes it appealing to cruisers in all stages of life.

Glowingly dubbed “top ship in the Royal Caribbean family” dedicated to providing “the ultimate family vacation” by Michael Bayley, the line’s President and CEO, Star of the Seas – twin ship to to Icon, launched in 2024 – has eight distinct neighbourhoods, each proffering pure holiday happiness to a particular demographic.

For example, families with young kids may choose to never stray from Surfside splash pools, the carousel or kid-friendly eateries. Active types will be inclined to linger at Thrill Island’s waterpark, mega-slides, the rock-climbing wall, a sports court marked for pickleball and basketball, or the Crown’s Edge which lets guests swing around a course hanging 154 feet (46.9 metres) above the open sea. Discriminating couples and solo cruisers who prefer to shy away to special areas can do so at the restricted Hideaway featuring a suspended infinity pool, as well as a terraced lounge area with whirlpools and private bar.

TRAVEL ADVISOR INSIGHTS

While enjoying signature cocktails in an adults-only bar, travel advisor Judy Ziriada of Windsor-based YQG Travel remarked on Star’s size; the 5,610-passenger ship can carry 7,000 at full capacity. Ziriada commented: “Star and Icon are perfect for intergenerational cruisers, with attractions for everyone. Icon Class may be bigger than Oasis Class but you’d never know it because the ship is so well laid out – every neighbourhood and public area is easily accessible.”

ENTERTAINMENT AT SEA

Seasoned travel advisors and media alike were starry-eyed by the scope and quality of onboard amenities featured aboard the 5,610-passenger ship, which is capable of carrying over 7,000 at full capacity. Everyone “loved” the entertainment. After watching Back to the Future: The Musical – professionally performed as at any top theatre production in Toronto, New York or London’s West End – my seatmate, Kathy Kennedy, owner of Exclusive Cruise Travel in Tennessee, cheered enthusiastically, exclaiming, “My clients love Royal Caribbean for the entertainment they can’t easily access.” Star’s other must-see entertainment: the SOL ice-skating extravaganza, and the Torque aqua-show featuring acrobatic dancers and swimmers. For a simply lovely ambience, take an evening stroll through Central Park to hear the harpist’s romantic music under glowing lights.

Lincoln Park Supper Club – Credit Toby Saltzman

ELEVATED DINING OPTIONS

As for eating and drinking options, while Star continues to offer delightful treats in every area – as seen in Surfside on the smiling face of 11-year-old Beau Stewart, from Sydney, Australia, who “loves everything because the ship is so cool” – Royal Caribbean raised the culinary quotient for gourmands and oenophiles by adding the Lincoln Park Supper Club to its specialty restaurants. This intimate dining haven with the classy, live music vibe of a Chicago-style Art Deco lounge caters to the privileged few who crave the finest foods and libations (and don’t mind paying US$200 per person).

Star of the Seas’ overall culinary program reflects the line’s dedication to provide healthy choices – including an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables – in every eatery, including Windjammer Buffet, Park Café and Pearl Café. Pedestrian grazers who prefer buffets to dining rooms will be impressed by choices including lobster, steak, chicken and fish, as well as international flavours of Indian, Mexican and Spanish dishes.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ALL BUDGETS

As both Star and Icon offer accommodations to suit various styles and budgets of travellers – from the two-storey family townhouse to spa suites to balcony staterooms or inside cabins with virtual windows – Kathy Kean, independent agent of Woodstock-based Kean To Travel, said advisors must qualify clients to place them appropriately.

The 2-storey Ultimate Family Townhouse – Credit Toby Saltman

SUPPORT FOR ADVISORS

Appearing cool and fresh after challenging travel advisors on the pickleball court under a hot sun, Vicki Freed breezily quipped she prefers “to be known as an advisor’s best friend than by her title, RCI’s Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service. Freed genuinely reiterated she is always personally available to nurture advisors with information or sales encouragement. She noted the line is empathetic to special needs – from catering kosher foods to attention for autistic children – and advised they always alert the cruise line in advance.

FUTURE PLANS

Drawing a standing room crowd to Royal Theater, Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty explained the line is continuing to expand on sea and land, and will soon venture into river cruising. New Caribbean investments start with the new Perfect Day in Mexico and future Royal Beach Club concepts in certain ports. Internationally, the third Icon-Class ship, Legend of the Seas, will launch in August 2026 from its home port in Barcelona, Spain.

Meantime, Star of the Seas will be christened by astronaut Kellie Gerardi on Aug. 20, 2025. The 90^th woman in space, astronaut Kellie Gerardi, is the future leader of Virgin Galactic’s first all-female orbital flight. Gerardi is described by Virgin Galactic as an aerospace and technology professional, payload specialist and popular science communicator. Celebrated by 1.4 million Instagram followers for her adventurous spirit, Gerardi will replace singer Diana Ross who suddenly withdrew for personal reasons from the honour of being godmother, which is traditionally bestowed on an influential woman. Announcing the decision during a press briefing on Star of Seas, Royal Caribbean’s Bayley said Gerardi is an excellent choice, considering that the new Icon Class ship will sail out of Port Canaveral near the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Judging by the applause, all travel advisors and media were impressed.

Star of the Seas will offer seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises with stops at Royal Caribbean’s island destination, Perfect Day at Coco Cay in The Bahamas. For information visit royalcaribbean.com