Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is receiving her final touches before her inaugural season that begins in a little over a month. Let’s take a look at some of what makes her iconic.
Star of the Seas features eight “neighborhoods”–The Hideaway, Chill Island, Thrill Island, Central Park, AquaDome, Royal Promenade, Suite Neighborhood and Surfside.
Upon boarding, guests will find themselves in the Royal Promenade with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular ocean views, and more than 15 restaurants, bars and lounges, including Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Starbucks. Also in the Royal Promenade is The Pearl. The Pearl is the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture made up of more than 3,500 computer-driven tiles. The tiles create an immersive experience that mimics waves, shooting stars and more.
Central Park is five decks high and found in the middle of the ship. Walking through the lush, green neighborhood, guests can enjoy several restaurants and bars, shopping as well as live music from Lou’s, an openair jazz lounge. Chops Grille is also located in Central Park.
Families with small children will enjoy the Surfside neighborhood. The neighborhood has everything families need nearby including Splashaway Bay, Baby Bay, the Water’s Edge pool and the kids buffet. Several “family” room categories are also nearby.
Thrill Island sits on the aft of Deck 16 and features the Category 6 Waterpark. Families with older kids and teens will enjoy this neighborhood. The waterpark features six slides and the first family raft slide at sea. There are obstacle courses, rock climbing, basketball, pickleball and mini golf. Hungry? Visit Basecamp, the milkshake bar or Windjammer Marketplace.
The adults-only haven, The Hideaway, features the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Guests will find sun loungers, whirlpools, The Hideaway Bar and a resident DJ.
Chill Island is a three-deck mid-ship neighborhood that features four of the ship’s seven pools. Royal Bay, the ship’s largest pool, is on deck 15. Also on deck 15–port side– is the infinity-edged Cove Pool and two whirlpools. Deck 16 is home to Swim & Tonic, the ship’s swim-up bar. Deck 17 features a champagne-glass inspired whirlpool and the Cloud 17 sun deck–adults only, of course. All three decks have The Lime and Coconut, a tropical-themed pool bar.
Guests will not want to miss AquaDome located on Decks 14 and 15. The neighborhood offers entertainment, dining and relaxation under a glass dome. Dining includes the AquaDome Market and the specialty restaurant Hooked Seafood. The reimagined AquaTheater has a new show called Pirates & Mermaids–a family-friendly show featuring high dives and acrobatics.
The Suite Neighborhood is located on decks 16-19. Guests who book Royal Suite Class accommodations will have access to exclusive amenities on these decks. The neighborhood is home to Coastal Kitchen which spans two decks and offers AquaDome viewing, and The Grove, an al fresco Mediterranean eatery.
Theater fans (and likely everyone else) will be thrilled to see Back to the Future: The Musical onboard Star of the Seas. The musical is included in the cruise fare which is incredible considering the cost to see this show on land.
Star of the Seas will debut from Port Canaveral, Florida, offering 7-night cruises throughout the Caribbean. While her official maiden voyage is August 31, 2025, she will sail a series of preview cruises, which are shorter and will only visit The Bahamas.