I was lucky to be on board the Star of the Seas for a special preview sailing before the official inaugural voyage on August 31, 2025. Our trip was a 4-day, 3-night itinerary that gave us the chance to explore the ship in all its glory and get a true feel for what the next generation of cruising looks like. With so much happening across the decks, I honestly felt like I needed an extra day just to enjoy all the venues on the ship!
When Royal Caribbean calls Star of the Seas the “boldest stage at sea,” they aren’t exaggerating. I had the chance to experience the brand-new ship myself, alongside other media and influencers, and it felt like stepping into an entire floating city full of energy, good food, and nonstop entertainment. Here are some of my personal highlights.
Mini Golf with Ocean Views
Being a golf fan, I had to play a bit of mini golf! It sounds simple, but add in fresh sea air, a panoramic view of the horizon, and the occasional ship horn in the background, and it turns into a memory. It’s lighthearted, fun, and a perfect way to spend time with friends or family in between bigger adventures.
Crown’s Edge: A Must-Do Thrill
If there’s one activity I’d call a must-do on Star of the Seas, it’s Crown’s Edge. Suspended high above the ocean, you’re harnessed in and step out onto a walkway that suddenly drops out beneath you, leaving you dangling and swinging over the sea. The mix of adrenaline, ocean breeze, and sheer disbelief that you’re hanging off the side of a cruise ship is unforgettable. I absolutely loved it, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for the ultimate thrill at sea. This video comes with a video, AI cut, so expect to have only snippets of your full video. I’d recommend to bring your own Insta 360 with a strap or GoPro to get your own full footage from the POV you want. Only rule is that it MUST be strapped. We have also set up a tripod on the deck to capture us sliding.
Rock Climbing at Sea
Another activity I really enjoyed was the rock climbing wall on deck. There’s something special about climbing with the ocean stretching out behind you and the breeze all around. Whether you’re a beginner or more confident, it’s surprisingly fun and gives you that little adrenaline boost without feeling intimidating. Reaching the top and looking out over the sea is one of those simple cruise moments that stays with you, and it’s a great way to break up the day between shows, food, and lounging.
Pizza, Anytime You Want
I don’t know about you, but I love knowing that there’s always something to eat when you’re on vacation. On Star of the Seas, Sorrento’s Pizza is open 24 hours, and yes, I tested it more than once. There’s nothing quite like grabbing a hot, cheesy slice after midnight when you’ve just come out of a show or the piano lounge.
The Garden: A Green Escape
For a ship this size, I didn’t expect to find such a peaceful corner. The garden blew me away. It’s filled with real plants and feels like an oasis at sea. Walking through it in the evening was such a refreshing reset, almost like stepping into a hidden park floating in the middle of the ocean.
The Entertainment Lineup That Steals the Show
Entertainment is where Star of the Seas truly shines. I caught three shows:
- Sol: a breathtaking production on ice that felt like watching the sunset come alive on stage.
- Back to the Future: The Musical – nostalgia overload, with a Broadway-level performance that had the audience cheering.
- Torque: hands down my favorite. The mix of high-energy stunts and clever music remixes made it unforgettable. Not to mention the biggest waterfall in a cruise ever too!
And that’s not even all. The lineup will also include Pirates & Mermaids and Ocean Odyssey. If you’re into big productions, this ship is basically a theatre district at sea.
The Stowaway Piano Player
One of the most fun and unexpected highlights of the cruise was the Stowaway Piano Player. His main stage is actually the elevator itself. Imagine stepping in to go a few decks up and suddenly finding a pianist inside, playing everything from jazz standards to pop hits while fellow passengers sing along. It turns a simple elevator ride into an unforgettable experience. I was lucky enough to catch him twice during the sailing, and it felt like a private little concert each time. On occasion, he also pops up in other parts of the ship, but the elevator moments are what make him such a legendary part of the Star of the Seas.
Dueling Pianos: Late-Night Vibes
Another unforgettable part of the cruise for me was the Dueling Pianos shows. Two pianists facing each other, taking turns belting out crowd favorites, mashing songs together, and getting the whole audience to sing along. The energy was contagious, everyone had a drink in hand, the requests kept pouring in, and it turned into one big late-night party. The show officially wrapped up around 1AM, but I lingered at the bar afterward, finishing my drink and catching up on a few emails. It was the perfect mix of nightlife fun and a little late-night productivity.
Morning Ritual at Vitality Café
Another highlight for me was Vitality Café. Every morning at 6AM, I started the day with fresh juices and smoothies. It was the perfect way to balance out all the late-night pizzas and cocktails. It became a little ritual that made mornings onboard feel fresh and recharged.
Fun Facts About Star of the Seas
This ship isn’t just impressive because of its size, but also because of everything packed on board:
- It spans 20 decks, carries 5,610 guests, and is crewed by over 2,300 staff.
- There are 20+ dining venues, ranging from casual bites to full multi-course dinners. Think options like Aquadome Market, Pearl Café, Lincoln Park Supper Club, El Loco Fresh, Izumi in the Park, and more. Whatever craving hits you, chances are there’s a restaurant for it.
- For drinks, the ship has 20+ bars and lounges, each with its own personality. Some of the standouts include Trellis Bar, Boleros, Lou’s, Schooner Bar, Playmakers Sports Bar, Rye & Bean, The Lime & Coconut, and Thorn & Thistle. Whether you’re into craft cocktails, live music, or late-night dancing, there’s always somewhere to go.
It’s like a floating city where the hardest decision of the day is simply where to eat or have a cocktail next.
What Makes Star of the Seas Unique
While every Royal Caribbean ship offers excitement, Star of the Seas introduces experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in the fleet. Crown’s Edge is a headline thrill unique to this ship, offering a heart-racing adventure over the open sea. The Garden, filled with real plants, creates a true green escape unlike anything on other vessels. The entertainment lineup is also one of a kind, with new productions like Sol and Torque that are exclusive to Star of the Seas. Even the dining and bar options have been elevated, blending favorites with first-time concepts only available here. These touches make Star of the Seas feel like a fresh chapter in cruising, designed to stand apart from its sister ships.
Perfect Day at Coco Cay
Our itinerary also included a stop at Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. It was the perfect taste of adventure. We spent the day racing down water slides at Thrill Island, and I can honestly say it’s just as fun for adults as it is for kids. Between the adrenaline rush from the tallest slides and the beautiful island views, Coco Cay was one of the highlights of the entire trip.
A cruise you must do!
Star of the Seas is more than just a cruise ship. It’s a mix of playground, theatre, garden, and gourmet food hall, all wrapped up in one. Between mini golf, the must-do Crown’s Edge, late-night pizza runs, stunning green spaces, surprise moments with the Stowaway Piano Player, dueling piano nights, fresh juices at sunrise, world-class entertainment, and the unforgettable stop at Coco Cay, it truly feels like a vacation that never stops.
If you’re even a little curious about what a next-generation cruise experience feels like, put this one on your radar. I can’t wait to get back on board.
