reviews ED
Star of the Seas Royal Caribbean International
OVERVIEW: Star of the Seas jointly holds the title for world’s biggest cruise ship with sister ship Icon of the Seas. It has capacity for 5,610 passengers across 20 decks and seven ‘neighbourhoods’, which have an emphasis on family-friendly fun. The first impression is the definition of wow factor: as you embark, you see The Pearl – the world’s largest kinetic (moving) sculpture – and the expansive Promenade for the first time.
CABINS: There are 2,805 staterooms, with modern and bright decor throughout. I stayed in an Infinite Ocean View Balcony cabin, which has a window that can be opened halfway to make a French balcony. It felt incredibly spacious, with a comfortable king-sized bed and separate seating area. Among the standout staterooms is the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which has space for eight passengers, including three full bathrooms, a dining room with kitchenette and even a cinema with its own popcorn machine. It is designed for family fun, complete with in-suite slide, wraparound terrace, hot tub and butler service.
FOOD AND DRINK: There are 17 complimentary restaurants and 14 speciality restaurants spanning 23 cuisines, with a further 18 bars and lounges. Speciality restaurants require reservation and an additional charge. My top venues were the Pearl Cafe, for baked goods with a view; El Loco Fresh, for Mexican dishes within a stone’s throw of the onboard water park; and Hooked, which serves delicious seafood near the AquaDome. The Lincoln Park Supper Club is new for Star and designed
50 October 2025
to pay homage to 1930s Golden Age Chicago. It has an eight-course tasting menu matched with cocktails, and live entertainment with a speakeasy jazz bar vibe.
FACILITIES: The Adventure Ocean kids’ club is complimentary for passengers and has programmes for children from six months up to 12 years old. It is next to the colourful Surfside neighbourhood, which has everything from a mini water park and ice cream station to The Lemon Twist bar offering cocktails for parents and mocktails for kids. A major draw of the ship is the Category 6 water park, the biggest at sea with six waterslides. For a more chilled atmosphere, stroll through Central Park in the middle of the ship or visit the adult- only Hideaway or expanded Swim & Tonic bars.
USP: Star of the Seas is thoughtfully designed to make it as easy to explore as possible, and offers as much for grown-ups as for families. Royal Caribbean has also pushed the envelope with its entertainment, with the debut at sea of West End favourite Back to the Future, water show Torque and ice show Sol. Duelling Pianos and Spotlight Karaoke are perfect for a late-night singalong, wrapped up with a Sorrento’s pizza slice before bed.
BOOK IT: A seven-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day voyage starts from £978 per person, based on two sharing, departing on October 5.
royalcaribbean.com
Reviewed by Ella Sagar
travelweekly.co.uk/cruise
PICTURE: Michel Verdure
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