Star of the Seas Cruise Uncovered: Everything Travelers Need to Know About Dining, Activities, and Onboard Comfort

Published on December 6, 2025

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, launched in 2025, is one of the most innovative cruise ships to date. Travelers can enjoy spacious decks, open layouts, and efficient crowd flow. Even during peak hours, the ship feels open and navigable, making it perfect for both first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers. Destination elevators reduce wait times and make it easy to move between decks quickly.

Dining That Surprises

One of the biggest surprises on Star of the Seas is the quality of the included dining options. Travelers often assume specialty restaurants are necessary for a satisfying meal. However, the ship’s main dining room and casual restaurants, such as Aquadome Market, Basecamp, Park Cafe, and Pearl Cafe, serve meals that rival specialty venues.

For less crowded dining experiences, embarkation day diners may prefer smaller venues instead of the Windjammer buffet. Travelers with children should explore Surfside Eatery and Pier 7. While Surfside Eatery offers family-style meals, Pier 7 serves California-inspired cuisine and is often overlooked by adult passengers. Both provide excellent, relaxed dining options.

Entertainment Onboard

Entertainment on the Star of the Seas includes interactive shows such as the “Price is Right” game. Guests can participate by purchasing entries, offering a fun way to engage with fellow passengers and win prizes. While reminiscent of the classic TV show, the onboard version requires speed and strategy to succeed. This adds excitement and a social element to the cruise experience.

Family-Friendly Zones

Star of the Seas features dedicated areas for families, including arcades, splash zones, and mini slides. These spaces aren’t just for kids—adults can enjoy quieter meals in these zones while children play. Surfside, the family-focused neighborhood, provides unique dining and entertainment options for travelers of all ages.

Cabin Comforts

The staterooms are designed with comfort and practicality in mind. The showers are larger than on most cruise ships and include seating, making them convenient for all passengers. While storage baskets are visible and may not appeal to everyone, drawers and closets provide additional space. Overall, cabins offer a balance of style and function for travelers on long journeys.

A Unique Shipboard Companion

The Star of the Seas has a friendly onboard dog named Sailor. While sightings are rare, passengers enjoy brief encounters in quieter areas, particularly near the jogging track. Sailor adds a charming and whimsical element to the ship, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Relaxation and Adult Spaces

Unlike some other Royal Caribbean ships, Star of the Seas does not have an enclosed Solarium. Instead, adults can relax at Swim & Tonic or The Hideaway. Both areas provide outdoor spaces with distinct atmospheres. Travelers seeking quieter moments will find these venues ideal for sunbathing, reading, or enjoying a drink.

Planning Your Voyage

To make the most of your trip, passengers should book specialty dining and entertainment in advance. Exploring the ship’s layout ahead of time ensures a smoother journey and helps avoid busy areas. Planning also allows travelers to fully enjoy unique features, such as less crowded dining zones, dedicated family areas, and entertainment events.

Why Travelers Love It

Passengers frequently return from Star of the Seas with high praise. They appreciate the ship’s seamless navigation, diverse dining options, innovative entertainment, and family-friendly areas. Even during busy voyages, the ship maintains a sense of openness, making it feel less crowded than comparable vessels.

Conclusion

The Star of the Seas cruise is an ideal choice for global travelers seeking a modern, immersive, and enjoyable Caribbean adventure. From casual dining and specialty restaurants to family-friendly zones and spacious cabins, the ship offers something for everyone. With careful planning, travelers can experience the best of Royal Caribbean’s newest ship and create lasting memories at sea.