My Experience on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
Last week I was lucky enough to join Royal Caribbean for the launch of their brand-new ship, Star of the Seas, the latest and largest addition to the cruise line’s fleet. This three-day inaugural sailing set off from Port Canaveral and included a stop at Royal Caribbean’s incredible private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. More than 5,000 travel professionals and guests came together to celebrate the arrival of what is officially the world’s largest cruise ship.
With so much to see and do onboard, three days was never going to be enough, but I made it my mission to experience as much as possible. Here are some of the highlights.
Entertainment on Star of the Seas
The entertainment blew me away. The Back to the Future musical was a real crowd-pleaser, bringing the iconic film to life with a brilliant cast and yes, even a DeLorean on stage. The Torque aqua show was another standout, combining high dives, synchronised swimming, dance, stunts, and even slacklining performed over the water. The scale and energy of these productions really set Royal Caribbean apart.
Dining Onboard
Food is always a huge part of any cruise holiday and with over 20 restaurants onboard Star of the Seas, there is something to suit every taste. My favourites included the lively Sports Bar, the fun and family-friendly Surfside Eatery, and Izumi Sushi, which was every bit as delicious as expected. Whether you want casual dining or a special occasion meal, the variety onboard is second to none.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
One of the highlights of the sailing was the stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. This private island offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Guests can spend the day unwinding on the beautiful beaches or dive straight into thrills at Thrill Waterpark, home to the tallest waterslide in North America. It is an experience that adds even more excitement to a Royal Caribbean holiday.
Fun Facts About Star of the Seas
- The Central Park neighbourhood features more than 30,000 real plants, creating a floating garden at sea
- A Broadway-style Back to the Future musical is performed onboard, complete with a DeLorean
- Star of the Seas can carry 5,610 passengers at double occupancy and up to 7,600 guests at full capacity, supported by over 2,300 crew members
- Thrill Island is the largest waterpark at sea and includes a drop slide taller than a 16-storey building
- The adults-only Hideaway Pool is a suspended infinity pool offering some of the best views onboard
- Families can use waterproof tracking bracelets so children never get lost on this floating city
- Food waste is composted and turned into fuel that helps power the waterpark rides
- The ship’s godmother is Kellie Gerardi, a real astronaut who has flown in space
- When docked, the ship can plug into shore power, reducing emissions while in port
- At 1,196 feet long, the ship is larger than three football pitches or four Space Shuttles stacked nose to tail
Final Thoughts
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is more than just the world’s largest cruise ship, it is a destination in itself. From incredible entertainment and diverse dining to innovative technology and sustainability initiatives, this ship sets a new standard for cruising.
If you are thinking about a Royal Caribbean holiday, Star of the Seas should be right at the top of your list. At Paramount Cruises, we can help you plan your perfect cruise, whether that includes a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay or one of the many exciting itineraries this remarkable ship will sail.
