North Star 101 🌟 | Everything You Need to Know About Royal Caribbean’s Iconic Observation Pod

I’ve experienced many incredible cruise ship attractions, but nothing quite compares to soaring 300 feet above the ocean in Royal Caribbean’s North Star. This amazing glass observation capsule takes you higher than any other viewing deck on a cruise ship, giving you views that will take your breath away.

When I first stepped into this engineering marvel back when it debuted in 2014, I knew I was about to see my cruise from a completely different perspective. The 360-degree glass capsule gently lifts you above the ship’s upper decks and extends out over the water, creating an unforgettable experience whether you’re watching the sunrise at sea or taking in port skylines from above.

Key Takeaways

• The North Star holds the Guinness World Record as the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship at over 300 feet above sea level
• You can find this incredible attraction on five Quantum-class ships sailing to destinations from Alaska to the Caribbean and Asia
• Each 10-15 minute ride is free on most sea days and offers a smooth, safe experience in an air-conditioned capsule that holds up to 14 guests

What Is the North Star?

Glass Observation Capsule

The North Star is a glass observation capsule that sits high above the open sea. It’s suspended by a massive mechanical arm on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class ships.

This incredible capsule lifts guests more than 300 feet above sea level. The glass capsule is fully enclosed and air-conditioned. It holds up to 14 guests at a time, plus an operator who serves as your guide.

Key Features:

• 360-degree glass design for complete views
• Climate controlled interior
• 14-person capacity maximum
• Weight limit: 300 pounds per person
• Professional operator included

The North Star weighs more than 60 tons but operates with pinpoint precision. Its hydraulic arm extends over 130 feet from the ship’s center line. The glass capsule was custom designed to withstand high winds and temperatures from Alaska to Asia.

Even though it feels futuristic, it’s actually controlled by a single joystick from inside the cabin. The capsule is remarkably stable and won’t operate in high winds or rough seas.

Panoramic Views at Sea

When I ride the North Star, I get views that I will never forget. The capsule gently lifts me high above the upper decks. When conditions allow, it extends out over the side of the ship.

At sea, I see nothing but endless blue with the ship’s wake stretching to the horizon. In port, the North Star offers a new way to take in the skyline.

Amazing Views Include:

• Sunrise at sea
• Sail away from Los Angeles
• Hovering over glaciers in Alaska
• Singapore’s harbor
• California coastline

A ride lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the sailing. It’s a surprisingly smooth ride, and the views are spectacular from every angle. The ascent is peaceful and quiet on calm days.

The North Star is included at no extra charge on many sea days. At certain times during the sailing, they may offer a North Star experience upgrade for a small fee. These premium sessions often happen during scenic cruising or in port and allow for longer rides with exclusive views.

History and Design

Debut on Quantum of the Seas

The Northstar made its debut in 2014 aboard the Quantum of the Seas. This was the very first ship in Royal Caribbean’s innovative Quantum class. I can tell you that this glass observation capsule was built to give guests an experience unlike anything else at sea.

The Northstar sits high above the open sea, suspended by a massive mechanical arm. It lifts guests more than 300 ft above sea level. From up there, you get panoramic views of the ship, the ocean, and every destination along the way.

Innovative Engineering by McGregor

The Northstar was designed by UK-based engineering firm McGregor. They combined advanced mechanics with luxury comfort in a 360 degree glass capsule.

Here are the key engineering specs:

• Weight: More than 60 tons
• Hydraulic arm extension: Over 130 ft from the ship’s center line
• Glass capsule: Custom designed to withstand high winds and temperatures
• Control system: Single joystick from inside the cabin

The glass capsule was built to handle conditions from Alaska to Asia. Despite its futuristic feel, the whole system operates with pinpoint precision using just one joystick.

Guinness World Record Achievement

This incredible feat of engineering earned the Guinness World Record for the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship. The Northstar rises more than 100 meters above sea level at its peak.

Since earning this record, the Northstar has become a signature feature on every Quantum class ship. Today, you’ll find it on several ships across Royal Caribbean’s fleet:

• Quantum of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas

Each ship offers a slightly different experience, but the magic is always the same. You get breathtaking views from the top of the world.

Ships Featuring the North Star

Quantum of the Seas

The North Star made its debut in 2014 aboard the Quantum of the Seas. This was the very first ship in Royal Caribbean’s innovative Quantum class.

The glass observation capsule lifts guests more than 300 ft above sea level. It offers panoramic views of the ship, the ocean, and every destination along the way.

Whether it’s sunrise at sea or a sail away from Los Angeles, the North Star delivers a view you will never forget. When you’re hovering over a glacier in Alaska, the experience becomes even more magical.

Anthem of the Seas

I can tell you that Anthem of the Seas features the North Star as a signature attraction. This ship is part of the Quantum class fleet.

The North Star on this ship gives you the same incredible 360 degree glass capsule experience. You’ll get breathtaking views from the top of the world no matter where you sail.

Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas has the North Star as one of its main features. The ship offers a slightly different experience depending on where you cruise.

You might find yourself looking down at turquoise waters or taking in stunning port skylines. The magic is always the same no matter the destination.

Spectrum of the Seas

The North Star on Spectrum of the Seas takes you high above the upper decks. This ship often sails in Asian waters.

When you’re in Singapore’s harbor, the North Star offers a new way to take in the skyline. The views are spectacular from every angle as you hover above the port.

Odyssey of the Seas

Odyssey of the Seas features the North Star attraction just like her sister ships. The experience lasts about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your sailing.

The capsule gently lifts you high above the ship and extends out over the side when conditions allow. This gives you a one-of-a-kind perspective you simply can’t get anywhere else.

Unique Experiences and Destinations

Sail Away and Sunrise Views

There’s something magical about watching a sail away from 300 feet above sea level. When I’m in the North Star during departure from Los Angeles, I get to see the California coastline stretch out below me in ways I never imagined possible.

The sunrise views from up there are unforgettable. At sea, I see nothing but endless blue with the ship’s wake stretching to the horizon. It’s peaceful and quiet during the ascent, making those early morning moments even more special.

Alaska’s Glaciers

Hovering over Alaska’s glaciers in the North Star gives me a view I simply can’t get anywhere else. The glass capsule extends out over the side of the ship, so I feel like I’m floating right above these massive ice formations.

The North Star operates during scenic cruising through Alaska’s icy fjords. Sometimes they offer premium sessions during these special moments for a small fee, which gives me longer rides and exclusive views of the glaciers below.

Caribbean and Asian Ports

Each ship in the fleet offers different experiences depending on where we sail. In the Caribbean, I get to see those beautiful turquoise waters from above. When sailing in Asia, places like Singapore’s harbor look amazing from the North Star.

The glass capsule was custom designed to handle different temperatures from Alaska all the way to Asia. No matter which region I’m cruising, the views are spectacular from every angle.

City Skylines and Sailaways

Port days give me a whole new way to take in city skylines. Whether I’m looking down at a bustling harbor or watching the coastline from above, the North Star shows me destinations from a completely different perspective.

The capsule extends over 130 feet from the ship’s center line. This means I get unobstructed views of whatever port we’re visiting. It’s like having a private viewing deck high above the crowds below.

How the North Star Ride Works

Ride Duration and Schedule

The North Star ride lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. The time depends on which sailing you’re on.

You can book your ride using the Royal Caribbean app once you get on board. The North Star is free on many sea days.

Sometimes they offer premium sessions for a small fee. These special rides happen during scenic cruising or when we’re in port. You get longer rides and better views during these paid sessions.

Movement and Elevation

The capsule gently lifts you high above the upper decks. When conditions are good, it extends out over the side of the ship.

The North Star rises more than 300 feet above sea level. The hydraulic arm extends over 130 feet from the ship’s center line. This massive attraction weighs more than 60 tons.

It’s surprisingly smooth when you ride it. The North Star won’t operate when there are high winds or rough seas. On calm days, the ride up is peaceful and quiet.

The whole thing is controlled by a single joystick from inside the cabin. Even though it moves and goes very high, the North Star stays remarkably stable.

Views From the Capsule

From the capsule, you get amazing views in every direction. At sea, you’ll see endless blue water and the ship’s wake stretching to the horizon.

When we’re in port, you get a new way to see the skyline. I’ve seen views of:

• Alaska’s glaciers
• Singapore’s harbor
• The California coastline

The capsule is fully enclosed and air-conditioned. It holds up to 14 guests plus an operator who guides you. The operator tells you about what you’re seeing.

The views are spectacular from every angle. Whether it’s sunrise at sea or hovering over a glacier, you get a perspective you can’t find anywhere else.

Onboard Experience

Interior Comfort and Amenities

The capsule is fully enclosed and air-conditioned, which makes the ride comfortable no matter what the weather is like outside. I can tell you that it’s surprisingly smooth, even at 300 feet above sea level. The 360-degree glass design lets you see in every direction.

The space feels roomy despite being high in the air. The temperature stays perfect inside, so you don’t have to worry about being too hot or cold during your ride.

Capacity and Accessibility

The North Star holds up to 14 guests at a time, plus one operator who serves as your guide. There is a weight limit of 300 pounds to board. They do have a scale and will double-check your weight before you can ride.

Ride Details:

• Duration: 10-15 minutes depending on the sailing
• Capacity: 14 guests maximum per ride
• Weight limit: 300 pounds per person
• Age requirements: Not specified in operations

Operator-Guided Tours

An operator comes with you on every ride and serves as your guide during the experience. They control the entire North Star with just a single joystick from inside the cabin. The operator makes sure you get the best views and explains what you’re seeing.

The ride is peaceful and quiet as you go up. When conditions allow, the operator extends the capsule out over the side of the ship. This gives you a one-of-a-kind view you can’t get anywhere else.

At sea, I can show you nothing but endless blue ocean with the ship’s wake stretching to the horizon. In port, you get a new way to see the skyline from above.

Booking and Upgrades

Complimentary vs Premium Sessions

The North Star is included at no extra charge on many sea days. You can enjoy this amazing experience without paying anything extra during regular times.

However, at certain times during your sailing, they may offer a North Star experience upgrade for a small fee. These premium sessions are often scheduled during scenic cruising or in port.

The premium upgrades give you some special benefits:

• Longer rides than the regular sessions
• Exclusive views during special times
• Better timing for scenic moments like sunrises or port arrivals

How to Reserve Your Spot

You can reserve your time directly on the Royal Caribbean app once you’re on board. The app makes it easy to pick your preferred time slot.

Each ride holds up to 14 guests at a time, plus an operator who serves as your guide. A typical ride lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your sailing.

Keep in mind there is a weight limit of 300 pounds to board. They do have a scale and will double check this requirement.

The North Star won’t operate in high winds or rough seas. This means your reserved time might change based on weather conditions for safety reasons.

Engineering and Safety Features

Hydraulic Arm and Construction

The Northstar weighs more than 60 tons, yet it operates with pinpoint precision. Its hydraulic arm extends over 130 ft from the ship’s center line. This massive mechanical arm can lift the glass capsule more than 300 ft above sea level.

The capsule was custom designed by UK-based engineering firm McGregor. They built it to withstand high winds and temperatures from Alaska to Asia. The 360-degree glass capsule is fully enclosed and air-conditioned.

Even though it feels futuristic, the entire system is controlled by a single joystick from inside the cabin. The capsule holds up to 14 guests at a time, plus an operator who serves as your guide.

Weather Conditions and Operation

The Northstar won’t operate in high winds or rough seas. When conditions allow, it extends out over the side of the ship for the best views. On a calm day, the ascent is peaceful and quiet.

Despite its height and motion, the ride is remarkably stable. It’s a surprisingly smooth experience from every angle. The capsule gently lifts guests high above the upper decks during good weather conditions.

Strict Safety Standards

The Northstar is built to strict maritime and engineering standards. They have a weight limit of 300 pounds to board. Yes, they have a scale and will double check your weight.

For guests who may be nervous about heights like me, this is one of the safest attractions at sea. The glass capsule was designed to handle extreme conditions safely. The engineering earned the Guinness World Record for the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship.

Fun Facts About the North Star

Weight and Dimensions

The North Star weighs more than 60 tons, yet it operates with pinpoint precision. The hydraulic arm extends over 130 feet from the ship’s center line.

At its peak, the North Star rises more than 100 meters above sea level. This incredible height earned it the Guinness World Record for the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship.

The observation capsule lifts guests more than 300 feet above sea level. This gives you panoramic views of the ship, ocean, and every destination along the way.

Operation Technology

The North Star operates using advanced mechanics combined with luxury comfort. Despite feeling futuristic, it’s actually controlled by a single joystick from inside the cabin.

The capsule uses a hydraulic system that allows it to gently lift guests high above the upper decks. When conditions allow, it extends out over the side of the ship.

Safety Features:

• Won’t operate in high winds or rough seas
• Built to strict maritime and engineering standards
• Remarkably stable despite its height and motion
• Peaceful and quiet ascent on calm days

A ride on the North Star lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the sailing.

Custom-Designed Glass Capsule

The glass capsule was custom-designed to withstand high winds and temperatures from Alaska to Asia. It provides a 360-degree view from every angle.

Inside, the capsule is fully enclosed and air-conditioned. It holds up to 14 guests at a time, plus an operator who serves as your guide.

Capsule Specifications:

• Capacity: Up to 14 guests plus 1 operator
• Weight limit: 300 pounds per person
• Climate: Fully air-conditioned
• Design: Complete glass enclosure for 360-degree views

The capsule was designed by UK-based engineering firm McGregor. They built it to give guests an experience unlike anything else at sea.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss the North Star

I can tell you that a ride on the North Star is truly something special. This glass observation capsule lifts you more than 300 feet above sea level, giving you views of the ship, ocean, and every destination you visit.

The views are amazing no matter where you sail. You might catch a sunrise at sea or hover over a glacier in Alaska. When you sail away from Los Angeles, you get a perfect view of the California coastline.

What makes the North Star special:

• Holds the Guinness World Record for highest viewing deck on a cruise ship
• Rises more than 100 meters above sea level
• 360-degree glass capsule with air conditioning
• Extends out over the side of the ship for unique views

The ride lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. The capsule gently lifts you high above the upper decks. When conditions are right, it extends out over the ship’s side for views you can’t get anywhere else.

At sea, you see endless blue water. The ship’s wake stretches to the horizon. In port, you get a new way to see the skyline. Whether you’re over Alaska’s glaciers, Singapore’s harbor, or any coastline, the ride is smooth and the views are spectacular.

North Star Details	Facts
Capacity	Up to 14 guests plus operator
Weight limit	300 pounds
Duration	10-15 minutes
Cost	Free on many sea days
Booking	Through Royal Caribbean app

The capsule holds up to 14 guests at a time. An operator comes with you and serves as your guide. They do have a weight limit of 300 pounds and will check with a scale.

The North Star is free on many sea days. Sometimes they offer premium sessions for a small fee. These special rides happen during scenic cruising or in port and give you longer rides with exclusive views.

Amazing engineering facts:

• Weighs more than 60 tons
• Hydraulic arm extends over 130 feet from ship’s center
• Glass capsule built to handle high winds and extreme temperatures
• Controlled by a single joystick

The North Star is very stable despite its height. It won’t run in high winds or rough seas. On calm days, the ride up is peaceful and quiet.

If you’re nervous about heights like I am, don’t worry. This is one of the safest attractions at sea. It’s built to strict maritime and engineering standards.

The experience works in all kinds of settings. You can find the North Star on Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas. Each ship gives you different views from icy fjords to turquoise Caribbean waters.

You can book your time on the Royal Caribbean app once you’re on board. I recommend making your reservation early because this popular attraction fills up fast.

Whether this is your first cruise or your tenth, the North Star is a must-do moment. It’s more than just an attraction. It reminds you how vast and beautiful the world really is when you see it from above.