Star of the Seas: First Impressions & Unexpected Changes

Today is embarkation day, and we’re stepping on board the largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. It’s our first time seeing this massive vessel up close, and we’re eager to explore everything it has to offer, from the many neighborhoods to the countless dining and drink options. The day began cold, making the adventure even more memorable as we ventured through areas like Central Park, Surfside, and Thrill Island, sampling some specialty drinks and taking in the atmosphere.

Despite the chilly weather, we pushed on to discover unique spots such as the adults-only Hideaway and the lively Promenade. We also noticed how the ship buzzed with activity, from loading bags to finding assembly stations, all while trying to stay warm. As the day went on, the excitement built around the upcoming sail away party and how the weather might impact our experience. Join us as we share this first day on board and all the little surprises that came with it.

Our First Take on Port Canaveral and Boarding

We arrived at Port Canaveral with excitement and some surprise at just how cold it was—definitely not what we expected for Florida. Dropping off our bags was quick, and soon we got to see the massive Star of the Seas right in front of us. The wind chill was biting, and shorts were already regretted.

Boarding went smoothly once we were checked in. We couldn’t help but notice the endless rows of balconies and a busy crew preparing the ship. The mix of real plants in Central Park caught our curiosity, and we made a quick stop to grab a bite at the Key Lunch spots while still navigating this enormous vessel.

The cold didn’t stop us from exploring Thrill Island, where a mini golf course awaited us. We also checked out the Hideaway, an adults-only retreat, which was completely empty, likely due to the chill. The infinity pool looked inviting but too cold to enjoy. Renting daybeds there seemed pricey, and the idea of constantly guarding your spot made us think twice.

Looking around the port, we spotted other big cruise ships like MSC Seaside, Disney Fantasy, Carnival Vista, and NCL Prima. We explored both sides of the pier, amazed by the variety and colors of the ships docked around us.

Something odd for Florida—ice and icicles forming on the ground like winter had crept in. That really made us appreciate the warmth of a tropical destination more. Our first drinks, themed around refreshing lime and coconut, were a perfect way to thaw out while enjoying the lively bars onboard.

Inside, the AquaDome surprised us by being smaller than expected and positioned near the front of the ship. We poked around the over-the-top Overlook lounge and admired the grab-and-go food options in the Aqua Dome Market, from Mediterranean to Thai and even crepes. The energy was building despite the cold, and we couldn’t wait to see what else this gigantic ship had to offer.

Boarding Experience and Ship Overview

Getting Checked In and Onboard

We started by dropping off our car and catching the first shuttle to the ship. Even though it was freezing cold, the check-in process was smooth and quick. Our bags were taken care of by porters, so we didn’t have to worry about them.

Once we were cleared, we headed right onto the ship. It was massive, and standing next to it made the cold almost forgettable. Signs helped us find our way, and there were screens showing all the assembly stations, which was really handy.

First Impressions and Ship Walkthrough

Our first walk took us through some standout spots, like Central Park with its real plants and Thrill Island where there’s a mini golf course. The Hideaway was quiet, probably because it’s outdoors and the cold kept people away, but it looked inviting with its colorful seating and adults-only infinity pool.

We also checked out the Promenade and the numerous bars where the lime and coconut drink stole our attention. The ship’s size was impressive, with lots of balconies and vibrant spaces. Looking out, we spotted other ships like the MSC Seaside and the Disney Fantasy, adding to the busy port scene.

The ship felt colorful and lively despite the cold, and the layout was easier to navigate with helpful signs and digital displays. We couldn’t wait to explore more once we warmed up!

Neighborhoods and Unique Spaces on Star of the Seas

Exploring the Green Heart: Central Park Area

We found real plants all around Central Park, making it a refreshing green oasis amid the vast ship. It’s nice to stroll through this living garden, offering a calm spot compared to the ship’s busy areas.

Family Fun Zone: Surfside Spot

Surfside felt like a perfect family area, with activities that keep both kids and adults entertained. It’s a lively space but still welcoming and great for spending time with the whole family.

Quiet Getaway: Adults-Only Hideaway

The Hideaway is the chill retreat for those 18 and over, featuring an adults-only infinity pool and comfy seating. Renting a lounger can be pricey, but it’s nice to have a space to relax away from the hustle.

Action Central: Thrill Zone

Thrill Island grabbed our attention with its mini golf and deck activities. Despite the cold, it’s a fun spot for more energetic guests looking to enjoy games and excitement.

Social Hub: The Pearl & Main Street

The Pearl and Promenade are perfect for walks, bars, and people watching. We appreciated the many drink choices here, including some standout specialty cocktails that helped warm us up.

Dining and Drinks Highlights

Exploring Unique Dining Spots

We dove into several specialty restaurants onboard, intrigued by their distinct menus and atmospheres. Each spot offers something different, from seafood dinners in intimate settings to international flavors like Greek and Thai in the Aqua Dome Market. The variety keeps every meal interesting and worth trying.

Best Bars and Their Signature Drinks

The bars are one of our favorite parts of the ship, especially the 1400 Bar where we enjoyed the 1400 cocktail. The Lime & Coconut bar was another highlight, with the Lime and Coconut drink standing out. Both spots have a relaxed vibe and creative offerings that kept us coming back.

Quick Bites and Snacks Options

For faster dining or light snacks, we found plenty of grab-and-go choices like crepes, empanadas, and Mediterranean fare at the Aqua Dome Market. These easy options are perfect between activities or if you’re just not ready for a full meal yet. The barbecue spot also provides satisfying quick meals when time is tight.

Managing Unexpected Cold on Embarkation Day

We arrived at Cape Canaveral on embarkation day to face an unusually cold and biting wind. It caught us off guard—shorts were definitely a bad choice.

Despite the chill, we managed to board the Star of the Seas quickly and began exploring. The cold was so intense it even created ice on the floor in Florida—a rare sight that slowed us down.

Some details that helped us adjust:

• Wearing layers or warm clothing is crucial for outdoor areas like Thrill Island and the Promenade.
• Indoor spots such as the 1400 Bar and Lime and Coconut offered cozy refuge and tasty drinks.
• Adults-only spaces like the Hideaway were empty, likely due to the cold water and air.
• We noticed that some planned outdoor events, like the sail-away party, had to adapt because of weather conditions.

Overall, staying flexible and seeking out indoor or sheltered areas made the cold much more manageable. We found warmth in specialty drinks and indoor lounges while still enjoying the ship’s features.

Things to Do and Enjoy Aboard

Changes to the Sail Away Celebration

We expected to enjoy the sail away party outside, but the cold weather forced some changes. The cruise director informed us that the party had to be held indoors due to the freezing temperatures. It was a bummer, but safety comes first.

Shows and Comedy Acts

There are plenty of live shows and comedy routines to keep us entertained. We found that the variety of performances offered something for everyone, making evenings lively and fun without stepping outdoors in the cold.

Gaming and Evening Fun

The casino is a great place to try your luck, with lots of games available. For nightlife, there are numerous bars and lounges, each offering a unique vibe where we could unwind. The mix of options means there’s always a spot to relax or party depending on our mood.

Adjusting to Sudden Changes in Our Cruise Schedule

Cancelling the Stop at Coco Cay

We found out that the planned stop at Coco Cay got cancelled. This meant our whole itinerary shifted unexpectedly. Initially, it felt like a setback, but we had to quickly accept the change and figure out what to do next.

Making the Most of the Extra Day at Sea

With the additional sea day, we adjusted our plans on the fly. We decided to explore more of the ship’s amenities and activities we hadn’t planned on before. This unplanned free time let us soak in more of the onboard experience, from specialty bars to quieter spots like the adults-only Hideaway.

Evening Overview and Thoughts on Our First Day

We began boarding Star of the Seas amid a sharp chill that caught us off guard—shorts were definitely not the right choice. Despite the cold, we managed to explore areas like Central Park, Thrill Island, and the adults-only Hideaway.

Our first drinks set the tone: the 1400 Bar’s 1400 cocktail and the Lime and Coconut were standouts. We also checked out the mini golf, infinity pool, and scouted other ships in port.

Here’s a quick look at what stood out:

We also noticed ice forming around the port—Florida felt more like a winter scene. Despite the chill, the ship’s vibrant colors and onboard details made for a memorable first day.

We can’t wait to warm up and dive deeper tomorrow.