star of the seas review
Our last sea day aboard the ship was filled with relaxing moments and new experiences. We decided to try breakfast at the Pearl Cafe, enjoying bacon sandwiches and cinnamon donuts while soaking in the stunning ocean views. The weather was breezy as we cruised northbound, and we spent much of the day on Deck 17, watching the lively pool deck and taking in the busy activity around us.
As we explored, we noticed the Hideaway’s infinity pool and daybeds, where some guests enjoyed champagne while floating above the wake. Ship spotting became a highlight, with us passing by another cruise ship and admiring the bustle at Surfside and the sports square. The ship’s vibrant atmosphere and various entertaining areas kept us engaged throughout the day, winding down with drinks and snacks in the peaceful Central Park space as the sun began to set.
Morning on Deck 17
Breakfast at Pearl Café
We decided to try the Pearl Café for breakfast on our final sea day. Christina picked up bacon sandwiches with egg and cheese, which looked really tasty—better than what we had the day before. Along with that, we enjoyed cinnamon donuts and fresh coffees to start the day right.
Ocean Views from Above
Deck 17 offers incredible views of the ocean as we head back north toward Port Canaveral. The seas are getting a bit choppier and breezy, but the scenery is still stunning. From here, we can see the Hideaway pool below, people lounging on daybeds, and even a nearby ship sailing close by.
Vibe of the Café Area
The atmosphere on Deck 17 is relaxed and pleasant. The band is setting up, and guests are spread out soaking up the sun despite the breeze. Christina is crocheting while we sip our morning drinks, enjoying the mix of shaded and sunny spots without feeling too crowded.
Discovering What Happens on the Ship
Setting the Stage for the Band
We noticed the band getting ready to perform near the pool area on deck 17. As they set up, people gathered nearby, soaking up the sunshine despite a breeze. Later, the band played, adding a lively soundtrack to the day.
Relaxing in the Sun and Around the Pool
Many guests were spread out on loungers, enjoying the sun and views from various decks. We took in the sight of the Hideaway infinity pool and observed others reserving daybeds, some even with champagne on ice. The pool areas buzzed with activity, though a brief pool closure for cleaning had everyone moving around before the fun resumed.
Crochet and Chilling Out
Christina spent some quiet time crocheting, a calm contrast to the busy surroundings. With drinks in hand before noon, we settled in, enjoying the blend of craft and relaxation as part of our sea day experience.
Infinity Pools and Daybed Lounging
Secluded Poolside Escape
We’re hanging out just above the Hideaway area, soaking in the view of the infinity pool that looks out over the ship’s wake. There are daybeds available for rent right here, perfect for relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Some guests have even treated themselves to bottles of champagne served with glasses right at their daybed in the pool—definitely an indulgent way to spend the day.
Bubbly Service On Demand
One highlight for us was seeing champagne delivered in style to people lounging in the infinity pool. They get a chilled bottle in an ice bucket with flutes brought straight to their daybed. It’s a nice touch that adds a bit of luxury to the experience without leaving the water or the view behind.
Ship Spotting and Coastal Views
Watching Princess Cruise Ships Go By
We caught sight of a Princess ship off our port side and quickly closed the gap until we were passing it. It was the Sun Princess, not the Star Princess as we first thought. It was fascinating to compare the style—the Princess ship has a more elegant, less whimsical look compared to ours, which is bright and colorful. The Princess is more about multi-generational relaxation, while our ship tends to be aimed at families with kids.
The ships sailed near each other as we headed back toward Port Canaveral, with the Sun Princess making its way potentially from Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Seeing the large cruise ships this close added a nice bit of excitement to the day.
Observing the Wake and Ocean Scenery
We spent a lot of time on deck 17, looking out over the wake and infinity pools near the Hideaway area. It was breezy but comfortable, with plenty of loungers and people enjoying the sun and water. The daybeds looked inviting, especially the ones in the infinity pool where some guests even had champagne delivered.
The wake trail behind the ship created a lively view moving past the ship’s sports areas and water slides. We found a perfect spot to watch everything, not too sunny but just right for relaxing and people watching. The ocean views paired with the ship’s activities made for a great way to pass the time on sea day.
Fun-Filled Areas for All Ages
Surfside Fun and Lounge Spots
Surfside is always buzzing with energy. We love hanging out here with the stunning wake views around us. The daybeds by the infinity pool make for a perfect chill spot, and some lucky guests even had champagne delivered right to their daybed.
Deck 17 offers a relaxed vibe too. It’s a great place to watch the FlowRider and water slides while staying comfortable—not too sunny or shadowy, with just the right breeze to keep things refreshing.
Sports Zone Highlights
The Sports Square is packed with action. Whether it’s mini golf or more active fun, the area is always lively. It’s a spot where you can really see lots going on and enjoy some friendly competition or just people-watching.
Thrills with Water Slides and Mini Golf
The water slides add a bright, playful splash to the day. Nearby, the mini golf course keeps everyone entertained with friendly challenges. Both are favorites for folks of all ages looking for extra fun on board.
Our Time by the Pools
Highlights at the Main Pool Area
The main pool deck was lively for much of the day. People lounged and enjoyed the sunshine while the band set up nearby. Later, it got quite crowded, but the atmosphere was relaxed despite the slight wind.
At one point, we noticed a code brown situation that required a washdown. The pool area was cleared quickly, and soon after, the pool filled back up, with guests returning to swim and relax.
Checking Out Swim & Tonic
Swim & Tonic was surprisingly calm and shady throughout the day. We found the atmosphere peaceful, and it wasn’t very crowded even though the weather was breezy. A few guests enjoyed the hot tubs nearby, but it felt like a quiet spot compared to the main pool.
The Code Brown Cleanup
When the code brown happened on the main pool deck, the staff acted promptly. All the seating and pool areas were cleared for cleaning, which caused a brief lull in activity. Once it was resolved, the area reopened, and guests started coming back, with loungers becoming available again in the evening.
Central Park Oasis
Panorama from Deck Eleven
On Deck 11, we find an elevator bank with an amazing outlook over Central Park. From there, we can also see Surfside and the wake stretching behind the ship. It’s a spot perfect for watching activity and soaking in the views without needing to move around much.
Soothing Hot Tubs and Comfortable Loungers
Deck 16 hosts one of the hot tubs surrounded by cozy loungers, offering a peaceful place to relax. We noticed how the pool was quickly refilled after a short closure, making it easy to hop right back in. Near the Lime & Coconut bar on Deck 17, there’s a small, less crowded pool area, perfect for a refreshing dip without the bustle.
Art and Atmosphere Around Central Park
The Trellis Bar in Central Park sets a calm mood with live music—like a harpist playing nearby. We enjoyed some tasty snacks here, including mac and cheese poppers and truffle fries. Indoors, the space feels cozy as the windows close against the chill and breeze, highlighting artistic sculptures that add a special touch to the ambiance.
Evening Delights
Tasting Treats at the Trellis Bar
We settled into the Trellis Bar in Central Park for some evening snacks. Christina picked a Moscato, and I went with a Jack and Coke. For food, we chose crispy truffle fries with parmesan and mac and cheese bites served with marinara sauce. Everything looked and tasted satisfying as we enjoyed the relaxed vibe.
Golden Hour Views
Before heading down to the bar, we caught a stunning sunset. It felt like the perfect farewell to our time on the ship. The sky’s warm colors set the mood, making these last moments on deck feel special and calm.
Harpist’s Serenade
The gentle sound of a harpist playing nearby added a peaceful background to our evening. We moved indoors as it got chillier, enjoying the cozy space while listening. The live music enriched the atmosphere, making our last night aboard truly memorable.
Favorite Spaces and Friendly Faces
Saying Goodbye at Lime & Coconut
We spent time at Lime & Coconut on Deck 17 enjoying drinks and the breezy atmosphere. It was our spot to relax and watch the day unfold, from people lounging by the pool to the band setting up nearby. The mix of sun and shade made it a comfortable place to unwind before the cruise ended.
Bartenders Who Made It Special
Our interactions with the bartenders stood out as memorable moments. We said goodbye to our friend Geo at Lime & Coconut, who added a personal touch to our last evening. Their friendly service and skill made those simple drinks feel like part of the experience.
The Jazz Bar Ambiance
We also spent time in Central Park’s Trellis Bar, where a harpist provided lovely music that made for a calming backdrop. We enjoyed snacks like truffle fries and mac and cheese bites, embracing that relaxed vibe. The combination of great tunes and cozy surroundings made it a favorite place to gather.
Journey’s End and Next Adventures
Getting Ready to Leave
We spent the last morning packing up our things and getting ready to say goodbye to the ship. It felt like time flew by, and our extra suitcase was definitely a good call because we ended up with a lot more than we brought. Around the ship, everyone seemed busy with their own packing and last-minute preparations.
Evening Lights and Views in Miami
As the sun began to set, we enjoyed the beautiful night views while docked in Miami. We grabbed a few drinks at the Lime & Coconut bar and soaked in the atmosphere. The twilight added a calm and relaxing vibe, perfect for reflecting on our trip while watching the city lights flicker in the distance.
Exploring Disney Springs
We took a quick trip over to Disney Springs to stretch our legs and enjoy some snacks. It was lively and filled with interesting spots to check out. We tried their mac and cheese poppers and crispy truffle fries with parmesan, which made for a tasty and casual bite during the outing.
Final Reflections
We took the chance to try the Pearl Cafe for breakfast on our last sea day. The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich definitely outshone the ones we had earlier in the park. Pairing that with a cinnamon donut and some coffee made for a lovely start with an unbeatable view.
Out on Deck 17, above the pool deck, the breeze picked up as we cruised north toward Port Canaveral. People lounged around, the band was setting up, and Christina kept busy with her crochet. We even spotted another ship off our port side—turns out it was the Sun Princess, giving us a neat side-by-side view.
The Hideaway’s daybeds caught our eye, some reserved with champagne and ice, adding a touch of luxury to the peaceful infinity pool scene. Surfside was busy as usual, packed with mini golf players and water slide fans, creating a lively atmosphere worth watching from a quiet sitting area nearby.
A sudden “code brown” at the main pool deck cleared the crowds quickly, but the pool refilled soon after. Swim & Tonic stayed quiet and shaded, perfect for a calming break without too much sun or wind.
As the day turned into evening, the ship started to empty out. We grabbed a few drinks and snacks at Central Park’s Trellis Bar, enjoying the music of the harpist and the cozy vibe indoors. Packing up is underway, but we’re soaking up these last moments on board, thankful for the vibrant colors, views, and calm retreat this cruise has given us.
