star of the seas ship tour

We recently took a trip from Miami to Port Canaveral to board Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, which is the largest cruise ship in the world. At first, we were worried the ship would feel overwhelming and crowded, especially since it’s so massive. However, from the moment we stepped on board, that feeling quickly disappeared. Despite the chilly weather and some early indoor events, we found plenty of space to relax, socialize, and explore without ever feeling packed.

The ship truly offers a wide variety of spots to enjoy, from lively bars and vibrant lounges to peaceful retreats and unique outdoor parks with real plants. We loved discovering little places like Giovanni’s Wine Bar and the Hideaway reserved for adults. Over the week, we enjoyed the mix of entertainment, dining options, and comfortable seating areas that made us feel at ease throughout the journey. There’s so much to experience here that one week wasn’t nearly enough to see it all.

First Impressions and Cruise Preparation

Getting to Port Canaveral

We drove from Miami to Port Canaveral on a cool and rainy day. The drive was pleasant despite the weather, and it built our excitement to board Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the largest cruise ship we’ve ever seen.

Thoughts About the Ship’s Size

When we first saw ads for the Star of the Seas, we worried it would be overwhelming and crowded. We booked the cruise anyway, but honestly, those fears didn’t come true. Except for the chilly sailaway party, the ship never felt packed or hectic during our week aboard.

Boarding and Embarkation Process

The embarkation was smooth and organized. We appreciated how easy it was to find seating and move around the ship without feeling rushed or cramped. The design made settling in simple, and the staff was helpful throughout the process.

Living Spaces and Ship Design

Rooms and the Family Suite Experience

Our cabins were comfortable and nicely designed. For families, there’s an Ultimate Family Suite that’s spacious and perfect for larger groups. It combines multiple rooms with fun, kid-friendly features and plenty of space to relax together.

Getting Around on Board

Moving through the ship is straightforward. The ship has a wide, open promenade where we enjoyed strolling without feeling crowded. Various lounges and hangout spots are scattered throughout, making it easy to explore different areas like Surfside, Thrill Island, Chill Island, and the lush Central Park.

Elevators and Easy Access

The ship has two main elevator banks: forward elevators with a leaf design and aft elevators marked by wave patterns. These designs help us keep our bearings easily. Accessibility is well thought out, with staircases available too, making it convenient to reach any deck.

Dining Destinations

Shared Dining Space Highlights

The main dining area spans three levels and serves all guests on board. You can choose set dining times or flexible ones by reservation. We only tried it once during brunch, but it looked elegant with tablecloths and a large chandelier.

Exiting the dining room, you reach the Royal Promenade, a spacious and uncrowded area filled with bars, seating, and art installations.

Unique Restaurants and Lounges

Several specialty spots caught our attention. The Thorn and Thistle is a British-style pub offering classic drinks like Guinness and live band performances.

We enjoyed hanging out at the 1400 Bar, which has a relaxed vibe and connects conveniently to other parts of the ship. The casino, accessible via escalator from the promenade, felt roomy with many game options.

Relaxed Food Stops and Coffee Corners

The Aqua Dome Marketplace was a favorite for snacks and treats—crepes and Mai Tais stood out. We also found Starbucks on board for a quick coffee fix.

There are plenty of comfortable spots to sit both indoors and by the pool, making it easy to grab something casual and relax without the crowds.

Dining for Families and Kids

While there isn’t a specific mention of dedicated kids’ menus in the transcript, the variety of venues means families can find something that suits everyone’s tastes. Casual marketplaces and multiple seating areas allow for easy meals with children.

The ship’s size and options give families the flexibility to dine where and when they prefer, with no feeling of overcrowding.

Entertainment and Activities

Shows and Performance Spaces

We enjoyed several live performances around the ship. The Pearl, a stunning kinetic sculpture area, offered great acoustics and comfy seating for shows. The Thorn and Thistle British pub had a small stage where bands played, creating a cozy atmosphere to relax and listen.

Music Hotspots and Chill Lounges

The Music Hall was a lively venue with two floors, featuring a DJ booth, bar, and billiard tables upstairs. We found plenty of seating and enjoyed the friendly vibe whenever we stopped by. For a more relaxed time, the 1400 Bar became one of our favorite hangouts with its welcoming environment.

Sing-Alongs and Social Game Evenings

Spotlight Karaoke was a fun spot where we could sing our favorite tunes or play games. The atmosphere was casual, and it was easy to join in, making for a great way to unwind. We also participated in some onboard games that were never crowded, adding to our laid-back evenings.

Casino and Gaming Rooms

The casino was spacious and well-organized with lots of slot machines and table games. It had a dedicated bar and cashier area, and we appreciated the wide aisles allowing plenty of personal space. The casino stayed open as long as we were at sea, with machines catering to various betting styles.

Family Zones and Youth Clubs

Kids’ Adventure Club

We found the kids’ club to be a vibrant space where our little ones could explore and have fun. It offers plenty of supervised activities designed for different age groups, making it easy for families to relax while the kids enjoy themselves safely.

The staff were friendly and engaging, ensuring each child had a memorable time with crafts, games, and themed events tailored to keep them involved throughout the day.

Surfside Family Area

The Surfside Family Area was our go-to spot for all ages to hang out together. With pools, water features, and comfy seating, it offered a welcoming environment for families to play and unwind.

We especially appreciated how spacious and uncrowded it felt, making it simple to find a spot to relax while the kids splashed around or took part in water activities.

Carousel and Fun Family Rides

One of the highlights for our family was the collection of rides and attractions specially designed for younger guests. The carousel stood out as a charming activity that both kids and adults could enjoy.

These family-friendly rides added plenty of excitement without overwhelming the little ones, offering just the right amount of thrill for a fun day on board.

Outdoor Pools and Relaxation Spaces

Highlights of Chill Island

We found Chill Island to be a perfect spot to unwind. It’s quiet, has plenty of seating, and offers great views without feeling crowded. We enjoyed spending time there just relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere.

Bars with Pool Access and Lounging Areas

The swim-up bars were a fun feature. We liked grabbing drinks while staying cool in the pools. Around the pools, there were plenty of sun loungers where we could rest, soak up the sun, or just watch the action without being cramped.

Private Cabanas, Hot Tubs, and Open Seating

The casitas gave us a nice retreat for privacy and comfort. Hot tubs were available nearby, perfect for warming up on chillier days. Free seating scattered throughout made it easy to find a cozy spot whenever we wanted to relax without hassle.

Adventure and Thrills

Exciting Fun Zones on Board

Thrill Island offers plenty of action for those brave enough to dive in. We saw people enjoying massive water slides, even when it was chilly, which was impressive. This area is perfect if you’re seeking some adrenaline rushes during the cruise.

The Crown’s Edge and Climbing Challenges

The Crown’s Edge is a daring attraction, hanging over the ship’s edge. We admired it from afar since it wasn’t for us, regardless of weather. Nearby, rock climbing activities provide a physical challenge that’s great for those who want an active adventure at sea.

Tasty Stops at Base Camp

After all the excitement, Base Camp Bites is a great spot to refuel. It offers a variety of delicious options that satisfy both sweet and savory cravings. We especially enjoyed grabbing a crepe and a Mai Tai while relaxing before heading back out to explore.

Unique Ship Features

Lush Green Space in the Heart of the Ship

One of our favorite spots was a real park right inside the ship, full of live trees and plants. It provided a calm, natural environment to relax amid all the activity. This peaceful green oasis made the ship feel less like a crowded, floating city.

AquaDome and Spectacular Water Entertainment

We loved spending time near the AquaDome, which offered amazing water shows that combined light, music, and fountains. The area also had a marketplace with delicious food options, including sweet treats like crepes and refreshing Mai Tais. It was a hub of fun and flavor.

Artistic Centerpiece and Interactive Sculptures

The Pearl stood out as the largest moving sculpture we’ve seen at sea. It doubled as a stairway with fantastic acoustics and comfortable seating for live shows. Around it, there were plenty of unique art installations and spots perfect for photo opportunities.

Running Path and Workout Amenities

For those who enjoy staying active, we found a jogging track circling parts of the ship. Nearby, the fitness center offered well-equipped spaces to work out, making it easy to maintain routines while cruising. This combination helped balance indulgence with wellness on board.

Onboard Services and Shopping

Assistance and Excursions Desk

We found guest services easy to reach without long waits, and most things could be handled through the app. The shore excursions desk was a bit tucked away near the Pearl, but staff were helpful whenever we stopped by. Whether booking adventures or asking questions, they made the process relaxed and straightforward.

Shops and Branded Gear

The onboard retail options were plentiful. We enjoyed browsing the Royal Caribbean shop for Star of the Seas and cruise branded items like hats, sweatshirts, and Hawaiian shirts. There were also daily sales offering t-shirts, hats, and watches, plus a range of high-end purses in a separate store.

Health and Wellness Facilities

The ship includes a medical center for emergencies and basic healthcare needs, which was reassuring to know about. For relaxing and wellness, adults-only retreats like the Hideaway gave us peaceful spots, and various bars and lounges offered comfortable areas to unwind.

Crew, Service, and Passenger Experience

Memorable Encounters with the Staff

We found the crew to be friendly and welcoming throughout the ship. Whether we were at Giovanni’s Wine Bar chatting with Mikey, Pablo, and Raul, or lounging at Lime and the Coconut with Geo and Amit, the staff made us feel right at home. Their attentiveness added to the relaxed vibe onboard.

Managing Crowds and Ensuring Comfort

Despite the ship’s size, it rarely felt crowded to us. Even during busy events like the sailaway party, which moved indoors due to cold weather, people naturally spread out. We never had trouble finding seats at bars, pools, or favorite hangouts like the 1400 Bar or the Overlook. Space felt ample, making it easy to relax without feeling cramped.

Easy Access for Everyone

The ship offered many areas designed with accessibility in mind for guests of all ages. From wide promenades to multiple seating options, it was simple to navigate comfortably. We especially liked quiet adult-only spots like the Hideaway, providing a peaceful retreat amid the ship’s lively atmosphere.