Honest Review: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas Inaugural Sailing

I just stepped off the inaugural sailing of Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest ICON-class ship, and the experience left me thinking less about “cruising” and more about how purposefully designed spaces can shape human connection.

This isn’t an article about leisure travel. It’s about groups. Incentives. What it feels like when a ship becomes a stage for experiences that attendees will care about and remember.

Design Details That Stood Out

As a former interior designer, I couldn’t help but notice the small things. Wet floor signs shaped like banana peels (which made my kids laugh every time). A live pianist popping into an elevator to surprise guests. Elevators that actually work quickly and intuitively, even on a ship this size. Wayfinding that feels natural instead of confusing.

Our family suite was equally thoughtful. The shower and toilet were split into two separate rooms, each with its own sink, which made sharing the space with others extremely comfortable. These are the kind of design decision that seems obvious once you live it, but it changes the whole experience.

A Ship of Neighborhoods

What makes Star of the Seas different is how it’s divided into eight distinct neighborhoods, each with its own energy:

• Surfside – A family paradise with splash zones, an arcade, and unlimited soft-serve ice cream (swirl please!).

• Thrill Island – Home to Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, plus Crown’s Edge (a ropes course that literally dangles you over the ocean), a climbing wall, mini golf, and courts for basketball or pickleball.

• The Hideaway – An adults-only escape with a suspended infinity pool and sexy beach-club atmosphere.

• Chill Island – Exactly what it sounds like: breezy, quiet, open spaces for recharging.

• AquaDome – A stunning glass-domed venue where aerialists, water shows, and robotics create unforgettable entertainment.

• Central Park – A serene green oasis filled with live plants, perfect for cocktails and conversations.

• Suite Neighborhood – Elevated privacy and perks for suite guests.

Each neighborhood feels like its own little world, and together they create a ship where every type of traveler finds their place.

Entertainment Worthy of Broadway

The entertainment on board is on another level. The headline is Back to the Future: The Musical. Yes, a full Broadway-style production, complete with DeLorean magic, orchestra, and a cast of nearly 30 performers. Then there’s Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea, and of course, the Aqua Theater shows inside the Dome, where high divers, acrobats, and water effects make you forget you’re on a ship at all.

For groups, these productions are the shared moments that become the stories people retell when they get home.

Food, Bars, and Breezes

With more than 40 dining options and 18 bars, the variety is staggering. From jazz-club dining at the Lincoln Park Supper Club to sweet treats at Desserted, every corner invites people to gather, taste, and linger. .

Is It for Every Group?

Here’s where I’ll be candid. If your group is looking for a hyper-specific experience—say everyone wants the same schedule, doesn’t plan to attend shows, has no interest in sun or sea, and follows a strict diet—you may be better off booking a villa, a retreat center, or a resort on land where you can control every detail.

But if your group thrives on variety, energy, and those big “wow” moments? Then Star of the Seas is exactly the kind of setting that delivers. It’s dynamic, it’s elevated, and it’s full of surprises that spark joy across generations.

Why It Works for Groups

Here’s where Star of the Seas shines for incentives:

• Spaces can be privatized for cocktail hours or team-building.

• Neighborhoods create natural flexibility. Families, couples, and executives can all find “their” place without feeling segmented.

• Service is attentive, warm, and consistent, adding a high-touch element that’s critical for group programs.

• Design decisions (like efficient crowd flow and intuitive wayfinding) make large-scale gatherings surprisingly smooth.

At its core, incentive travel is about giving every participant the chance to enjoy themselves in their own way. Star of the Seas delivers exactly that: elevated spaces, thoughtful details, and experiences that fit every personality.

Royal Caribbean has built a floating, multi-generational destination where groups can thrive.

]⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️