Inaugural Sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

Trip overview

Our 7-night sailing (August 31 – September 7, 2025) embarked from Port Canaveral with stops at CocoCay, Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.

First impressions

Check-in for the Star of the Seas inaugural sailing couldn’t have been easier. Thanks to express check-in on the app, we breezed right through. From the moment we stepped into the terminal, it was clear this voyage would be something special—Royal Caribbean had live music playing, and the atmosphere was electric. Families, couples, and seasoned cruisers all buzzed with excitement. I’ve never felt such energy stepping onto a ship. That first walk onto the promenade deck, seeing the sweeping ocean views and the dazzling Pearl, was a true “wow” moment.

Accommodation

We stayed in an Infinite Oceanview Balcony (cabin 10726), which turned out to be a fantastic surprise. We booked a guaranteed cabin to save on the fare and lucked out with a great location. At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the new Infinite Balcony design compared to a traditional balcony, but I quickly became a fan. Floor-to-ceiling windows that transform the space, a noticeably larger bathroom with a big shower, and smart automation controlled from the app made it feel fresh and modern. The cabin even had that brand-new “new car smell,” and waiting on the bed were Star of the Seas hats—an inaugural touch that set the tone.

Dining

Dining was a standout throughout the cruise. The Windjammer buffet impressed right from boarding day with a full seafood spread (not something you see often at embarkation), and it continued to deliver on multiple visits. The only hiccup: bar service here was slow, with staff seeming a bit undertrained. Everywhere else on the ship, though, service shined. We only tried the Main Dining Room once—our experience was good, but with so many new options to explore, the MDR wasn’t a focus.

Specialty dining, on the other hand, blew us away. Chops, Giovanni’s, and Izumi all delivered the best meals we’ve ever had on a Royal Caribbean ship, with service to match. Thanks to our Virtuoso benefits, we also enjoyed one complimentary specialty dining experience for two—a great perk.

For quick bites, Basecamp became a favorite—their smash burgers were perfection and the pretzels were just as satisfying.

Entertainment

Entertainment was where Star of the Seas really showed why Icon class is a game-changer. "Back to the Future: The Musical" felt like Broadway at sea, with visuals and performances that went far beyond what you’d expect on a cruise. The comedy club hosted three solid acts, while the SOL ice skating show at Absolute Zero made full use of the new circular rink—a unique and immersive experience. The Torque aqua show was simply jaw-dropping: acrobatics, stunts, and even motorcycles were incorporated into the performance.

Royal Caribbean has truly carved out a league of their own here. Of course, we couldn’t skip the infamous Crazy Quest. As usual, it was raunchy and hilarious, and our group actually won this time (and yes, I managed to keep my pants on).

The itinerary

Sea days were all about exploring and soaking up the ship’s new venues.

Swim & Tonic, the adults-only swim-up bar, became a fast favorite. It’s wild to think there’s a true swim-up bar on a cruise ship. It did get crowded, but making it 18+ was absolutely the right call.

Even when just bar-hopping around, we found ourselves drawn to spots like the Dueling Piano Bar, which kept the nights lively.

The itinerary itself was the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

At CocoCay, we skipped excursions and spent a few hours lounging at Oasis Lagoon’s swim-up bar before heading back onboard. Roatan was a beach day at Sol y Mar, where food, drinks, and attentive service made for a seamless all-inclusive experience (though bug spray is essential). Costa Maya was more casual—we wandered through the port shops and capped it off with a coconut spiked with tequila. In Cozumel, after deep-sea fishing on a previous trip, we chose a 3-reef snorkeling adventure this time. Swimming above the second-largest reef in the world was spectacular—schools of colorful fish, clear waters, and a sense of wonder you can’t replicate on land.

The crew

What really stood out, though, was the crew. There were no “inaugural bugs” on this ship—everything ran smoothly, and the staff made the entire experience feel seamless. You could tell they were proud to be part of this launch and wanted to go above and beyond. From servers to entertainers to housekeeping, every interaction reinforced that special “first sailing” feeling.

In sum

Star of the Seas is a ship that truly has something for everyone. It’s perfect for families who want endless activities, couples looking for a mix of relaxation and fun, and groups who want plenty of variety. The design, the food, the entertainment, and the energy of this inaugural sailing made it one of the best vacations I’ve ever had.

Royal Caribbean has set a new standard, and honestly, nothing else at sea feels quite like this.

• Infinite Balconies are a win: More space, bigger showers, and floor-to-ceiling windows you can open or close on demand. It feels fresh and modern compared to a traditional balcony.

• Specialty dining is a must: Chops, Giovanni’s, and Izumi were standouts, and Basecamp’s smash burgers shouldn’t be missed. Snag a free specialty dining for two voucher by booking with me.

• Book entertainment early: Reserve shows in the app as soon as you can. Torque in the AquaTheater and the SOL ice show at Absolute Zero are unmissable. "Back to the Future" is world-class.

• Plan for pool time: Swim & Tonic (the adults-only swim-up bar) is a game-changer, but it fills up fast—arrive early or lean into the lively atmosphere.

• Shore tips: Bring bug spray for Roatan, sip a tequila-spiked coconut in Costa Maya, and don’t miss snorkeling in Cozumel for world-class reefs.

• Smooth sailing: Despite being brand-new, the ship ran flawlessly. The crew brought extra energy and pride that made the inaugural sailing feel truly special.

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