Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas shattered every kind of data when it was launched and grabbed much more consideration when it was first launched to the world in early 2024. However how will the brand new Icon-class Star of the Seas examine, and what would be the most important variations?
Star of the Seas is scheduled to enter service in late August 2025. With a gross tonnage of 250,800 and a passenger capability of 5,610 (double capability), the most recent ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet may have a couple of variations, some refined and a few very apparent.
For the reason that vessels are sister ships, they’ve extra similarities than variations. Whereas it’s not but identified if Star of the Seas would be the new largest cruise ship on the planet, we do know the cruise line might be working the 2 largest cruise ships on the planet.
Listed here are 10 modifications on the upcoming ship:
1. AquaDome Present
- Icon of the Seas debuted the Aqua Motion! present in its AquaDome, that includes daring dives and robotic maneuvers, all with a waterfall present and unbelievable acrobatics. I used to be in a position to witness this throughout the inaugural voyage, and it was gorgeous.
- Star of the Seas will retain the AquaDome however introduce a completely new aqua present. For the identify and particulars, we must wait, however Royal Caribbean hints at enhanced expertise and a brand new storyline theme, whereas preserving the 55-foot waterfall and people agile robots.
2. Homeport
- Icon of the Seas sails from PortMiami from a terminal particularly constructed for the enormous ship. 7-day round-trip sailings go to Japanese and Western Caribbean itineraries and embrace a cease on the cruise line’s non-public island, Excellent Day at CocoCay.
- Star of the Seas might be based mostly in Port Canaveral (Orlando). The ship will begin with a pair 4-day sailings from the Florida port after which get into an everyday rotation of 7-day cruises to the Japanese and Western Caribbean with visits to CocoCay as nicely.
3. Eating Selection
- Star of the Seas will provide an expanded number of eating experiences in comparison with Icon of the Seas. Whereas the precise quantity continues to be being finalized, Royal Caribbean has confirmed that there might be new and thrilling culinary additions. Confirmed venues embrace favorites like Pier 7 and Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, with Pier 7 getting an overhaul.
- Icon of the Seas offers a sturdy choice of 27-28 core eating experiences, break up between 14-15 complimentary choices (reminiscent of Windjammer and Sorrento’s Pizza) and 13-15 specialty venues (like Chops Grille and Empire Supper Membership). The broader ’40+ eating choices’ determine typically talked about contains informal grab-and-go spots like Surfside Bites and Pearl Café.
4. Supper Membership Theme
- Icon’s Empire Supper Membership attracts from the theme of Twenties New York Metropolis jazz golf equipment.
- Star’s Lincoln Park Supper Membership takes a barely totally different strategy and can transport passengers to Thirties Chicago, providing a definite retro vibe with stay music and upscale eating. This offers a distinct, however comparable expertise.
5. Surfside Neighborhood
- Icon’s Surfside is a neighborhood designed for households with younger youngsters, primarily concentrating on ages 0-6, with Splashaway Bay and a Playscape.
- Star of the Seas will modify Surfside barely by increasing its attraction to barely older youngsters, elevating the goal age to roughly 10. This contains “extra play activations” in Splashaway Bay and the Playscape, and the Water’s Edge pool might be an expanded play space for kids and fogeys.
6. Sizzling Tub Depend
Star has 10 scorching tubs to Icon’s 9 (each with 7 swimming pools).
- Icon of the Seas: Initially deliberate scorching tubs, however on account of water weight considerations, some scorching tub places had been eliminated.
- Star of the Seas: Will characteristic an extra scorching tub, which was initially deliberate for Icon, situated adjoining between Lime and Coconut and the Aquadome Market. Royal Caribbean has decided they’ve ample weight capability so as to add this characteristic.
7. Deck 6 Thriller Venue
- Icon of the Seas homes the Attic comedy membership on Deck 6.
- Star of the Seas would possibly change it with a rumored new eating venue. Some savvy cruise followers had been trying out deck plans on Star of the Seas on Deck 6 and observed a eating venue the place the comedy membership is situated on Icon.
8. The Pearl Improve
- Icon of the Seas options the Pearl, a surprising architectural and lighting centerpiece that strikes prefer it’s alive. It’s one of many first issues passengers see after they stroll on board Icon.
- Star of the Seas will improve the Pearl with upgraded lighting expertise. Full multicolor rings will permit for richer colours within the 3,500-tile kinetic show
9. Enhanced Children’ Golf equipment and Teen Areas:
- Icon of the Seas options Journey Ocean and teenage areas for youthful cruisers.
- Star of the Seas will present updates to Journey Ocean with a give attention to “analog play” alongside digital actions. The thought right here is that some younger individuals needed actions that had been much less display oriented. This was based mostly on buyer suggestions.
10. Chief Canine Officer
- Icon of the Seas: Has Rover, the golden retriever, because the ship’s canine mascot and might be extra well-liked than the captain of the ship.
- Star of the Seas: Will introduce Sailor, a brand new Chief Canine Officer. Sailor’s pictures had been simply lately launched, and he’s nearly 6 months outdated now.
Star of the Seas Reality Sheet
