Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean · 10 nights · Alaska
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Star of the Seas: Is Royal Caribbean's Newest Ship Worth the Premium?
Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's newest Icon-class ship — Crown's Edge skywalk, Category 6 waterpark, AquaDome. 23 VOYGR reviews at 8.04/10. Here is what's actually new, who it's worth the premium for, and how it compares to Wonder of the Seas.
Star of the Seas launched in 2024 as the second Icon-class ship, sister to Icon of the Seas. At 250,800 GT carrying approximately 7,600 passengers at full capacity, it's one of the largest ships ever built. The ship ranks 4th in the VOYGR database with an 8.04/10 overall score across 23 reviews — identical to Wonder of the Seas and just behind Symphony of the Seas (8.01). Icon-class introduces Category 6 waterslides, the Crown's Edge skywalk, and six neighborhoods including the Surfside family area and AquaDome. Royal Caribbean positioned Star as the 'year-round Caribbean ship' with a permanent Port Canaveral homeport.
Icon-class ships including Star of the Seas introduced four major innovations over the Oasis and Quantum classes: Crown's Edge — a skywalk experience extending 154 feet over the ocean from deck 17; Category 6 — a six-slide waterpark complex at the ship's aft; AquaDome — a 55-foot glass dome housing the ship's signature indoor/outdoor AquaTheater; and Surfside — a dedicated family neighborhood with a quiet pool and private family suites cluster. These features are exclusive to Icon and Star and not available on Wonder, Harmony, or Allure of the Seas.
Star of the Seas carries the full Icon-class dining portfolio: Main Dining Room (included, multi-course dinner service), Windjammer Buffet (included), The Lime and Coconut poolside bar (included), and Surfside Bistro (included casual dining in the family neighborhood). Specialty venues including Empire Supper Club, Pier 7, Izumi Hibachi, and Giovanni's Italian all carry per-person surcharges or dining package coverage. Royal Caribbean's Unlimited Dining Package covers most specialty venues and consistently prices cheaper when purchased before sailing.
Star of the Seas commands a significant premium over older Royal Caribbean hardware — typically 25-40% more than a comparable Wonder of the Seas or Harmony sailing on the same itinerary. The Icon-class premium reflects genuinely new hardware and exclusive features (Crown's Edge, AquaDome, Category 6) that older ships don't carry. Mandatory add-ons remain the same as all Royal Caribbean: gratuities ($18/person/day), Wi-Fi ($25/day), and drink packages ($85/day) stack on top of the base fare. On a 7-night sailing for a couple, mandatory add-ons approach $900 before specialty dining.
Royal Caribbean delivers big-ship energy with strong entertainment and family-friendly amenities across all price points. 2026 Fleet Alert: Legend of the Seas (Icon-class 3) began sea trials off Finland on April 20, 2026 — her July 2026 Mediterranean maiden season from Barcelona is confirmed and already 88% booked. Royal Beach Club Santorini opens Summer 2026, giving Icon-class passengers a private beach alternative to the overcrowded streets of Oia. Hero of the Seas (Icon 4) remains on schedule for August 2027 delivery.
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💰 True Cost Breakdown
VOYGR Total is an estimate based on base price, port taxes, and standard gratuities. Actual costs may vary by cabin type and sailing date.
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