Star of the Seas: A Royal Caribbean Preview Sailing
This past August, I was invited to set sail on a special preview event for Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Star of the Seas. I’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean before and always love their ships, but this trip was extra special, I had my husband along for some much-needed couple time before we plan our next big family adventure.
As soon as we stepped onboard, I couldn’t help but think of my kids. I just know they would absolutely love this ship! From pickleball courts and thrilling slides to incredible entertainment and endless food options, there’s truly something for everyone.
The Perfect Room for Families
We stayed in a Surfside Balcony stateroom, and let me tell you, it’s one of the prettiest, most family-friendly spots on the ship.
Surfside is a dream for kids (and kids-at-heart!) with unlimited soft-serve ice cream, splash zones, and so much to do right outside your door. The room itself was perfect: spacious, comfortable, and with a view that made mornings on the verandah so nice because you can see not only the Surfside area, but out the back of the ship so you have a partial ocean view!
If you’re cruising with little ones, this area of the ship is hard to beat!
Entertainment Day and Night
One thing Royal Caribbean does so well is entertainment, and the Star of the Seas did not disappoint.
Aqua Show: A breathtaking mix of acrobatics and diving - this is a must-see!
90’s Music Dance Party: Pure fun, and a great way to end the evening.
Silent Dance Party: I’m a huge fan of silent dances, and Royal always nails it!
And if you have a late-night sweet tooth like we do, don’t miss the crepes station after dinner in the main dining room. Total win!
Perfect Day at Cococay: A Day in Paradise
One of our port days was spent at Perfect Day at Cococay, where we checked out the adult-only Hideaway Beach.
This little slice of paradise had:
A beautiful private beach
A massive pool with fun, upbeat music
Delicious food and drinks to keep you fueled for a day of sun and relaxation
It was the perfect way to unwind together and soak in the beautiful August Bahamas weather and sun!
Our Favorite Spots Onboard
Every cruise comes with those places you just keep going back to, and for us, these were the standouts:
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
We’re huge fans of Playmakers! Grab a sampler platter, settle in for some bar bites, and enjoy a casual, fun atmosphere with games and TVs everywhere.Central Park Jazz Bar
After a busy day exploring, nothing beats winding down with live jazz music in the serene Central Park area of the ship.The Elevator Piano Man
This one might sound random, but if you’re lucky, you might catch a talented pianist playing live inside the elevators. It’s such a quirky, magical moment that adds to the ship’s charm.
Why We Can’t Wait to Go Back
This preview sailing was the perfect balance of couples time and scouting for future family fun. This ship typically sails for 7 nights, but without the kids, 3 was enough!
The Star of the Seas has so much to offer! Whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or just your spouse it would be a great trip for anyone. Between the endless activities, entertainment, and amazing food, there’s no way to get bored onboard.
We left already dreaming about bringing our kids back next time. I know they’ll be racing from the water slides to the ice cream machine while we sneak away for another jazz night in Central Park!
Tip: Reserve Shows & Activities Early
The Star of the Seas has incredible entertainment like the Aqua Show, ice skating shows, and comedy clubs. However, these fill up fast, especially on a brand new ship.
As soon as you’re able, use the Royal Caribbean app to reserve your spots for shows and specialty dining.
Reservations usually open about 45-60 days before sailing, but even if you miss that window, check the app daily while onboard because last-minute spots often open up.
If you can’t snag a reservation, try arriving 30-40 minutes early to get in the standby line as they often let extra people in right before the show starts.
