We’re big fans of crazy adventures (like swimming with orcas in Norway or helping build an Incan grass bridge in rural Peru), but sometimes we’re just craving a little relaxation. When Royal Caribbean invited us on an inaugural journey on Star of the Seas, the world’s newest and largest cruise ship, we immediately jumped on the opportunity.
This ship cost nearly $2 billion to build, is 20 stories tall, 3 football fields long, and has almost 3,000 rooms. With enough restaurants and activities to keep you entertained for weeks, we were excited to try to see it all in just the couple of short days we had onboard..
During our 2.5-day cruise from Miami to Puerto Rico, we did our best to try out all of the ship’s highlights to let you know if a trip on the world’s largest cruise ship is worth it (Spoiler Alert: it is). What is a trip on Star of the Sea like? It involves a lot of fun, endless entertainment, and maybe a ride on the sea’s tallest waterslide. Here is some of what you can expect when taking a journey on Star of the Seas:
1. The Tallest Waterslide at Sea
Star of the Seas is home to the sea’s largest waterpark, including 6 record-breaking waterslides. The tallest is called the Frightening Bolt, which we decided, after trying it, is a very appropriate name. It’s a trap door style waterslide that sends you on a 46-foot vertical drop that will have your stomach plunging. I’m sure the thrill seekers in your family will want to spend all day screaming their heads off on this crazy slide.
2. 8 Different Themed “Neighborhoods”
Star of the Seas is divided into eight separate neighborhoods, like the adults-only neighborhood, The Hideaway, or the Central Park neighborhood which seriously feels like you’re strolling through New York City. The Central Park neighborhood was one of our favorites filled with 33,000 plants, the sounds of birds chirping, and tons of aesthetic cafes and bars.. On our walk, we spotted a bagel shop, sushi bar, and a cafe that only serves sparkling wine. In The Hideaway neighborhood, you’ll find the most social media-worthy part of the ship — an infinity pool, comfy lounge chairs, and plenty of restaurants and bars.
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3. Endless Entertainment (think Cirque de Soleil meets Water Aerobics)
Along with having the largest pool at sea, the ship’s Chill Island neighborhood is home to one of the most unique entertainment options. The AquaTheater is a high-tech water stage where daring performers put on a sort of Cirque de Soleil meets water gymnastics show by diving 60 feet into a pool below through a colorful 55-foot-tall waterfall. But the AquaTheater is not the only awe-inspiring on-board entertainment option. There are Broadway productions, comedy shows, ice skating performances, and our personal favorite, dueling pianos.
4. The Sea’s Largest Swim-Up Bar
When it comes to cruise ship superlatives, Star of the Seas brings home the gold. On deck 16, right across from the water park, is Swim and Tonic, the world’s largest swim-up bar on a cruise ship. After trying out some of the waterslides, you can float around in the turquoise pool and order your favorite drink from the super-friendly bartenders without ever leaving the water.
5. The Singapore Airport of the Sea
Aviation geeks know that the Singapore Airport is the best in the world, known for its tropical gardens and futuristic glass domes. As soon as we walked into the Overlook neighborhood, we got mega Singapore Airport vibes (and trust us, that’s a compliment). At the very front of the ship is a massive glass dome that makes a light-filled atrium stuffed with lounge areas. You can grab a drink from the bars and find a cozy perch to watch the ocean sail by in front of you.
6. Climbing, Dancing, Surfing, and More!
Once you tire of (if it’s even possible) sunbathing by the pool and getting pampered at the spa, it’ll be time to check out the ship’s million other activities. On deck 16, you’ll find a mini golf course, a climbing wall, and a ropes course with a zipline that sends you flying high above the ship. Deck 17 has a flow rider where you can attempt to surf and a sports court where you can play basketball or pickleball with an incredible ocean view. There’s a karaoke lounge on deck 5 (where we sang our hearts out)a music hall with trivia and dancing on deck 4, and even an escape room on deck 6.
7. So. Much. Food.
The unlimited food is one of the best parts of cruise ships, and Star of the Seas does not disappoint. There is the Basecamp restaurant, serving all the kid-friendly favorites like hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and hot dogs right by the pool. Sorrento’s has unlimited pizza all day long and El Loco Fresh has some delicious tacos and burrito bowls. Outside of the many included restaurants, are a few specialty restaurants that cost extra but are mouthwateringly good. There’s a hibachi bar, seafood restaurant, and a sultry Chicago-style dinner club. Whatever you’re craving, the ship has it!
If you can’t tell by now, Star of the Seas is one of the coolest cruise ships to ever exist. If you want to see our full experience, check out the vlog below.
So, are you ready to book a spot on the world’s largest cruise ship?