Star of the Seas: first impressions and everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s new cruise ship

Following the resounding success of Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International is preparing to launch its next giant: Star of the Seas. This new cruise ship, which we had the opportunity to visit this week, is not just a replica of its acclaimed predecessor but a complete evolution. Designed with valuable feedback from thousands of passengers, this cruise ship promises to take the family vacation experience to the next level.

Innovation and quality as a hallmark

According to Itzel Valdés, Associate Vice President for LATAM and the Caribbean, the brand stands out for always being at the forefront. “Royal Caribbean is a brand that is always at the forefront... it always seeks to have that unique edge,” said Valdés. This philosophy is reflected in the creation of the Star of the Seas, a ship that actively listens to passenger feedback to offer a world-class product, not only in technology and entertainment, but also in cuisine and service.

The innovations that make a difference

The Star of the Seas retains the best of the Icon (such as the largest water park at sea, Category 6), but complements it with enhancements that demonstrate a clear focus on the guest experience.

• Lincoln Park Supper Club: This is undoubtedly the most notable new addition in entertainment, a Chicago-themed supper club with a completely new menu and music. This concept builds on the popular Empire Supper Club experience, offering adults an unforgettable evening.
• Family-friendly enhancements at Surfside: This area is a paradise for young families, as it has been redesigned with a special focus on children. New attractions have also been added to Splash Away Bay and a more challenging play area, ideal for children up to 10 years old, ensuring fun for everyone.
• Optimized spaces for teenagers: Young people of this age will also have their own renovated spaces. Royal Caribbean has listened to their feedback and created areas that encourage socialization in a more natural and less technological way.

Technologies for greater peace of mind for parents

Something that caught our attention is that Valdés emphasized the integration of technologies such as “Find My Kid,” a bracelet that allows parents to locate their children on the boat, offering peace of mind and security.

A design conceived by and for travelers

To develop the Star of the Seas, the company not only built on the success of its first ship but also worked with futuristic firms and conducted numerous focus groups. This customer-centric design methodology ensures that every corner of the ship, from the revitalized arrival experience in “the pearl” to the cabins, is designed to create the best family vacation in the world.

As Itzel Valdés points out, “human behavior shows us that people really want to continue traveling, connecting, and having these memorable experiences.” And that is precisely what the company offers: a comprehensive travel experience that, unlike a hotel, allows you to visit different destinations without sacrificing luxury and comfort.

The commitment to Latin America and sustainability

Royal Caribbean is strengthening its presence in Latin America with special visa-free itineraries departing from strategic ports such as Cartagena and Panama. These trips, which include a drinks package, are “tropicalized” for the Latin American market, with cultural elements such as local music and food.

In terms of sustainability, the company has a program called “See The Future” that includes initiatives such as plastic recycling, water treatment, and support for local communities, such as the Perfect Day project in Majahual, Quintana Roo, which will be developed in conjunction with the University of Quintana Roo. Thus, the brand is committed not only to offering the best vacations but also to doing so responsibly.

First impressions of Star of the Seas

One of the most impressive things about this gigantic cruise ship is that it has both technological features and simple details that generate more than one surprise. To mention a few, we were struck by the Wi-Fi connectivity via Starlink, something that all social media lovers will appreciate, as the connectivity is good enough to both view and upload content.

One detail that we found spectacular is that every now and then you can literally find a piano in the elevator and ask the musician to play your favorite song, who is also able to adapt the lyrics to the situation.

The range of shows is on par with anything you can see in Las Vegas or New York. In our case, we were able to see SOL, a show that takes you on a journey through American culture from coast to coast through music and figure skating accompanied by acrobatics, not to mention the Back to the Future musical.

Without a doubt, the Star of the Seas experience goes beyond its size; it is literally a sea of entertainment worth getting lost in.

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