Official references
Royal App: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/royal-app · Muster drill overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/what-is-muster-drill-on-a-cruise · Star overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/star-of-the-seas · Deck plans: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/star-of-the-seas/deck-plans
Key Takeaways
- Learn the safety words first… Muster Station, eMuster, Assembly Station, Crew Instructions.
- Direction words are ship specific… face the front to remember Port is left and Starboard is right.
- Neighborhood names are useful on Icon Class… Surfside, AquaDome, Royal Promenade, Central Park.
- Dining has its own lingo… Main Dining Room, My Time Dining, Specialty Dining, Included venues.
- Your access card is the SeaPass… it opens your door and is used for purchases.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Screenshot your deck map and mark your Muster Station on day one. It makes everything else easier.
A to Z Cruise Terms on Star
| Term | What it means on Star | Where you will see it | Quick tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aft | The back of the ship | Cabin locations, deck plans | Aft feels more motion than midship on rough days |
| AquaDome | Glass dome neighborhood with high dive shows and lounges | Show listings in the Royal app | Reserve headline shows early. Overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/aquadome |
| Absolute Zero | Ice arena for shows and public skating | Daily schedule, deck plans | Bring a light layer. Overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/absolute-zero |
| Assembly Station | The place you check in for the safety drill | eMuster steps in the app, signage on doors | Complete the video and horn in the app, then scan at your station |
| Beam | The width of the ship at its widest point | Ship specs pages | Wider ships ride smoothly… still choose midship for less motion |
| Bow | The front of the ship | Directional signs, deck plans | Face forward to remember port and starboard |
| Category 6 Waterpark | The headline slide zone on Icon Class | Deck map, Things To Do | Height rules vary by slide. Overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/category-six-waterpark |
| Central Park | Open air garden neighborhood with dining and lounges | Deck plans | Quiet morning coffee spot |
| Chill Island | Pool zone with bars and loungers | Deck plans | Good midday seating if Surfside is busy |
| Disembarkation | Getting off the ship at the end of the cruise | Final day instructions | Carry off is fastest if you have early flights |
| Embarkation | Boarding day | Terminal signs, app timeline | Arrive within your time window |
| eMuster | Modern safety drill completed by video plus a quick station check | Royal app | Overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/what-is-muster-drill-on-a-cruise |
| Forward | The front area of the ship | Elevator lobbies, cabin descriptions | Forward can be windier on outer decks |
| Gangway | The ramp used to enter or leave the ship | Port days | Have SeaPass and ID ready |
| Included Dining | Venues that are part of your cruise fare | Venue lists and app | Start with Pearl Café, AquaDome Market, Sorrento’s |
| Main Dining Room (MDR) | The primary sit down restaurant for dinner | Daily schedule and dining deck | Choose My Time or Traditional when you book |
| MDR Traditional | Set early or late seating with the same table and waiter | Dining options in booking | Great for families that like routine |
| My Time Dining | Flexible dinner time that you reserve day by day | Dining section in the app | Book a window at lunch for shorter waits |
| Neighborhood | Icon Class zones like Surfside, AquaDome, Royal Promenade, Central Park | Maps, signs | Learn these to navigate fast |
| Onboard Credit (OBC) | Spending credit applied to your account | Booking invoice, app balance | Use for photos, specialty meals, gifts |
| Port | Left side when facing the bow | Safety talks, directions | Green navigation light helps you remember |
| Port Day | A day when the ship is in port | Daily schedule | Return at least 90 minutes before departure |
| Royal Promenade | Main indoor street with bars, venues, shops | Deck 5 on Star | Pearl Café and Sorrento’s are here |
| Royal Suite Class | Suite program with Star, Sky, and Sea tiers | Suite pages | Perks vary by tier. Overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/royal-suite-class |
| Sea Day | A full day at sea between ports | Daily schedule | Book one big show and a pool block |
| SeaPass | Your room key and onboard charge card | Given at the room or in the terminal | Bring a lanyard or small pouch |
| Shore Excursion | A tour or activity in port | Cruise Planner and app | Independent options exist, but ship tours return on time |
| Specialty Dining | Extra charge restaurants like Chops Grille, Giovanni’s, Izumi | Cruise Planner, deck plans | Book sea day lunch for easier seating |
| Starboard | Right side when facing the bow | Safety talks, directions | Red navigation light helps you remember |
| Stateroom | Your cabin on the ship | Booking details | See deck plans for exact location |
| Surfside | Family neighborhood with splash areas and dining | Deck plans and signs | Family base for little kids |
| Tender | A smaller boat used to reach shore when the ship anchors | Port descriptions | Follow crew instructions and arrive early |
| Thrill Island | Zone with slides and adrenaline activities | Deck plans | Close to Basecamp snack spot |
| Windjammer | Buffet restaurant with varied options | Daily schedule | Good for quick breakfast on port days |
Using These Terms On Your Trip
- In the Royal app tap the deck icon for maps of AquaDome, Royal Promenade, Surfside, and Central Park. Royal app overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/royal-app
- For dining hours and menus, check the venue pages or use the app. Dining overview: https://www.royalcaribbeanincentives.com/ship/star-of-the-seas/dining/
- For safety terms, complete eMuster on day one. Overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/what-is-muster-drill-on-a-cruise
FAQ
What is the difference between Port and Starboard Face the front of the ship. Port is left. Starboard is right.
Do I need to bring my SeaPass to shows Yes. You will show a reservation in the app and may be asked to scan your SeaPass.
What is the best way to learn the neighborhoods Walk Decks 5 to 7 after lunch on day one and look for signs to Royal Promenade, AquaDome, Surfside, and Central Park.
Is Specialty Dining required No. There are many included venues. Specialty meals are optional add ons.
Sources
- Star overview and Things To Do: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/star-of-the-seas
- Deck plans: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/star-of-the-seas/deck-plans
- Royal app features: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/royal-app
- Muster drill and eMuster overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/what-is-muster-drill-on-a-cruise
- Suite Class tiers: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/royal-suite-class
- Dining venues list including Star’s included spots: https://www.royalcaribbeanincentives.com/ship/star-of-the-seas/dining/
