Key Takeaways
- Same class… same family blueprint. Both ships have Surfside for young families, Adventure Ocean for ages 3 to 12, Social 020 for teens, and the headline Category 6 Waterpark with six record‑setting slides. See official overviews: Icon Things to Do · Star Things to Do · Category 6 Waterpark · Surfside Neighborhood.
- Homeport matters. Icon sails 7‑night Eastern or Western Caribbean from Miami most of the year. Star sails from Port Canaveral near Orlando. Check sample itineraries: Icon from Miami · Star from Port Canaveral.
- Rooms built for families. Both ships offer Surfside Family Suites and Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony rooms. Star and Icon also feature the three‑level Ultimate Family Townhouse for up to eight guests. See room pages: Icon Rooms · Star Rooms · Townhouse detail: Ultimate Family Townhouse.
- Teens and little ones are covered. Adventure Ocean programs and Social 020 teen club run across Icon Class. Learn more: Youth Programs · Social 020.
- Dining in the family zone. In Surfside you will find Surfside Eatery and The Lemon Post bar with kid friendly mocktails. See: The Lemon Post.
Niko’s Note 🐾 If your flights are cheaper to Orlando… Star keeps airport transfers simple from MCO to Port Canaveral. If you want Miami’s big city weekend on both ends… Icon wins.
Quick Match… Which Ship Fits Your Crew
| Family scenario | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flying into Orlando with car‑averse toddlers | Star of the Seas | Shorter transfer to Port Canaveral, all Surfside perks, strollers easy around Surfside and Water’s Edge pool |
| Teens who want max thrills | Either | Category 6 slides, Crown’s Edge, FlowRider, zip lines… both ships have the headline thrill set |
| Grandparents joining for chill days | Either | Chill Island pools and AquaDome entertainment on both… lots of seating and shade |
| Budget family of 4 who want a balcony | Either | Compare Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony layouts and pricing on your dates |
| Splurge group of 6 to 8 | Either | Ultimate Family Townhouse is available on Icon Class with direct Surfside access |
Links to features: Star Things to Do · Icon Things to Do · Crown’s Edge · Category 6 · Surfside.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Feature | Star of the Seas | Icon of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Homeport | Port Canaveral near Orlando. Sample 7‑night Western or Eastern Caribbean with Perfect Day at CocoCay. Example itinerary. | Miami. 7‑night Eastern or Western Caribbean with Perfect Day at CocoCay. Example itinerary. |
| Family neighborhood | Surfside… splash area, Water’s Edge pool, carousel, arcade, family dining and drinks. Surfside. | Same Surfside concept and venues. |
| Big water fun | Category 6 Waterpark with six record‑breakers… including Frightening Bolt and Pressure Drop. Category 6. | Same Category 6 set. |
| Teen spaces | Social 020 teen club near Adventure Ocean. Best Cruises for Teens. | Social 020 on Icon Class. Social 020. |
| Kids club | Adventure Ocean with age‑based programs and nursery for littles. Youth Programs. | Same Adventure Ocean programming. |
| Family dining in Surfside | Surfside Eatery, Surfside Bites, The Lemon Post mocktails and cocktails. The Lemon Post. | Same Surfside zone with kid‑forward dining. |
| Family cabins | Surfside Family Suite, Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony… plus the Ultimate Family Townhouse. Star Rooms. | Same categories… Ultimate Family Townhouse debuted on Icon. Icon Rooms. |
| Signature chill | Chill Island pools, Swim & Tonic swim‑up bar, AquaDome shows. Star overview. | Chill Island, Swim & Tonic, AquaDome on Icon. Icon overview. |
| Thrill extras | Crown’s Edge aerial walk and zip, FlowRider surf simulators, sports court, mini golf. Star Things to Do. | Same thrill set on Icon Class. Icon Things to Do. |
How To Decide in 60 Seconds
- Pick by airport. If MCO flights are easier… lean Star. If MIA fits better… lean Icon.
- Pick by price and sail date. Compare your week on both. Sometimes Star cabins price a touch lower outside peak school breaks.
- Pick by cabin layout. Families of 4 love Surfside Family Suite with the kids’ room and split bath. Bigger crews eye Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony or the Ultimate Family Townhouse.
- Pick by vibe. Both are huge and lively. If you want Miami pre or post cruise energy… Icon. If you want Orlando theme park add‑ons… Star.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Bring lanyards or a small pouch for SeaPass cards and set a family meetup point in Surfside before you scatter to slides and snacks.
Booking Tips for Families
- Reserve kid programs early. Register the kids in Adventure Ocean on day one… spots go fast for prime times.
- Use the app for shows. AquaDome and ice shows fill… grab reservation windows in the Royal Caribbean app.
- Strollers and swim diapers. Compact strollers are easiest in elevators. Swim diapers are allowed only in designated splash areas… not in regular pools.
- Dining strategy. Book one specialty dinner on a sea day and keep embarkation night casual near Surfside to reduce waits.
FAQ
Is one ship bigger than the other They are sister ships in the Icon Class with similar size and a very similar feature set. Both carry thousands of guests and include the headline waterpark, Surfside, AquaDome, and multiple pools. See the official ship pages for specs: Icon · Star.
Which has the Ultimate Family Townhouse The Townhouse debuted on Icon and is also offered on Star. Details here: Icon Rooms · Star Rooms.
Where are the family zones located The Surfside neighborhood anchors the family activities on both ships with splash areas, a carousel, casual dining, and easy access to kid and teen clubs. Learn more: Surfside Neighborhood.
Do both stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay Most 7‑night itineraries include Perfect Day. Always confirm on your exact sailing: Icon from Miami · Star from Port Canaveral.
Which teen and kids programs are included Adventure Ocean for ages 3 to 12 and Social 020 for teens are included. Nursery time for under‑3s may have a fee and limited hours. More here: Youth Programs.
Sources
- Icon of the Seas… Things to Do and Deck Plans: Things to Do · Deck Plans
- Star of the Seas… Things to Do and overview: Things to Do · Overview
- Family neighborhoods and waterpark: Surfside Neighborhood · Category 6 Waterpark
- Youth and teen programs: Youth Programs · Social 020
- Sample itineraries and homeports: Icon from Miami · Icon from Miami · Star from Port Canaveral
