A complete, honest guide to the world’s largest cruise ship with shows, food, ports, and the calm corners that make the week feel effortless
Link: Full Video on YouTube
Trip at a glance
- Ship: Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas (Icon Class)
- Route: Port Canaveral to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Costa Maya, Roatán, Cozumel, plus two sea days
- Vibe: Theme park energy meets modern resort meets small floating city
- Who we are: Beau and Sean from Replicate the Magic. We travel, taste, and then recreate our favorite ideas back home for you to try.
First impressions
Star of the Seas feels like a design reply to every cruiser wish list. Eight neighborhoods create natural flow. Central Park breathes with real trees and birdsong. The AquaDome transforms from serene lookout to full theatrical spectacle. The Royal Promenade hums with music, parades, and people who always seem to be smiling.
This ship is very large, yet it rarely feels crowded. The neighborhoods spread guests across pools, lounges, and quiet nooks. If you want buzz, you will find it. If you want quiet, you will find that too.
Watch as you read: The article pairs with our full seven day vlog. Watch on YouTube for the sights, music, and show moments that words cannot capture.
Day by day highlights
Day 1. Boarding and Torque in the AquaDome
We arrive via Lyft from Orlando and step into the Royal Promenade. The Pearl draws the eye, then Central Park steals the heart. Dinner in the Main Dining Room is warm and easy. The night belongs to Torque. Water rises, platforms shift, divers fly, and two motorcycles loop inside a metal sphere while robotic arms move in time. It is a statement opener that says your vacation just began.
Day 2. Perfect Day at CocoCay and SOL on ice
The water at CocoCay is the color you dream about. There are chairs and shade when you need them and the Oasis Lagoon if you want the social scene. Back on board we slide through Category 6 while many guests remain ashore. The evening brings SOL in the Absolute Zero arena. Lighting and movement turn the rink into living art.
Day 3. Sea day rhythm and Back to the Future
Sea days reward wandering. Brunch in the Main Dining Room sets a relaxed pace. The afternoon is a loop of pools and people watching. Back to the Future: The Musical plays like a full Broadway production. After dinner we drift to karaoke and a late slice at Sorrento’s.
Day 4. Costa Maya reset
The pier area feels tired during our visit. Rather than push through, we choose a ship day. Snacks, shows, and quiet decks become the plan and it pays off.
Day 5. Roatán zipline and sunset
South Shore Adventures delivers a proper thrill with hand brake zip lines over jungle canopy. Sol y Mar Beach Club follows with calm water and umbrellas. Back on board, the AquaDome Market becomes a favorite with stalls for pad thai, barbecue, and made to order crêpes. Sail away paints the horizon and reminds you why people love the sea.
Day 6. Cozumel reef drift and parade magic
Fury Catamaran takes us to reefs where fish shimmer and a baby nurse shark rests in the sand. A private beach stop adds a soft landing. That night the Ocean Odyssey Parade fills the Promenade with color and oversized sea creatures that float past at eye level. It feels delightfully surreal.
Day 7. Snack crawl and an art hunt
We make a playful circuit of pretzel bites, churros, tater tots, and mini cakes. The Overlook offers horizon views and deep chairs. Cloud 17 feels breezy and bright. Central Park glows at golden hour. We wave to Sailor, the ship’s golden retriever, then stop to admire The Pearl one last time. Once you tune in, you notice how much art lives here.
Shows you should book
- Torque in the AquaDome
- SOL in Absolute Zero
- Back to the Future: The Musical in the Royal Theater
- Rotating headliners and comedy acts that round out the week
Tip: Make reservations before you sail and arrive early for comfortable sight lines.
Eating well on the included plan
We sailed the week with complimentary venues and never felt limited. Park Café handles quick bites and salads. Windjammer delivers broad choice with ocean views. El Loco Fresh covers tacos and salsas. AquaDome Market feels like a city food hall. Sorrento’s is the inevitable late night stop. Specialty restaurants are a nice extra for a future trip, not a requirement for a great week.
Dish to remember: Roasted Poblano Pepper Soup in the Main Dining Room. Creamy and lightly spicy. It is on our list to recreate for you.
Sweet ritual: Made to order crêpes at AquaDome Market. Thin, folded, and very easy to replicate at home with a simple pan and a toppings bar.
Calm corners on a very big ship
- Central Park at night feels quiet and romantic
- The Overlook offers horizon views above the bridge with cushioned chairs
- Cloud 17 and Hideaway bring breezy sun decks and fewer people
- Seven pools and nine hot tubs make it simple to find space
Practical notes
- Arrival: Fly into Orlando, stay the night, then ride to Port Canaveral in the morning
- Packing: A light layer helps during the ice show, water shoes help at reefs
- Planning: The Royal app manages reservations and daily schedules without fuss
- Filming and photos: Open decks shine at golden hour, Central Park rewards patience
Replicate‑Worthy moments
We look for experiences that inspire a project you can try at home. These made the cut.
- Towel animals in the stateroom. Daily joy and a skill we plan to learn and teach
- Crêpe counter at AquaDome Market. A dessert bar you can recreate in one shopping trip
- Roasted Poblano Pepper Soup. Comfort in a bowl and perfect for a cool evening
- Sorrento’s pizza night. A theme for a casual gathering with friends
Thrill stunts and zip line techniques are amazing to watch but not something we plan to recreate for safety reasons.
Our take
Star of the Seas feels like the future of cruising. The design invites you to explore, the programming rewards curiosity, and the ship offers both buzz and calm without much effort from you. If you want the newest hardware with thoughtful spaces and memorable shows, this ship delivers.
Watch the week come alive on YouTube
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Join the conversation
Would you sail on Star of the Seas? Which show or stop would top your list. Tell us your dream itinerary or your favorite Replicate‑Worthy cruise dish in the comments on YouTube.
