Key Takeaways
- Download the Royal Caribbean app and finish check in as soon as it opens. Book show times on day one. App help: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/when-can-i-check-in-with-the-app
- Surfside is home base for families. Category 6 Waterpark, AquaDome shows, and Chill Island pools are the headliners. Feature overviews: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/surfside-neighborhood · https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/category-six-waterpark · https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/aquadome
- Food is easy to find. Start with Pearl Café for 24 hour bites, Sorrento’s for late pizza, and AquaDome Market for variety. Venues: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/pearl-cafe · https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/sorrentos-pizza · https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/aquadome-market
- Most 7 night sailings include Perfect Day at CocoCay. Use our plan to budget your time. Island overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-destinations/perfect-day-at-cococay
- Pack swimsuits in your carry on and complete eMuster before sail away. Safety overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/what-is-muster-drill-on-a-cruise
Niko’s Note 🐾 Pick a family meetup bench in Surfside. It saves time when you split for slides, snacks, or shows.
Before You Sail… Fast Setup
- App check in Open the Royal app, scan passports, take photos, and pick an arrival time. Guide: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/when-can-i-check-in-with-the-app.
- Dining choice Pick My Time or Traditional dining in your booking, then adjust in the app on board.
- Shows Popular AquaDome and ice shows use reservations. Grab your preferred times on day one in the app.
- Wi Fi Decide if you want VOOM. Plan and FAQ: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/booked/cruise-ship-wifi.
- Kids and teens Review Adventure Ocean, Nursery, and Social 020. Overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/cruises-for-kids-and-teens.
- Perfect Day If you want Thrill Waterpark, Coco Beach Club, or Hideaway Beach, book early in the Cruise Planner. Island map: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-destinations/perfect-day-at-cococay.
Cabins… Quick Picks for First Timers
- Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony Flexible sleeping and a larger window space that converts to an open air balcony feel. Rooms page: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/star-of-the-seas/rooms.
- Surfside Family Suite Close to Splashaway Bay and Surfside dining.
- Ultimate Family Townhouse Three levels for big crews. Book early.
- Noise and motion basics Midship and lower decks move less. Avoid doors near service areas if you are a light sleeper.
Day by Day… One Simple 7 Day Plan
Every itinerary is a little different. Use this template and swap your ports.
Day 1… Embarkation
- Arrive within your selected time.
- Complete eMuster in the app, then scan at your assembly station.
- Lunch choices near the action
- Pearl Café grab and go
- AquaDome Market counters
- Park Café salads and paninis
- Reserve AquaDome and ice shows in the app.
- Register kids at Adventure Ocean.
More help: Embarkation Day… Quick Start Checklist · eMuster overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/what-is-muster-drill-on-a-cruise
Day 2… Sea Day One
- Morning Surfside splash time and a relaxed breakfast at Park Café.
- Midday Category 6 slides or Lost Dunes mini golf.
- Afternoon Pool time at Chill Island or a spa visit.
- Evening First big show in AquaDome.
Day 3… Port Day A
- Follow your excursion or DIY plan.
- Back on board 90 minutes before departure.
- Late snack at Pearl Café or Sorrento’s.
Day 4… Perfect Day at CocoCay
- Choose one headliner
- Thrill Waterpark
- Hideaway Beach for adults
- Coco Beach Club lunch and pool
- Use island trams early and late.
- Plan lunch at Snack Shack, Skipper’s Grill, or Chill Grill.
More help: Perfect Day at CocoCay… How to Plan Your Hours · Island map: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-destinations/perfect-day-at-cococay
Day 5… Sea Day Two
- Morning Ice skating at Absolute Zero if public sessions are listed.
- Midday Family time in Surfside.
- Evening Second big show or comedy night.
Day 6… Port Day B
- Explore, then return early for a pool hour and sunset on the Royal Promenade.
- Specialty dinner if you booked one.
Day 7… Sea Day Three
- Pack in the afternoon. Tag bags for pickup if you plan to check them.
- Final slides or a quiet walk through Central Park.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Book one specialty lunch on a sea day. It is calmer than dinner and frees up your evening for shows.
Food Strategy… Included First
- Pearl Café 24 hour grab and go. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/pearl-cafe
- AquaDome Market Five counters for mix and match meals. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/aquadome-market
- Sorrento’s Pizza Open late. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/sorrentos-pizza
- Park Café Salads, paninis, and the Royal Kümmelweck sandwich. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/park-cafe
- Surfside Eatery Family friendly and close to Splashaway Bay. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/surfside-eatery
Deep dive: Star for Foodies… Snacks, Late Night, Hidden Gems
Shows and Activities
- Reserve in the app AquaDome headliners and the ice show often require reservations.
- Category 6 Waterpark Included entry with height rules that vary by slide. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/category-six-waterpark
- FlowRider Try a bodyboard session or book a lesson. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/flowrider
- Lost Dunes mini golf Short family friendly course. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/lost-dunes
Deep dive: Star of the Seas Shows… How to Book, What to Skip
With Kids and Teens
- Nursery for 6 to 36 months.
- Adventure Ocean age based programs.
- Social 020 teen space.
- Surfside is the day base with splash areas and quick bites.
Deep dive: Star with Kids… Must Do Activities by Age
What to Pack in Your Carry On
- Passports and SetSail passes
- Medications and health items
- Swimsuits and flip flops
- Phones and chargers
- One sealed 750 ml wine per drinking age guest if you plan to bring it
- Small day bag for muster stop and lunch
Policy reminder: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/food-drink-onboard-policy
Disembarkation Morning
- Keep a day bag with documents, medications, and snacks.
- If you have early flights, consider self assist carry off.
- Verify your terminal and transport details the night before.
FAQ
Do I need reservations for shows Most AquaDome and ice shows use reservations in the app. Same day standby lines can work if you are flexible.
Is the waterpark an extra charge Entry is included. Height rules vary by slide. Check signs and the app for operating hours.
Is there food late at night Sorrento’s stays open late and Pearl Café is advertised as 24 hours. Confirm hours in the app for your sailing.
What if I have a stroller Compact strollers move best around Surfside and the Royal Promenade. Use elevators with patience during peak times.
Does the drink package work on the island Yes, the ship drink package works on Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Sources
- Ship 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
- App check in window and steps: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/when-can-i-check-in-with-the-app
- Muster drill and safety overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/what-is-muster-drill-on-a-cruise
- Kids and teens overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/cruises-for-kids-and-teens
- Category 6 Waterpark overview: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/category-six-waterpark
- Pearl Café, Sorrento’s, AquaDome Market, Park Café venues: https://www.royalcaribbeanincentives.com/ship/star-of-the-seas/dining/
- Perfect Day island overview and map: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-destinations/perfect-day-at-cococay
