I went on the world’s biggest cruise ship — here are 10 things I learned
Arriving at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Until a few weeks ago, the closest I’d been to a cruise experience was taking the cross-river ferry between Cobh and Passage West.
So when I was offered the travel experience of a lifetime, boarding a pre-maiden voyage on the biggest cruise ship in the world, I jumped at the chance.
Cruises have had a makeover, both literally and mentally, in recent years, thanks to social media.
Once considered a swanky excursion for older travellers, cruises are now a desirable holiday option for millennial and Gen Z tourists, and a growing choice for families.
The newest member of the Royal Caribbean family, Star of the Seas is certainly no golden oldies experience.
It’s more like a city than a ship, with so many entertainment options that it seems impossible any passenger could find themselves bored.
From the moment I boarded, I was like a sponge soaking up everything I could absorb about the experience. Here are 10 things I learned during my first time at sea.
From the moment the trip was booked, I constantly heard that Star of the Seas offers ‘The World’s Best Family Vacation’.
It was on posters, websites, all over TikTok (CruiseTok is a massive influence on holidayers, with all the major players on the app watching this ship like hawks).
It was parroted so much I started to think it must be an exaggeration — until I boarded at Port Canaveral and witnessed it for myself.
Star of the Seas is a playground for kids of all ages. The smallies can have their dream holiday in a dedicated area just for them in the Surfside neighbourhood, while older guests can experience extreme fun like Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea.
I was there with a friend and can easily say two women in their mid-30s will have a whale of a time sliding down waterslides and experiencing everything Thrill Island has to offer.
There’s a rock-climbing wall, mini golf, laser tag, along with seven pools and 10 whirlpools.
Sound exhausting? Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to chill out too, with swim-up bars, sun loungers, and a spa.
I highly recommend a cocktail in the suspended infinity pool at the adults-only area, The Hideaway, to watch the sun set on your first night. No better way to embrace cruise life.
And after the sun goes down, the ship comes alive.
There are bars, restaurants, karaoke spots to keep the party going, and, of course, themed nights.
Think white night at the Royal Promenade for a midnight balloon drop, or partying like it’s 1999 during a Y2K night.
If themes are not your thing, there’s no pressure to take part.
From what I saw on board, the ‘dress code’ is not strict and is generally centred around the Royal Promenade — so wear whatever you like when you go dining, drinking, or seeing shows.
As a huge musical theatre fan, I was tickled to see Back to the Future: The Musical on the entertainment line-up.
But this is no amateur production: the cast transferred to the ship from Broadway and the Royal Theatre is a massive stage, rivalling any major boards in New York or London.
Special effects, including that iconic DeLorean drive back in time, are jaw-dropping. Plus, it is a full show runtime, so no odd jumps or juxtapositions in the pacing, just a couple of hours of good music and acting.
If musicals aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other options.
In the AquaDome, you’ll gasp at dives during the water show, as performers jump 60 feet down during Torque, while over in Absolute Zero, ice skaters move in synchronicity during SOL.
Plus, you can enjoy duelling pianos in one bar, karaoke in another, or a comedy gig in the Attic.
Just remember to grab a fresh slice of Sorrento’s pizza on your way to bed as a nighttime treat.
Seasoned cruisers take this for granted, but many of my fellow novices on board were surprised to discover just how much food is included in a basic cruise package.
Obviously, no one will be left to starve on the high seas, but on top of a three-course dinner each evening in the main dining room, all guests can eat their fill at any number of buffets.
Perhaps it’s the Windjammer for breakfast, the AquaDome Market for second breakfast, elevenses at Pearl Café, Basecamp for lunch, afternoon tea in the Park Café, dinner in the main dining room, and supper at Sorrento’s.
And that still leaves many more complimentary eating options to explore on other days on the ship.
There are speciality restaurants too, that guests can experience for an additional fee.
The Lincoln Park Supper Club is an intriguing take on a 1930s Chicago night out, Chops Grille steakhouse is a firm favourite with cruisers while Izumi at the Park majors in sushi and teppanyaki theatrics.
Back to the included dining options, Mexican food from El Loco Fresh after a swim was one of my own highlights, while my travel companion, Sarah, is still dreaming of the gluten-free pizza made fresh for her on CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
As a coeliac, my pal, Sarah, was in gluten-free heaven on board.
Not only is there a dedicated gluten-free area in places like the Windjammer buffet, but chefs will also freshly prepare something for a guest with a food allergy or intolerance in a contaminant-free cooking station.
She enjoyed gluten-free curries with rice, Mexican tortillas, pizzas that looked just as tasty (if not more so) as the ‘regular’ ones I was enjoying, and some incredible crepes stuffed with fruit and Nutella, which she counts as her favourite dish of the trip.
With allergy concerns banished, having access to such a variety of gluten-free foods helped add to a relaxed holiday experience; the only thinking involved was what type of food we wanted to enjoy at any given moment.
As a cruise rookie, I always imagined that day trips in new places would be a highlight.
Our three-night media sailing had only one stop: the private island of CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Ahead of our visit, I didn’t know what to expect: would it feel manufactured and inauthentic, would a stop at a regular port be more interesting, do I even belong on a private island?
Using the Royal Caribbean app, we had booked our access to Hideaway Beach, an adults-only beach, pool, and bar area, and upon arrival, any doubts were dispelled.
Between sun lounger and swim-up pool, with the odd detour for a snack, the day was, in fact, too short.
Families too are well catered for, with fun water parks for all ages to enjoy, a great way to cool down under the hot Caribbean sun.
I very quickly got comfortable with a cocktail and my book, and the day passed in a dreamy blur by the beach.
While on CocoCay, we enjoyed a tour of the exclusive Coco Beach Club, a private area that guests can access for an additional fee.
This is very much where the other half holidays, I quickly learned.
Think White Lotus vibes, only without the dark underbelly (more along the lines of Parker Posey’s iconic phrase from the show, “I just don’t think, at this age, that I’m meant to live an uncomfortable life”).
Still not exclusive enough for you? You can also book your own private cabana or overwater cabana with a dedicated attendant, so your every whim is catered for.
We briefly had access to the private cabana that Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley had booked before he arrived to enjoy the facilities, and it is a slice of paradise.
The crystal-clear waters were inviting, with a lone stingray visible in the clear blue sea nearby — there are even stingray swimming excursions available to book for guests.
That uber-luxury experience is not only to be found on the island, mind. Back on board Star of the Seas, the suite life is calling.
Guests in these rooms have additional perks like a concierge service, priority boarding, and departure privileges.
For the best family holiday possible, the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, complete with energised dopamine decor, is a bucket list booking with a price tag to match.
There’s an in-suite slide to speed your way down a few floors, a massive wrap-around terrace with a hot tub, a private cinema room with popcorn machine, and direct access to the family neighbourhood Surfside from its private patio.
It sleeps eight people and costs an estimated $75,000 (€63,800) per week to book.
Star of the Seas has had a lot of names attached to it. Originally, the ship’s godmother was to be none other than the Queen of Motown, Diana Ross.
Sadly, it was confirmed during our trip that “due to unforeseen circumstances” Ross, 81, was unable to take up the mantle.
During the press briefing, Bayley instead confirmed the godmother would be astronaut Kellie Gerardi, an appropriate choice given its home port.
“We’re sailing out of Port Canaveral [an area known as the Space Coast, where many US spacecraft have been launched]. The ship is called Star of the Seas. This is another level of adventure and excitement; it’s just really super special. So why don’t we find someone who’s maybe an astronaut, someone who’s been to space — where a star is — and could really embody what Royal Caribbean’s doing in terms of adventure and excitement.”
This news was well received, but the room soon descended into chaos when a special guest’s arrival was announced: Sailor.
Sailor is a golden retriever puppy who works on board as Chief Dog Officer. I’d glimpsed the pup around the ship before this occasion, and it was akin to seeing a celebrity.
Luckily, all of this is central to Sailor’s role: she is a genuine staff member with her own sleeping quarters, and her jobs include greeting passengers, bringing joy, and making friends with the guests.
I can confirm she is extremely good at her job. She arrived with a wagging tail and every dog lover in the room — myself included — swooned.
No offence to Kellie, but there’s no denying Sailor is the real star of the seas.
After a whirlwind three nights on board, it was with a heavy heart that we disembarked at Port Canaveral once more.
We had found our sea legs, and were reluctant to give them up so soon.
Many of our friends had either been on cruises or wanted to try a cruise, so all the WhatsApp groups were hopping during our trip, everyone eager for updates from this state-of-the-art experience.
One way to soften the blow, I found, was to immediately start plotting a return.
While my next cruise is not confirmed quite yet, I have a friend group ready to book a trip once we find dates that are suitable for us all.
A cruise from the US is obviously attractive, but Royal Caribbean also sails in Europe, so that is very appealing, being much easier to access from Cork.
As it happens, we could experience a very similar sailing next year. Legend of the Seas is under construction and will be a sister ship to Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. It will also be the first Icon Class ship to sail in Europe.
Royal Caribbean will launch Legend of the Seas from Barcelona sailing the Mediterranean in summer 2026, so it’s just a quick flight for us from Cork.
Mediterranean sun and sea are already calling to us.
Seven-night Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day, from $1,223 per person (approx €1,050).
Seven-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day, from $1,278 per person (approx. €1,100).
All Star of the Sea sailings are out of Port Canaveral in Florida.
- royalcaribbean.com
- Denise was a guest of Royal Caribbean and flew from Dublin to Orlando with Aer Lingus.
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