Icon of the Seas was the biggest cruise ship in the world when she launched in January 2024, and in August 2025, she was joined by sister ship Star of the Seas.
These two cruise behemoths are absolutely packed with incredible features – but how do you know which to pick?
Icon and Star aren’t identical – so let’s take a look at how they compare.
Size
The final size of Star of the Seas is now confirmed – she comes in at 248,663 gross tons, exactly the same as Icon of the Seas. Royal Caribbean originally hinted she might be slightly larger at 250,800 GT, but both ships now officially share the title of world’s largest cruise ship.
Just like Icon, Star of the Seas carries 5,610 guests at double occupancy and around 2,350 crew, with space for up to 7,600 passengers when every berth is filled. That’s a lot of sun loungers to find!
In terms of dimensions, the two are practically identical – 20 decks in total, 18 open to guests, and stretching 1,196 feet (364 metres) from bow to stern.
While Royal Caribbean is famous for squeezing out an extra inch or two to claim “biggest ship in the world” bragging rights, this time they’ve confirmed that size wasn’t the goal. Star matches Icon in scale, focusing instead on fine-tuning the onboard experience rather than breaking another record.
Suggested read: Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships In The World
Neighborhoods
Both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are divided into themed Neighborhoods – each one designed to create a completely different vibe and purpose around the ship.
These areas remain largely the same across both vessels and include:
- The AquaDome – a stunning glass-topped space with casual dining and bars by day, and spectacular AquaTheater shows by night.
- Chill Island – the heart of poolside relaxation, with multiple swimming pools and lively bars.
- Thrill Island – packed with adrenaline-fuelled fun including the Category 6 waterpark, surf simulator, ropes course, and sports courts.
- The Hideaway – an adults-only haven featuring an infinity pool, whirlpools, and a vibrant bar scene.
- Surfside – the family-focused hub with kid-friendly dining, splash zones, and family staterooms.
- Royal Promenade – the bustling indoor street lined with restaurants, shops, and entertainment, including the signature ice rink.
- Central Park – a lush open-air space filled with thousands of real plants, plus boutique shops, bars, and restaurants.
- The Suite Neighborhood – an exclusive enclave for suite guests, complete with private dining, lounges, and a sun deck.
While the overall layout is the same, Star of the Seas introduces several smart upgrades based on feedback from Icon’s debut.
The biggest revamp is in Surfside, which now caters to kids up to age 10 (rather than just 0–6). Splashaway Bay and Playscape have been reimagined with new attractions for older children, while Water’s Edge – originally a parent chill zone – has been expanded to connect seamlessly with the family areas, making it more of a shared hangout space.
There are also smaller enhancements throughout the ship. The Royal Promenade’s Pearl now features more dynamic lighting effects, and the overall design of several Neighborhoods has been refined for smoother flow and improved comfort.
In short, Star of the Seas keeps everything people loved about Icon – but makes it just that little bit better.
Staterooms and suites
When it comes to accommodation, both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas offer a broad range of staterooms and suites to suit different budgets and preferences. The layout and categories remain largely the same, with options including:
- Interior Staterooms – the most affordable option, these cabins have no windows
- Ocean View Staterooms – slightly larger rooms with windoes that look out to sea
- Balcony Staterooms – including those facing Surfside or Central Park, and those with an ocean-facing balcony
- Infinite Ocean View Balconies – a newer design where the balcony seamlessly integrates into the room, similar to a floor-to-ceiling window that opens partially.
- Suites – including Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Owner’s Suites, and the top-tier Royal Loft Suites, each offering increasing levels of luxury and exclusive access to suite-only areas.
Suggested reads:
The core offering remains consistent, but there are a couple of notable changes for Star of the Seas.
We know that Royal Caribbean is going to test facial recognition stateroom doors on Star of the Seas.
This was an idea the cruise line had in play just before everything shut down in 2020, but it will be implemented in a small capacity on Star of the Seas.
The cruise line has confirmed it’s a pilot scheme and that only some staterooms will offer this – but it’ll be cool if it all works!
The other significant update is to the Ultimate Family Townhouse, the extravagant three-story suite designed for large families looking for the ultimate cruise experience.
The Ultimate Family Townhouse debuted on Icon of the Seas as the most expensive suite at sea, featuring an in-suite slide, a dedicated movie-viewing room, a karaoke machine, and a private “backyard” with a ping pong table, outdoor seating, and a white picket fence leading directly to Surfside.
On Star of the Seas, the Ultimate Family Townhouse keeps its epic three-storey layout but gets a subtle refresh, with updated décor and finishes inspired by guest feedback from Icon of the Seas. The core features – like the slide, private cinema, and direct Surfside access – all remain.
Restaurants
Once again, the majority of dining venues across both ships will remain unchanged and guests on both ships can enjoy a huge variety of casual and formal options.
While most of the dining line-up on Star of the Seas mirrors Icon’s favourites, there are a few standout upgrades. The all-new Lincoln Park Supper Club takes the vibe of Icon’s Empire Supper Club and gives it a Chicago twist – expect live jazz, themed cocktails, and a multi-course elevated dining journey.
The AquaDome Market also sees a refresh: three of its original food hall vendors have been swapped out in favour of bold new flavours like Thai, BBQ, and Latin street food, while keeping staple favourites.
Brand new on Star of the Seas, Pier 7 is a laid-back brunch spot right in the Surfside family neighbourhood. It’s all about California-style comfort food – think easy, shareable dishes the whole family will love, from pancakes and tacos to kid-friendly bites you’ll end up stealing yourself.
So yes – while the fundamentals stay the same, Star is dialling up the flavour and dining innovation.
Bars, lounges, activities & entertainment
Icon of the Seas has a great variety of bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink and relax, and so far the cruise line hasn’t announced any major changes to those.
So, guests on both ships can take their pick from popular bar spaces such as:
- The Lime and Coconut bars
- Swim & Tonic, the largest swim-up bar at sea
- Schooner Bar – a classical musical-themed bar
- Trellis Bar – a chilled spot in Central Park perfect for champagne
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
Plus loads, loads more!
Activities onboard are very similar too, including surf simulators, rock climbing, ice skating, karaoke, the casino, mini golf, the ropes course… the list feels endless!
One change, which may seem minor, but it’ll have a big impact, is the addition of one more hot tub on the outdoor deck near the AquaDome Market.
It was originally intended for Icon of the Seas but was removed from plans due to concerns over the water weight of the ship – but they found that Icon’s so far within acceptable margins that it can be reinstated for Star of the Seas. Even one extra hot tub will help during busy days when pool space is at a premium.
The biggest changes for activities will come in the redesigned Surfside as already covered, and in bigger changes to the kids’ clubs onboard.
The cruise line has said that nothing’s being removed compared to Icon, but Star will have more ‘analog play’ toys, instead of the heavy reliance on video games and other digital entertainment.
The teen spaces on Star of the Seas are being revamped to feel more grown-up – think chill meet-up zones before teens wander off to explore, with more activities scattered across the ship. Royal Caribbean has confirmed that Social 020 (the 13–17 lounge) returns, offering a dedicated hangout with music, games, films, and an outdoor patio.
Entertainment is also shaking things up. Back to the Future: The Musical is now the headline show on Star (replacing The Wizard of Oz from Icon), complete with staging, effects, and a 16-piece orchestra!
Legendary Back to the Future co-writer Bob Gale even praised the onboard production, calling it “terrific.”
Read more: Great Scott! Audition Call For Popular Musical To Be Staged On Star Of The Seas
Ultimately, you’ll have a hard time managing to tick off even half of the activities and entertainment on each ship during your cruise – there’s just so much.
What a shame that it just means you’ll need to book another one…
Itineraries
In terms of the itineraries being offered by both ships, they are almost identical. Both are sailing 7-night cruises to both the eastern and western parts of the Caribbean, with tips to the private resorts of Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.
The key difference is the departure ports, with Icon sailing from Miami and Star sailing from Port Canaveral.
That matters, because Royal Caribbean wants to position Star of the Seas as a sort of alternative option to the theme parks close to Port Canaveral – a rival for Universal and Disney, essentially.
And even if it’s not clashing, it’s an option to capitalise on the family holidays in the region, with people having the chance to spend a week ashore at the big parks either before or after they cruise.
Final Word
There’s no way that you can definitively say that either Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas is better than the other because they are probably 95% the same ship.
And with the differences, it’s often subjective. If you’re travelling with younger kids under 6 then they might prefer Surfside on Icon, while families with kids aged 7-10 may love the newer one on Star.
You’ll have a very similar experience onboard both ships, so just see which dates and itineraries work best for you – unless you’re someone who absolutely must see either Wizard of Oz or Back to the Future when you’re onboard!
Get Help Booking Your Family Cruise
Cruise Family are the only UK specialists in cruises for families of 5+ (and smaller ones too!)
Let them find your perfect trip…
Related posts
- Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas
- Star of the Seas vs Utopia of the Seas
- Star of the Seas Vs MSC World America
