Royal Caribbean has a fleet of ships that includes some fantastic mid-sized options, but they’re definitely more famous for their biggest, newest ships. And they are huge.
The two newest are among the biggest in the fleet. Utopia of the Seas launched in July 2024 as the latest in the Oasis-class, while Star of the Seas is the second Icon-class ship, launching in August 2025.
But how do the two ships compare? And is one better than the other? Let’s take a look.
Size
Which is the biggest?
Of the two ships, Star of the Seas is bigger – by around 6%, if you measure it by gross tonnage (which isn’t weight, but is a measure of the internal volume of the ship).
Star has two extra passenger decks, and a higher capacity for guests and crew too. So she’s bigger in every way, really.
Utopia is still one of the biggest ships in the world – she was number 2 (behind Icon of the Seas) until Star’s launch bumped her down to third in the list.
Royal Caribbean does have plans to build another Oasis-class ship too, so the cruise line isn’t just focussed on building newer Icon-class ships as the biggest ever.
| Feature | Star of the Seas | Utopia of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 250,800 | 236,857 |
| Length (feet) | 1,198 | 1,188 |
| Width (feet) | 217 | 210 |
| Total decks | 20 | 18 |
| Passenger decks | 18 | 16 |
| Maximum guest capacity | 7,600 | 6,988 |
| Crew capacity | 2,350 | 2,300 |
Neighborhoods
Ever since the launch of the Oasis-class of ship, Royal Caribbean has split its biggest ships up into different ‘neighborhoods’. These are themed areas of the ships that group features together, so that you can easily find your way around. Very useful considering how big they are!
Both Utopia and Star of the Seas have 8 neighborhoods, but they aren’t all the same. Some are, so let’s look at those first:
These Neighborhoods are on both ships…
1. Central Park
All of the Oasis-class and Icon-class ships have a Central Park, which is a real park space in the middle of the ship that’s open air, and has live trees, shrubs and other plants to enjoy. It also has a range of bars and dining venues (with lovely views of the park…) and you can enjoy live entertainment too.
Star’s is designed as an enhanced park, with the description saying that it is “lusher and livelier”, though both are very similar in reality.
2. Royal Promenade
The Royal Promenade is a bustling hub lined with shops, bars, and restaurants – one of the key social areas of the ship.
On Star of the Seas, just like on Icon, it’s been upgraded with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, giving it a more open and airy feel compared to the enclosed design on Utopia.
3. Suite Neighbourhood
Exclusively for suite guests, the Suite Neighborhood is a private retreat featuring its own pool, sun deck, and exclusive dining options. It’s designed as a peaceful escape from the busier areas of the ship, offering a more refined and intimate experience for those staying in suites.
These Neighborhoods are on Utopia of the Seas (but not on Star of the Seas)…
1. Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is inspired by classic seaside promenades, packed with family-friendly attractions like an arcade, a sports bar, and a candy store. It’s a vibrant, high-energy space that’s been a favourite on Oasis-class ships.
2. Entertainment Place
This neighbourhood is all about live performances and nightlife. It’s where you’ll find the ship’s main theatre, comedy club, casino, and even an ice skating rink. Whether you want to catch a Broadway-style show, try your luck at the tables, or watch an ice-skating spectacular, this is the place to be.
3. Pool & Sports Zone
This one’s pretty self-explanatory – it’s home to Utopia of the Seas’ pools, hot tubs, and sports court. Whether you’re looking to cool off, lounge in the sun, or get active, this is the go-to neighbourhood for water fun and outdoor games.
4. Youth Zone
A dedicated space for kids and teens, the Youth Zone houses the kids’ club, teen club, and yet another arcade. If you’re cruising with younger guests, this is the place where they’ll likely be spending a lot of time.
5. Vitality Spa & Fitness
For those who love to relax and recharge, the Vitality Spa & Fitness neighbourhood is where you’ll find the spa, salon, and fitness centre. Whether you fancy a massage, a fresh new look, or a workout, this area has everything you need to stay refreshed at sea.
These Neighborhoods are on Star of the Seas (but not on Utopia of the Seas)…
1. AquaDome
One of the most eye-catching features on Star of the Seas is the incredible dome-like structure perched right at the top of the ship – this is the AquaDome. It’s not just there to look cool – this space is a true multi-purpose venue that transforms depending on the time of day.
During the day, it’s a serene hideaway, complete with its own waterfall feature and chilled-out vibes. But when the sun goes down, things really start to liven up. The area comes to life with bars, restaurants, and live performances, making it one of the go-to spots for a fun night onboard.
It’s also home to the next-gen AquaTheater – a reimagined version of the classic venue that Oasis-class ships like Utopia are known for. On Star, it’s been seriously upgraded, with state-of-the-art tech, lighting effects, and immersive elements that push the boundaries of what you’d expect from a show at sea.
2. Chill Island
Chill Island is one of the most laid-back spots on Star of the Seas, and it’s where you’ll find four of the ship’s seven pools. The vibe here is exactly what the name promises – easy-going, sun-soaked, and super chill.
There’s a bit of everything: a swim-up bar if you fancy a drink without leaving the water, an adults-only pool for a quieter dip, and no fewer than four Lime & Coconut bars dotted around, serving up those tropical cocktails all day long.
3. Surfside
One of the standout new neighbourhoods on Star of the Seas is Surfside – a space that’s been specially designed for young families. It’s full of colour, energy, and fun, and there’s loads here to keep both kids and parents happy.
You’ve got Splashaway Bay for the little ones to make a splash, plus the kids’ and teens’ clubs, an arcade, and even a carousel. Add in a bunch of family-friendly dining spots and you’ve got a neighbourhood that makes sure no one misses out on the fun.
Star of the Seas’ Surfside will be different to that on sister ship Icon, as it’ll have a slightly older target age range. On Icon of the Seas, Surfside’s aimed at kids aged 0-6, while Star of the Seas is designed for kids up to age 10.
4. The Hideaway
If Surfside is all about family fun, then The Hideaway is the polar opposite. Tucked away higher up on the ship, this adults-only spot is perfect if you’re after a bit of peace and quiet with a view.
It’s got a multi-level sun terrace for soaking up the rays, a few whirlpools to unwind in, and its own bar for laid-back drinks. But the real showstopper? The suspended infinity pool – the first of its kind at sea – offering epic views and serious chill vibes.
5. Thrill Island
Thrill Island is where you’ll get your adrenaline hit when cruising on Star of the Seas.
It has six waterslides and a ton of other exciting activities for you to try, including Crown’s Edge – part rope course, part skywalk, part thrill ride.
Staterooms and Suites
Whether you’re after a simple cabin to rest your head or something a bit more lavish, both Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas offer a huge range of accommodation options.
From budget-friendly inside staterooms to jaw-dropping multi-storey suites that can set you back £20,000+ per person, per week, there’s something for every kind of cruiser.
Now, while Utopia actually has more staterooms overall, Star of the Seas (like Icon) can welcome more guests, thanks to a greater number of family suites and high-occupancy rooms.
As a result, Star can carry roughly 600 more passengers than her Oasis-class sister.
Ultimate Family Accommodation
If you’re cruising with the whole crew and want to go all-out (and you don’t care about budget), the Ultimate Family accommodation on these ships is pretty hard to top.
On Utopia of the Seas, you’ve got the Ultimate Family Suite – a fantastic two-level space packed with kid-friendly features, from in-room games to a slide that goes from the bedroom down into the lounge. There’s also a spacious balcony, ideal for chilling out as a family.
But Star of the Seas takes it up another notch with the Ultimate Family Townhouse.
It’s spread over three levels, includes the signature indoor slide, and adds a charming little private outdoor area – complete with a white picket fence – that opens right into the Surfside neighbourhood. It’s like having your own holiday home on the ship!
Exclusive to Star of the Seas
There are several stateroom types you’ll only find on Star (and Icon), giving guests a few more choices that aren’t available on Utopia.
These include:
- Inside Plus – a fresh take on the classic interior stateroom, featuring a solid wall between the bed and bathroom for a bit more privacy.
- Surfside Family Suites – positioned close to all the action in Surfside, these have dedicated kid-friendly nooks and are great for families who want to be near the pool and play areas.
- Panoramic Ocean View rooms – located inside the AquaDome, these rooms offer floor-to-ceiling views that seriously impress.
- Family Infinity Balcony Staterooms – designed to sleep three, four, five or more, these are ideal for larger families who want a bit more space plus a balcony you can open or close with the touch of a button.
Restaurants
Star of the Seas features a lot of the same dining venues as you’ll find on Utopia of the Seas, but there are some differences too.
Regardless of which ship you choose, you certainly won’t struggle to find options that you like. There are loads!
These are the restaurants you’ll find on both ships:
- Main Dining Room
- Windjammer Buffet
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
- Chops Grille
- Chef’s Table/Celebration Table
- Hooked Seafood
- Sorrento’s
- Park Cafe
- Playmakers
- Coastal Kitchen (for Suite guests)
Utopia of the Seas restaurants
These are the venues that you won’t find on Star, but that you can enjoy on Utopia:
The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant and Bar
Think hearty Bayou classics, smoky BBQ, and a proper Southern brunch that’s not to be missed. Add in live country music and a warm, rustic setting, and you’ve got one of the cosiest (and tastiest) spots on the ship.
Royal Railway – Utopia Station
Royal Railway takes you back in time with a fully themed dining experience inside a train carriage. The windows are digital, showing an animated journey through the Wild West, and there are interactive moments during your meal that keep things fun (and unpredictable).
Vitality Cafe
Located near the spa, Vitality Cafe serves up smoothies, wraps, and healthy snacks – ideal for when you’re keeping things clean (or at least pretending to).
Solarium Bistro
Another solid choice for lighter bites, Solarium Bistro is your go-to for soups, salads, crepes and more, mostly during breakfast and lunch.
Cafe Promenade
Open 24/7, Café Promenade is the answer to every late-night snack craving or mid-afternoon pastry pitstop. Sandwiches, cakes, and coffee – plus great people-watching if you just want to sit and take in the vibe.
Boardwalk Dog House
Found in the Boardwalk neighbourhood (which is exclusive to Oasis-class ships), this quirky spot is like the first-ever food truck at sea. You can grab gourmet hot dogs with different toppings and styles – perfect for a quick bite on the go.
150 Central Park
A speciality dining gem, 150 Central Park offers a beautifully refined tasting menu of 6 to 8 courses. It’s elegant, it’s elevated, and totally worth it for a special night out.
Johnny Rockets
A fun, casual throwback, Johnny Rockets is back with its American diner classics – burgers, fries, and thick shakes included. If you’re in the mood for some nostalgia and comfort food, it’s always a hit.
Star of the Seas restaurant options
Here’s a look at the dining venues you’ll find on Star of the Seas, but not Utopia:
Lincoln Park Supper Club
This is Star of the Seas’ most luxurious dining experience – and it comes with a price tag to match. The Lincoln Park Supper Club oozes 1930s Chicago glamour, serving up 8-course dinners paired with crafted cocktails and curated music.
Expect dim lighting, jazz vibes, and a cover charge of around $200 per person. It’s a splurge, but for a truly over-the-top evening, it’s unmatched.
AquaDome Market
Inside the AquaDome, this food hall-style venue gives you a bunch of options all in one spot – perfect if your group can never agree on what to eat.
While it’s still TBC exactly what you can find in Star of the Seas’ AquaDome, these are the options on sister ship Icon:
- Crème de la Crêpe – Sweet and savoury crepes galore
- GNGR – Laid-back, Asian-inspired bites
- Feta Mediterranean – Fresh pitas and bowls
- Toast and Garden – Gourmet-style sandwiches
- Mac’s – A whole stall dedicated to mac-and-cheese with creative combos like pepperoni pizza mac or Cajun-inspired creole mac
It’s fast, fun, and perfect for grazing.
Surfside Eatery & Surfside Bites
Over in the Surfside neighbourhood, you’ll find two family-focused dining options:
Surfside Eatery is a casual buffet spot with all the kid-friendly classics, from chicken tenders to pasta, plus an ice cream machine that’s bound to be a hit
Surfside Bites offers a handy pick-up window for snacks on the go – think fries, popcorn chicken, donut holes, and other quick treats
Base Camp
Located in Thrill Island, this is your go-to for quick, satisfying bites between adventures. Think smash burgers, crispy shrimp bao buns, fried cheese curds and more – all perfect for grabbing something without straying far from the action.
Pearl Cafe
Open around the clock, Pearl Café offers freshly made sandwiches, pastries, and speciality coffees. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or something to munch on at midnight, this sleek café has you sorted.
Pier 7?
It still isn’t confirmed exactly what the last dining venue on Star of the Seas will be. We know that Royal Caribbean is potentially doing something different to Pier 7 which you’ll find on Icon of the Seas. Once more is revealed, I will let you know!
Bars, lounges, activities and entertainment
When it comes to bars and lounges, both Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas have you well and truly covered. Whether you’re after a tropical cocktail, a glass of bubbly, or somewhere to dance the night away, there’s no shortage of options.
Many of the classic Royal Caribbean favourites appear on both ships, including:
- The Lime & Coconut – bright, beachy bars by the pool (there are four on Star!),
- Boleros – a Latin-themed club with live music and mojitos galore, and
- The British pub – Bell & Barley on Utopia, Thorn & Thistle on Star, both offering draught beers, pub snacks, and sometimes a bit of live acoustic music.
But there are a few unique venues that you’ll only find on one ship or the other:
Utopia of the Seas bars
These are the bars that you won’t find on Star, but that you can enjoy on Utopia:
Pesky Parrot
A cheeky new addition for Utopia, Pesky Parrot is a Tiki-themed bar with serious island vibes. It’s all about tropical cocktails, frozen drinks, and fruity concoctions in a vibrant setting – ideal for holiday mode.
Rising Tide Bar
Returning from earlier Oasis-class ships, the Rising Tide Bar is part bar, part lift. You can sip your drink as it slowly glides between the Royal Promenade and Central Park decks – pretty cool if you like your cocktails with a view and movement.
Star of the Seas bars
These are the bars that you won’t find on Utopia, but that you can enjoy on Star:
Dueling Pianos
On Star, you’ll find the lively Dueling Pianos bar, where two pianists battle it out in an evening of musical fun. Expect everything from classic sing-alongs to impressive improvisations, all while you enjoy a cocktail or two. It’s got real night-out energy.
Bubbles
For something a bit more refined (or just a cheeky mid-morning mimosa), Star of the Seas offers Bubbles – a walk-up Champagne bar nestled in Central Park. It’s open all day, so you can swing by for a glass of fizz whenever the mood hits.
Activities & entertainment
Entertainment is huge on both Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, and no matter which ship you’re on, you’ll find all the Royal Caribbean staples – waterparks, live shows, the AquaTheater, casinos, arcades, kids clubs, and more. Basically, boredom isn’t an option.
Like her sister ship Icon, Star of the Seas goes all in on next-gen thrills. It has six waterslides – that’s double what you’ll get on Utopia – and these aren’t your average flumes.
We’re talking record-breaking, adrenaline-pumping slides that include a family raft slide (Icon’s was the first at sea, Star’s is the same design) and a drop slide where the floor literally disappears beneath you. Thrill Island really lives up to its name.
Then there’s the upgraded AquaTheater, now located inside the futuristic AquaDome. It features robotic arms, massive LED screens, and stunning lighting effects that take the shows to the next level.
While Utopia of the Seas doesn’t have many brand-new entertainment venues, it focuses on elevating fan favourites. The Ultimate Abyss dry slide is better than ever – the longest one Royal Caribbean has ever built.
And for those who prefer to float than fly, there are a whopping 10 swimming pools onboard, giving you plenty of choice when it comes to cooling off.
In terms of night-time entertainment, there’s one big difference between the ships.
Many Royal Caribbean ships have a Broadway-style musical show, but you won’t find one on Utopia. There’s still plenty of concerts and performances though, don’t worry.
Star of the Seas does have a show – and it’s a big name! Guests can enjoy Back To The Future: The Musical onboard. A lot of people are probably booking the ship just to see this show!
Itineraries
Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas belong to different ship classes, and so they do have different features onboard. But because both are such action-packed ships, the truth is that your decision on which to book is most likely to come down to itinerary.
Utopia of the Seas is all about short breaks. Barring rare one-off sailings, cruises last either 3 or 4 nights, all sailing out of Port Canaveral. You’ll almost always have a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay included, too, and cruises start at around £500 / $600 per person.
Star of the Seas’ sailings are almost exclusively 7 nights, and so itineraries are more varied. They still all depart from Port Canaveral and will almost always include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Expect cruises to start from around £1,200 / $1,600 per person.
The Best Ship?
There’s no easy, one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to picking between Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. Even though they share plenty of features, they’re designed with different vibes in mind.
Star of the Seas, just like Icon, is all about being the ultimate ship for families. You’ve got more family-friendly accommodation, purpose-built spaces like Surfside, and loads of dining venues and entertainment designed with kids – and parents – in mind.
On the other hand, Utopia of the Seas leans into its “World’s Biggest Weekend” branding. It’s ideal for quick, high-energy getaways with friends, couples, or older families who want non-stop action, great nightlife, and a familiar mix of Royal Caribbean’s greatest hits.
If you’re torn, the best advice? Check the itineraries, pricing, and travel dates – because honestly, you’re going to have an amazing time either way.
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- Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Ships Ranked From Best To Worst
- Icon Class Vs Oasis Class
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
