Skip to main content

Star of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas — Familiar Vibes, Fresh Twists

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas may be the sister ship to the record-breaking Icon of the Seas, but just like your sister she’s not just a carbon copy. The overall layout, neighborhood concept, and “wow factor” are the same but Star brings a few fresh spaces, new flavors, and upgraded experiences that make her stand out!

Dining:  Same Count, New Choices

Star of the Seas keeps the same number of dining venues as Icon, but swaps in some new flavors. The most notable change? The elegant Lincoln Park Supper Club replaces Icon’s Empire Supper Club. The theme shifts from 1920s New York to 1930s Chicago, with an immersive supper-club atmosphere, live entertainment, and a multi-course tasting menu.

The AquaDome Market, Royal Caribbean’s food hall, returns with a couple of fresh vendor changes, keeping things vibrant for returning guests. You’ll still find guest favorite specialty dining like Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, and Izumi, but the slight changes in menus and concepts give Star’s culinary lineup its own personality.

Entertainment: New Productions to Wow You

Star matches Icon’s over-the-top entertainment spaces! AquaTheater, ice arena, and state of the art main theater but debuts a brand new line up of shows.

  • In the Royal Theater, Back to the Future: The Musical makes its debut, blending 80’s nostalgia with high energy Broadway production value.
  • Torque (The Aqua Show) takes center stage. Just when you think Royal Caribbean has reached the peak of overwater acrobatics, they raise the bar yet again! Delivering jaw dropping stunts, high energy choreography, and edge of your seat excitement!
  • The ice arena debuts Sol- my personal favorite of all the ice shows on board Royals fleets! This breathtaking performance blends dazzling visuals, gravity defying stunts, and precision choreography into a truly unforgettable spectacle.
These shows replace Icon’s The Wizard of Oz, Starburst, and Aqua Action! So even if you’ve sailed Icon, you’ll have an entirely fresh lineup on Star!


Spaces:  Familiar Layout, Thoughtful Tweaks

Star’s eight neighborhood design mirrors Icon’s, but small adjustments make a big difference:

  • Surfside has expanded play areas and programming for older kids, making it even more appealing for families.
  • The Pearl, the massive kinetic art sculpture, gets upgraded lighting with multicolor rings for a more dynamic nighttime look. 
  • Star also adds an extra hot tub (Now 10 total) and reconfigures some lounging areas for better relaxation space and flow. 
The result is a ship that feels comfortably familiar but slightly enhanced perfect for those like me who loved Icon and want the same magic with a twist!

Bottom Line: Star of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas

If Icon of the Seas is your favorite film, Star of the Seas is the highly anticipated sequel. Same beloved setting, fresh plot twists, and enough surprises to keep you coming back for more from this Legend.

Reach out to All In Vacay today!  Get ready to sail away on Royal Caribbean!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Crafting Your Unforgettable Sober Honeymoon: Grown-Up Fun, Pampering & Immersion

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, commitment, and dreams coming true. As you look forward to that incredible chapter, you're likely envisioning a honeymoon that's just as personal and perfect. But what if your idea of "perfect" doesn't involve endless cocktails or a party scene? What if you dream of a getaway focused purely on connection, unique experiences, and grown-up fun, all without the pressure of drinking? You're not alone! Many couples are seeking honeymoons that offer deep immersion, pampering, and thrilling entertainment that creates its own natural high. And the good news is, these incredible experiences are abundant – you just need an expert to help you uncover them. Let's explore how your post-nuptial escape can be filled with unforgettable moments, tailored specifically for your definition of grown-up fun and relaxation. Theme Parks Reimagined: Grown-Up Fun, No Booze Necessary! Think Disney and Universal are just for kids? Think ag...

MGM Resorts: 10 Reasons to Book

For an unforgettable Las Vegas experience, MGM Resorts has it all — from luxury accommodations and top-tier entertainment to exceptional dining and more. Here are 10 reasons why MGM Resorts is the perfect choice for your next trip to Las Vegas: 1. 13 Resorts. 1 Destination. MGM Resorts boasts a portfolio of 13 diverse properties on the Las Vegas Strip, each offering a unique experience. From the sophisticated luxury of Bellagio to the tropical vibe at Mandalay Bay or the family-friendly atmosphere of Excalibur, there’s a perfect fit for every traveler. 2. Unforgettable Entertainment MGM Resorts is known for its exceptional entertainment, offering a range of experiences that are second to none. Your clients can catch top performances at the T-Mobile Arena or the MGM Grand Garden Arena, or enjoy intimate concerts at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. 3. Every Game. Every Thrill. Las Vegas is dubbed as the "Sports Capital of the World," and MGM Resorts has everything ...

4th of July at Walt Disney World

America’s story, Independence Day, is celebrated at Walt Disney World every year, with a grand display. Around the US, there are so many ways to celebrate the holiday. Some enjoy cookouts, some attend parades, and others go to Walt Disney World. Let’s see how we can celebrate Independence Day, or the 4th of July at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Disney’s Magic Kingdom and EPCOT have amazing firework displays for the 4th of July. Disney’s Magic Kingdom displays “Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” on both July 3rd and July 4th. The celebration kicks off at 9:20 pm and lights up the sky above Cinderella Castle. To continue the party, there are DJ parties throughout the park at Frontierland, Tomorrowland, and even the stage at Cinderella Castle from 7pm to 10pm. EPCOT also displays an amazing nighttime spectacular each night called “Luminous the Symphony of Us” each night. On July 4th, following the nightly performance, a July 4th-only edition of “Heartbeat of Freedo...