Star of the Seas: Size, Features, Itinerary & Family Tips

There’s something about a brand-new cruise ship that makes even seasoned travelers stop and look. Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class vessel, promises everything a family vacation could need — but how much of that is real, and how much is brochure gloss? This guide breaks down what families should know, from the ship’s size and homeport to the peculiar “Washy Washy” tradition and the foods you might want to skip at the buffet.

Operator: Royal Caribbean International ·
Class: Icon-class ·
Homeport: Port Canaveral, Florida ·
Year Launched: 2025 ·
Tagline: The World’s Best Family Vacation

Is Star of the Seas the biggest boat?

It’s a natural question: when you hear about a new cruise ship, you assume it must be the biggest. With Star of the Seas, that assumption needs a check.

Size comparison with Icon of the Seas

• Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas are both Royal Caribbean Icon‑class sister ships with nearly identical core layouts (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• Icon of the Seas debuted first and holds the title of the world’s largest cruise ship (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• Cruise publications describe Star of the Seas as a near‑twin of Icon, with only modest differences in venue themes and artwork (Cruise Critic (cruise review platform)).

Tonnage and dimensions

• Exact tonnage and length for Star of the Seas have not been officially released, but as an Icon‑class ship it is expected to be similar to Icon of the Seas (Cruise Fever (cruise news site)).
• Both ships feature 8 neighborhoods and 7 pools on Icon; Star of the Seas reportedly has 10 hot tubs compared to Icon’s 9 (Cruise Fever (cruise news site)).

Capacity figures

• Passenger capacity for Star of the Seas is not yet confirmed, but Icon of the Seas can carry over 7,600 guests at maximum occupancy (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• Star of the Seas will likely have a similar double‑occupancy count, though the final number remains unconfirmed (Cruise Critic (cruise review platform)).

Bottom line: Star of the Seas is the second Icon‑class ship, not the world’s largest. Families who want the biggest ship should book Icon of the Seas; those who prefer a slightly newer, less crowded alternative may find Star of the Seas more appealing.

What is special about Star of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean markets Star of the Seas as “The World’s Best Family Vacation” — a bold claim that the ship backs with a few notable enhancements over its predecessor.

Family‑friendly amenities

• The Surfside neighborhood, designed for families with young children, gets a broader age focus on Star of the Seas, making it more appealing for families with kids up to pre‑teen (Eat Sleep Cruise (independent cruise blog)).
• Both ships include Category 6, a massive waterpark, and multiple pools (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• Star of the Seas features upgraded lighting technology in The Pearl, a central kinetic art‑and‑light installation (Cruise Fever (cruise news site)).

Thrills and entertainment

• Star of the Seas retains the same thrill rides found on Icon, including water slides, a FlowRider surf simulator, and a rock‑climbing wall (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• Cruise Critic reports that Star of the Seas swaps some Icon‑specific artwork details, including different figurines and themed sculptures (Cruise Critic (cruise review platform)).

Dining options

• The ship includes a broad range of complimentary and specialty restaurants, echoing Icon’s lineup (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• Some dining venues have been tweaked — for example, the buffet layout may differ slightly to improve flow (Eat Sleep Cruise (independent cruise blog)).

Bottom line: Star of the Seas is special because it refines the Icon‑class blueprint — especially the Surfside area for families with slightly older kids — without reinventing the wheel. Repeat Icon cruisers will find familiar thrills with a fresher feel.

Where is Star of the Seas leaving from?

The ship’s homeport is a key logistical detail for families planning their 2025 vacation.

Homeport Port Canaveral

• Star of the Seas sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, while Icon of the Seas is based in Miami (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• Port Canaveral is a major cruise hub near Orlando, offering easy access to theme parks and beaches (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).

Itineraries for 2025‑2026

• Initial itineraries focus on Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations, including stops at Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• Specific 2026 itineraries have not been published, but the ship is expected to continue Caribbean routes (Royal Caribbean Blog (fan-run community)).

Booking and departure details

• Bookings opened in early 2025 for summer departures (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• Prices vary by cabin type and sailing date, but are comparable to Icon of the Seas according to fare analysis (Royal Caribbean Blog (fan-run community)).

What does washy washy mean on a cruise ship?

If you’ve never cruised before, the phrase “Washy Washy” might sound like a children’s song. On Royal Caribbean ships, it’s a beloved crew member’s daily ritual.

Origin of the phrase

• “Washy Washy” is the cheerful greeting used by crew members stationed at the entrance of the buffet to encourage hand‑washing (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• The tradition began on earlier Royal Caribbean ships and has become a signature part of the onboard culture (Eat Sleep Cruise (independent cruise blog)).

Role of the Washy Washy crew member

• Washy Washy crew members sing, clap, and use catchy phrases to make hand‑hygiene fun for kids and adults (Royal Caribbean Blog (fan-run community)).
• One cruise enthusiast noted, “Washy Washy is the most popular person on Star of the Seas, maybe because they make getting clean feel like a party.” (Royal Caribbean Blog (fan-run community))

Cruise hygiene culture

• The practice is part of Royal Caribbean’s broader norovirus prevention protocols (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• Passengers are expected to sanitize hands before every buffet visit; Washy Washy makes the process feel welcoming rather than obligatory (Eat Sleep Cruise (independent cruise blog)).

“Washy Washy is the most popular person on Star of the Seas, maybe because they make getting clean feel like a party.”

— Cruise enthusiast, via Royal Caribbean Blog

Bottom line: Washy Washy is the crew member who makes hand‑washing a highlight of the day. For parents worried about cruise ship germs, it’s a surprisingly effective — and entertaining — hygiene boost.

What are the five foods to avoid on a cruise?

Buffets can be a minefield of food‑safety issues. Here’s what experienced cruisers suggest you skip — and why.

Scrambled eggs and buffet risks

• Scrambled eggs are often held in steam tables at unsafe temperatures, and may be undercooked or prepared with liquid eggs that can harbor bacteria (CDC (public health agency)).
• Independent cruise blogs warn that the eggs on the buffet line are among the highest‑risk items for foodborne illness (Eat Sleep Cruise (independent cruise blog)).

Other foods to skip

• Sushi and raw seafood: While delicious, raw fish on a buffet can be riskier than in a restaurant because of temperature abuse (CDC (public health agency)).
• Reheated pizza: Pizza left under heat lamps can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not kept hot enough (CDC (public health agency)).
• Unpeeled fruit: Fruit with edible skin may have been handled by many guests; opt for peeled options (CDC (public health agency)).
• Mayonnaise‑based salads: Potato salad, coleslaw, and egg salad can spoil quickly in warm environments (CDC (public health agency)).

Tips for safe eating

• Choose cooked‑to‑order items like omelets and grilled meats (Eat Sleep Cruise (independent cruise blog)).
• Wash your hands before entering the buffet — Washy Washy will help (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• If a dish looks or smells off, trust your instinct and skip it (CDC (public health agency)).

Royal Caribbean markets Star of the Seas as “The World’s Best Family Vacation.”

— Royal Caribbean International

Comparison: Star of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas

Three key differences, one pattern: Star of the Seas is a slightly refined version of the world’s largest cruise ship, not a revolution.

Bottom line: Star of the Seas is not a different ship — it’s Icon of the Seas with a new paint job, a different homeport, and a few subtle upgrades. Families who prefer a newer, less crowded vessel sailing from the Space Coast will get more value from Star of the Seas.

Specifications at a glance

Six items, one pattern: most specifications are shared with Icon of the Seas, with only minor tweaks.

Upsides and downsides

Timeline: Star of the Seas in service

• Summer 2025: Star of the Seas begins sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).
• 2025: Second Icon‑class cruise ship enters service for Royal Caribbean (Royal Caribbean International (official cruise line)).

What we know for sure — and what remains unclear

The pattern is clear: most of the ship’s features are well‑documented, but key numbers like passenger count and exact dimensions remain under wraps. That’s typical for a new build still in its pre‑maiden phase.

Summary: What this means for your family vacation

Star of the Seas is essentially a slightly improved copy of the world’s largest cruise ship, sailing from a more convenient Florida port for many families. The upgrades — notably the onboard Pearl lighting, extra hot tub, and retuned Surfside neighborhood — are real but incremental. For families in central Florida or the Space Coast, the choice is clear: book Star of the Seas for a fresh, less crowded take on the Icon‑class experience, or choose Icon of the Seas if size and Miami proximity matter more. Families should weigh the convenience of Port Canaveral against the bragging rights of sailing on the world’s largest ship.

Related reading

• Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
• Things to Do in Whangamata