Star of the Seas Vs. Icon of the Seas: What's the Difference?

Royal Caribbean's newest Icon-class giants, Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, both promise incredible vacations filled with adventure and relaxation.

But how do you pick your perfect match between these amazing sister ships?

Both Star of the Seas and the already sailing Icon of the Seas are part of the same groundbreaking Icon class. This means they're virtually identical in their enormous size, around 1,198 feet long and able to welcome up to 7,600 guests. Because they're so similar in scale, the real differences between Icon of the Seas vs Star of the Seas come down to the specific experiences and unique touches on each.

No matter which you choose, you'll get the fantastic Royal Caribbean experience: great service, amazing entertainment, and fun for everyone. Both ships offer exciting Caribbean itineraries, including visits to Royal Caribbean's popular private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas are members of Royal Caribbean's new Icon class of cruise ships, which share their grandeur and dedication to delivering the ultimate family holiday.

Keep in mind, Icon of the Seas sails from Miami, while Star of the Seas will depart from Port Canaveral (Orlando).

What makes Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas different?

While both Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas share the groundbreaking Icon-class DNA, several key differences make Star vs Icon of the Seas very different from each other.

Supper Club Experiences: One of the most anticipated variations comes in their exclusive Supper Club experiences. On Icon of the Seas, guests are transported to the glitz of 1920s New York at the Empire Supper Club. Star of the Seas, however, will offer a different flavor of vintage glamour with the Chicago-inspired Lincoln Park Supper Club.

The spotlight also shifts in their mainstage productions. Icon of the Seas features the beloved classic "The Wizard of Oz" as its can't-miss show, while Star of the Seas is set to dazzle audiences with the all-new "Back to the Future: The Musical."

For families, Star of the Seas is set to enhance its kids' programming by incorporating more tactile and interactive entertainment, such as ping pong and foosball, offering young cruisers engaging alternatives to screen time. Regarding innovative dining concepts, while both ships will feature the popular AquaDome Market food hall, the version aboard Star of the Seas will uniquely serve as a test kitchen for Royal Caribbean, where brand-new dishes will be trialed.

And in a heartwarming touch of Royal Caribbean charm, each vessel has its own Chief Dog Officer. While both are adorable golden retrievers ready to greet guests, they are different canine crew members, each with their own cute and unique personality, adding a special touch to life onboard.

Icon of the Seas Overview

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean International

In addition to its impressive pool and hot tub offerings, Icon of the Seas is structured around eight distinct neighborhoods, each designed to provide a unique onboard experience. Chill Island, for example, spans three decks and includes Royal Bay—the largest pool at sea—alongside adults-only retreats and a swim-up bar. For families, the Surfside neighborhood delivers an all-ages water experience with kid-friendly pools like Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, plus adjacent family dining options.

The ship’s entertainment features are equally robust, including Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea, and AquaTheater, which hosts high-diving shows and productions like The Wizard of Oz. While dining on Icon is diverse, featuring more than 20 venues from upscale eateries like Empire Supper Club to casual food hall concepts in AquaDome Market, its variety is slightly eclipsed by that of its sister ship.

Nonetheless, suite guests benefit from exclusive venues such as Coastal Kitchen and The Grove. With innovative attractions like Thrill Island—the largest waterpark at sea—and a full itinerary of Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings, Icon of the Seas offers a well-rounded blend of leisure, luxury, and family-focused amenities.

Star of the Seas Overview

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas are groundbreaking vessels in the Icon Class, each offering unique experiences tailored to different passenger preferences.

Star of the Seas elevates the cruise dining experience with over 40 food and beverage venues, including 26 complimentary restaurants. Notable additions are the Lincoln Park Supper Club, a 1930s Chicago-inspired venue featuring live jazz and multi-course meals, and an expanded AquaDome Market introducing new international food stalls. This extensive culinary variety positions Star as a haven for food enthusiasts.

Speaking of leisure, Star of the Seas boasts seven pools and ten hot tubs, including exclusive areas like the adults-only Hideaway with a suspended infinity pool and the Grove Suite Sun Deck for suite guests. The ship also features the Category 6 waterpark with six record-breaking slides and the Crown's Edge, an aerial adventure course offering thrilling ocean views.

Entertainment on Star is diverse, featuring the debut of Back to the Future: The Musical in the Royal Theater, the Pirates & Mermaids aqua show in the AquaTheater, and SOL in the Absolute Zero ice arena. Additional venues like The Attic Comedy Club and Dueling Pianos Bar provide varied nighttime entertainment options.

While both ships share the Icon Class's innovative design and amenities, Star of the Seas distinguishes itself with its expanded dining options, enhanced family-friendly features in the Surfside neighborhood, and exclusive entertainment offerings. These differences highlight Royal Caribbean's commitment to catering to diverse passenger tastes within its fleet.

Key Difference Between Icon of the Seas vs Star of the Seas

Star Power or Icon Status? Your Ultimate Star of the Seas Vs. Icon of the Seas Guide!

1. Ship Size and Layout

While the sheer size of these ships is imposing, there is a slight difference in their dimensions. Icon of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship, with a length of 1,196 feet and a width of 159 feet. Imagine three football fields long, four tractor-trailers wide, and as high as an 18-story building. Star of the Seas, one year younger, is a mirror image of its sister, matching the same class and layout.

In this respect, both ships have a neighborhood layout that disperses the crowds and creates an immersive experience for the passengers. This arrangement guarantees that, regardless of the large number of facilities, the cruise journey is spacious so that families can enjoy their time without being overwhelmed by the large number of people.

2. Number of Passengers

When considering double occupancy, the accommodation capacity of these sister ships correlates well, making the ships feel very exclusive to the passengers. The Space Ratio, the ratio between the tonnage of the ship and the number of passengers, is the same between the Icon of the Seas and the Star of the Seas. This thoughtful design ensures that guests can revel in the luxurious surroundings without feeling cramped.

3. Food and Restaurants

Culinary delights are an integral part of any cruise, and both ships offer a wide array of dining options to suit any taste. Icon of the Seas tempts the taste buds with 28 different dining sites, including Pier 7, Izumi in the Park, and Windjammer. Of these, 13 are free, and the rest are chargeable.

But the Star of the Seas raises the bar on the culinary experience with 28 more dining venues. It provides various options, from Pier 7 to Izumi Hibachi & Sushi. Remarkably, 26 of these restaurants are entirely free, giving the guests an ample selection of options. 100% more dining options than the Icon of the Seas make the Star of the Seas a food lover's dream.

4. Drinks and Cocktails

As for drinks, both ships serve the Coca-Cola family products to provide a reassuring and thirst-quenching array of soft drinks. Royal Caribbean ships also have Coke Freestyle machines, enabling guests to make more than 100 flavor combinations. A wide variety of bars in the Icon of the Seas and the Star of the Seas adds to the overall beverage experience.

5. Pools and Relaxation

A cruise is only complete with poolside relaxation, and both ships deliver. Icon of the Seas offers 7 pools and 9 hot tubs that accommodate different tastes. It is also worth noting that one pool and one hot tub are for adults only, thus creating a calm retreat from the vibrant environment. Likewise, the Star of the Seas offers a revitalizing experience with its many pools and hot tubs, although the specifics have yet to be revealed.

6. Activities and Entertainment

The Icon of the Seas and the Star of the Seas are equipped with numerous activities to ensure the passengers are entertained during the entire trip. The ships provide an adventure and family-friendly thrills for various interests. Interestingly, 80% of the activities on both ships appear in the cruise ticket so that the guests can take full advantage of their vacation without constantly opening their wallets.

7. Cruise Costs and Onboard Expenses

Royal Caribbean strives to serve a broad audience as a mass-market cruise ship. Both the Icon of the Seas and the Star of the Seas fall into the $100 - $350 per person per day price category. However, the cruise price varies due to the departure locations, the ports of call, and the season.

As for the onboard expenses, guests should expect to spend around 25 - 40% of the cruise fare on other amenities like spa services, specialty dining, drinks, and shore excursions. However, it should be noted that these costs make up a part of the cruise experience, enabling the passengers to personalize their holiday according to their needs.

8. Cabin & Staterooms

The Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas offer a wide range of cabin options, from budget-friendly interiors to luxurious suites, ensuring comfort for all travelers. Star of the Seas features 2,805 cabins and introduces 14 new categories, including the Panoramic Ocean View, Infinite Balcony, and family-friendly options like the Surfside Family Suite. The standout Ultimate Family Townhouse spans 1,772 square feet, sleeping up to eight, and includes a slide, private cinema, in-suite karaoke, and direct access to the Surfside neighborhood. Both ships use a neighborhood layout to distribute passengers evenly, enhancing comfort and space throughout the voyage.

9. Inclusions & Exclusions

Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas both include access to most dining venues, pools, shows, kids' programs, and the waterpark in their base fare. Complimentary restaurants like Pier 7 and the Main Dining Room are standard on both. However, Star offers 28 more dining options, many of which are specialty and come at an extra cost. Exclusions for both ships include alcohol, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, and gratuities. Suite guests on either ship enjoy exclusive perks like private sun decks and restaurants. While amenities are largely similar, Star edges ahead with more inclusive family and dining features.

Is Star of the Seas Bigger than Icon of the Seas?

With its boast of being the world's most giant cruise ship, Icon of the Seas promises an epic voyage. Meanwhile, the Star of the Seas, a sister ship born just one year later, takes center stage with its vast dining array. Ultimately, it is a preference between the most significant ship afloat and the opportunity for unmatched culinary experiences. Regardless of the ship you select, you can be confident that a Royal Caribbean cruise onboard the Icon of the Seas or the Star of the Seas is bound to become a treasured family memory. Bon voyage!

Between Star of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas: Which cruise is value for money?

When comparing Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas for value for money, the choice depends on what you prioritize. Icon of the Seas offers a balanced cruise experience with excellent pools, entertainment, and a well-rounded layout, making it a great option for first-time cruisers or those seeking a classic Royal Caribbean vacation. However, Star of the Seas delivers greater value for food enthusiasts and families, thanks to 28 additional dining venues, 14 new cabin types, and enhanced entertainment options like Back to the Future: The Musical. While base prices may be similar, Star provides more inclusions, especially for families and repeat cruisers looking for new experiences.

Also read | Wonder of the Seas Vs. Symphony of the Seas

Star of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas-Which one to choose?

Here's a comparison table to help you decide between Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas based on the type of holiday you're planning:

Conclusion

With its boast of being the world's most giant cruise ship, Icon of the Seas promises an epic voyage. Meanwhile, the Star of the Seas, a sister ship born just one year after, takes center stage with its vast dining array. Ultimately, it is a preference between the most significant ship afloat and the opportunity for unmatched culinary experiences. Regardless of the ship you select, you can be confident that a Royal Caribbean cruise onboard the Icon of the Seas or the Star of the Seas is bound to become a treasured family memory. Bon voyage!