If you're thinking about booking Star of the Seas, you're probably wondering whether the newest and largest cruise ship in the world is actually worth the excitement.

We recently sailed aboard Star of the Seas during its showcase sailing and naming ceremony, and before you spend thousands of dollars on your vacation, there are a few things every cruiser should know.

Some things impressed us immediately.

Others surprised us.

And a few things weren't what we expected at all.

Here's our honest review of Star of the Seas after embarkation day.

First Impressions: The Energy Starts Before You Board

Even before stepping inside the terminal, the excitement was obvious.

Guests were arriving early, taking photos, grabbing coffee, and eagerly waiting for their first look at Royal Caribbean's newest flagship.

One thing that immediately stood out was how smooth the arrival process felt.

Despite having a later boarding appointment, we arrived early and had no issues entering the terminal. Security moved efficiently, documents were checked quickly, and the overall process felt surprisingly organized considering the size of the ship.

For a vessel carrying thousands of passengers, embarkation felt far less stressful than we expected.

The Pearl Is Every Bit as Impressive as You've Heard

The moment you step onboard, your attention is immediately drawn to The Pearl.

Shared only with Icon of the Seas, this massive architectural centerpiece acts as the heart of the ship.

Photos simply don't do it justice.

It's one of those features that guests stop to photograph over and over again because of its size and design.

If you're sailing Star of the Seas, expect The Pearl to become your most photographed location before the cruise is over.

Don't Worry About Crowds

One of the biggest concerns people have about Star of the Seas is whether the ship feels overcrowded.

After our first day onboard, we found the opposite to be true.

Because the ship is so large, there are seating areas almost everywhere.

Whether we were exploring outdoor decks, relaxing in shaded areas, or walking through public spaces, there always seemed to be available seating.

Royal Caribbean has clearly learned a lot from previous ships and designed Star with crowd flow in mind.

If you're worried about constantly fighting for chairs or tables, that wasn't our experience at all.

El Loco Fresh Is Still One of the Best Complimentary Dining Options

Before heading to the Windjammer, we stopped by El Loco Fresh.

One thing we love is the grab-and-go setup.

Guests can quickly pick up items like quesadillas and other prepared options without waiting in long lines.

For travelers who want something quick between activities, it's one of the most convenient complimentary dining venues onboard.

Windjammer Was Better Than Expected

If you're planning to head straight to specialty dining on embarkation day, you may want to reconsider.

The Windjammer lunch buffet was loaded with options including:

• Lobster
• King crab legs
• Salmon
• Prime rib
• Mac and cheese
• Fresh vegetables
• Seafood stations

One tip we learned the hard way:

Don't stop at the first lobster station.

We discovered multiple lobster preparations throughout the buffet, including cold lobster, grilled lobster, and differently seasoned varieties.

Many guests grab the first option they see and miss some of the better selections located elsewhere in the buffet.

Our Interior Plus Cabin Surprised Us

We originally booked a guaranteed interior cabin.

When our assignment arrived, we were upgraded into an Interior Plus cabin.

The layout felt noticeably more spacious than a traditional inside cabin thanks to the separation between the sleeping area and workspace.

Highlights included:

• Multiple storage areas
• Separate seating space
• Large wardrobe
• Modern bathroom with glass shower door
• Plenty of shelving

For families or travelers spending extra time in the cabin, the layout worked surprisingly well.

The Elevators Deserve Their Own Section

This might sound strange, but Star of the Seas may have the best elevator system we've experienced on any cruise ship.

Even during embarkation, elevators arrived quickly and efficiently.

It's a small detail, but on a ship this large, it makes a significant difference throughout the cruise.

So, Who Is Star of the Seas Really For?

Based on our first day onboard, Star of the Seas seems ideal for:

✅ Families

✅ Multi-generational groups

✅ First-time cruisers

✅ Travelers who love entertainment

✅ Guests who want endless dining options

✅ Anyone who enjoys having space to spread out

However, travelers seeking a quiet, traditional cruise experience may prefer a smaller ship.

Our Early Verdict

After only a few hours onboard, Star of the Seas was already exceeding expectations.

The embarkation process was smooth, the public spaces felt massive without feeling crowded, the food options impressed us, and The Pearl remains one of the most stunning features we've seen on any cruise ship.

And this was only day one.

We'll continue updating this review as we experience the shows, dining, entertainment, and activities throughout the rest of our sailing.