Star of the Seas Tips: 22 Insider Secrets

The gap between a good week on Star of the Seas and a great one is almost entirely knowledge. A handful of decisions, most of them made before you board, do the heavy lifting, and a few are specific to sailing out of Orlando on one of the newest ships afloat. This is a big machine: the second ship of Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, roughly 20 decks, eight neighborhoods, seven pools, and the largest waterpark at sea. Left to chance it can feel like chaos; planned even lightly it runs like a resort you already know. Here are the tips that matter most, grouped by when you will use them.

Before you sail

The pre-cruise weeks are when the best experiences are won or lost, because demand outstrips supply on a ship this new. Almost everything worth doing that can be reserved should be, and the people who wait until they are aboard spend the week settling for leftover times. Treat the Cruise Planner and the app as a to-do list you work through in the month before you sail, not something you open at the terminal.

• Download the Royal Caribbean app and complete online check-in the moment it opens, usually 30 to 45 days out, to grab an early boarding time.
• Reserve specialty dining and the headline shows, including Back to the Future: The Musical, well ahead; the prime slots vanish weeks before sailing.
• Watch the Cruise Planner for sales on drink and Wi-Fi packages rather than buying at the first price or waiting for onboard rates, which are usually the highest of all.
• Choose your cabin location deliberately; a quiet, well-placed room changes the whole trip, as our best cabins guide explains.
• If you are adding Orlando theme parks, book those tickets and any transfers early and build in a buffer day.
• Sort out your travel documents ahead of time; the ports on both the Eastern and Western itineraries are straightforward, but confirm your passport or approved ID against your exact sailing.

One more pre-cruise habit pays off repeatedly: check the Cruise Planner more than once. Prices for drink packages, internet, and excursions move around before departure, and Royal Caribbean will refund the difference if you cancel and rebook a cheaper rate before you sail. Buying early protects your spot; checking back protects your wallet. If you are still deciding which sailing suits you, the cruise guide lays out both routes side by side.

Embarkation day, done right

The first few hours set the tone, and a little strategy keeps you out of the longest lines of the whole week. Arrive at the time printed on your check-in, not two hours early; showing up before your window usually means standing in a terminal that is not ready for you. Once aboard, your cabin will not be available until early afternoon, so plan the first afternoon around everywhere else on the ship.

• Carry everything you will want for the first few hours, because checked bags can take until dinnertime to arrive at your door.
• Head straight for lunch away from the Windjammer buffet; the Surfside Eatery and the AquaDome Market food hall are far calmer at boarding.
• Walk the neighborhoods while they are empty so you learn the layout before the crowds settle in.
• Confirm your dining and show reservations in the app the moment you have signal, and grab any last open slots at the venues in person.
• Complete the muster drill early; on Icon-class ships it is a quick app-and-check-in process, and getting it done frees your evening.

The Orlando arrival plan

Star sails from Port Canaveral, about an hour from Orlando’s airport and the theme parks, and that geography is worth planning around. Fly in at least a day before your cruise so a delayed flight never costs you the ship, and choose a hotel with a port shuttle if you would rather not drive. If you are doing the parks first, treat the cruise as the relaxing back half of the trip and do not schedule a marathon park day the morning you sail. Cocoa Beach is close to the terminal too, if you want a quiet pre-cruise night by the water.

The cruise-and-parks combination is a real advantage of this home port, but it only works if you build the days in the right order. A tired, sunburned family stumbling onto the ship after a dawn-to-dusk park day starts the vacation already worn out. Put the high-energy park days first, keep the day before sailing loose, and let the ship be the recovery. Families weighing that balance will find a fuller breakdown in our Orlando family cruise guide.

Packing smart

A few packing habits save real hassle. Bring a carry-on with swimwear, medications, and a change of clothes, because your checked bags will not reach your cabin until the afternoon. Pack a refillable water bottle, a small power bank, and a couple of magnetic hooks, since cabin walls are steel and hooks free up space fast. Check the dress code for any formal nights so you are not caught out, and leave prohibited items like irons and extension cords at home to avoid having luggage held.

• Pack layers; the theaters, ice arena, and dining rooms run cold even when the pool decks are hot.
• Bring water shoes or sandals you do not mind getting wet for the Category 6 waterpark and the FlowRider.
• A lanyard for your SeaPass card keeps your account and room key easy to reach at the pool.
• Reef-safe sunscreen is smart for the Caribbean stops, and it is cheaper bought at home than aboard.
• Motion-sickness remedies belong in the carry-on, so they are on hand the first evening.

Getting around the ship

Think of Star in three vertical bands: the lower public decks with the promenade and theaters, the stateroom decks in the middle, and the fun decks up top with the pools and waterpark. Once that clicks, the ship shrinks. Learn the eight neighborhood names early, since all signage points to them, and use the stairs for one or two decks instead of waiting on crowded elevators. Central Park and the Royal Promenade are the two landmarks you will orient everything else around.

A little navigation vocabulary helps too. Chill Island holds the main pools, Thrill Island is the waterpark and thrill-ride zone, Surfside is the family corner, and The Hideaway is the adults-only pool with the party atmosphere. Knowing which neighborhood you want turns a confusing wall of signs into a simple direction to walk.

A dining-reservations strategy

Food is where a big ship rewards planning most, because the good tables and specialty seats are finite. Decide early how you want to eat: traditional set dining at the same time and table each night, or the flexible My Time approach you book day by day in the app. Either works, but committing to one beats improvising at 7 p.m. when everyone else is hungry.

• Book specialty venues like Chops Grille, Izumi, and the Lincoln Park Supper Club before you sail, then treat onboard availability as a bonus, not a plan.
• Reserve the Supper Club early in particular; its 1930s Chicago dinner-and-show format runs limited seatings and fills fast.
• Put your specialty dinners on sea days, when the Main Dining Room is at its busiest and you gain the most by escaping it.
• Keep your first night simple; the buffet or a food-hall stall is easier than fighting for a reservation while you are still finding your feet.
• Flag allergies and dietary needs in the app and again with your waiter on night one, so the kitchen can prepare ahead.

Dining like a regular

• The AquaDome Market food hall, with stalls like La Cocinita, Pig Out BBQ, and Mai Thai, plus Feta Mediterranean and Creme de la Crepes, is an underrated included option that most first-timers overlook.
• The Surfside Eatery is a quieter casual spot than the main buffet, especially for families with young kids.
• Breakfast in the Main Dining Room is calmer than the buffet on port mornings.
• If you love a venue, ask to rebook the same table and waiter for later in the week; the staff remember your preferences and the meals get better.
• Don’t overbook specialty dining; the included restaurants on Star are genuinely good, and three or four packed nights can start to feel like a chore.

Wi-Fi and staying connected

There is no free ship-wide Wi-Fi on Star; internet runs on paid plans, and the app is the hub for almost everything else. The good news is that the Royal Caribbean app works over the ship’s network without a paid plan for its core functions, so you can check the daily schedule, deck maps, dining reservations, and your onboard account without buying anything. Buy an internet package in advance if you truly need to stream or work, since onboard prices are the highest, and consider a single-device plan the family can hand around rather than one per person.

• Switch your phone to airplane mode with Wi-Fi on as you leave port, so you never trip an expensive roaming charge at sea.
• Use the app’s messaging to coordinate with your group; it works over the ship network and saves everyone a data plan.
• Download shows, music, and kids’ entertainment before you leave home so you are not paying to stream what you already own.

Saving money without missing out

A lot of the best of Star is already included, so the trick is controlling the extras. Decide before you board whether a drink package pays off for your habits, refill a water bottle rather than buying drinks all day, and be selective with specialty dining rather than booking a package you will not fully use. Photos, spa treatments, and casino play are where budgets quietly balloon, so set a number and track it in the app. Our what to expect guide breaks down what is included versus extra, but the principle is simple: spend on the two or three things you will remember, and skip the rest.

• Daily gratuities are added to your account automatically; budget for them up front so the end-of-cruise total is no surprise.
• The included dining across the Main Dining Room, Windjammer, Surfside Eatery, and the food hall is enough to eat well all week without a single extra charge.
• Book shore excursions independently in ports like Cozumel and San Juan where the town and beaches are easy to reach on your own, and save the ship’s tours for trickier stops.
• Skip the professional photo package unless you know you want it; individual prints or a smaller bundle usually cost less.
• Watch your SeaPass account in the app every couple of days so small charges never pile up unnoticed.

Beating the lines

The Category 6 waterpark is quietest early in the morning and during lunch; ride the six slides and the open free-fall drop then and skip the mid-afternoon crush. Get to headline shows a little early for the best seats even with a reservation, and hit the pools before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on sea days. Port days are the secret window: with most guests ashore, the ship’s top-deck attractions, the FlowRider, and Crown’s Edge are nearly empty for anyone staying aboard.

The same logic applies across the ship. Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, and the swim-up Swim & Tonic bar fill as the morning warms, so an early swim buys you room to move. Shows scheduled later in the week tend to have more open seats than the first sea-day performances, so if a headline slot is full, check the alternate nights.

Tips for families

Star is built for families, and the Surfside neighborhood is the anchor: a family-focused corner with a carousel, splash areas, and casual food that keeps young kids close to easy meals. Register children for Adventure Ocean, the kids club, early so their spots are set, and let older kids find the dedicated teen space on their own terms. Splashaway Bay handles the youngest swimmers while the bigger thrills wait up in Thrill Island.

• Set a daily meeting spot and time, since phones lose signal in port and the ship is far too big to search.
• Check the app for the kids club hours and any late-night care, then book those windows so a grown-up dinner is actually possible.
• Stagger the big days; a full waterpark afternoon leaves little kids wiped out, so alternate high-energy and calm.
• If you booked a family cabin, use its layout to your advantage; the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony sleeps up to six with real bunk beds and a split bathroom that eases the morning rush.

Health, seasickness, and staying well

An Icon-class ship this size is remarkably steady, but open ocean is open ocean, and the Eastern and Western routes both include full sea days. If you are prone to motion sickness, a midship cabin on a lower stateroom deck moves least, which is one more reason to choose location over a guarantee rate. Bring your remedy of choice, start it before you feel unwell rather than after, and spend time on deck watching the horizon when your stomach turns; it settles faster in fresh air than in a dim cabin.

• Wash and sanitize hands often, especially before eating; it is the best way to avoid the bug that occasionally circulates on any big ship.
• Pace the sun and alcohol on sea days; dehydration is what turns a great afternoon into an early night.
• Pack any prescriptions in your carry-on with a little extra in case a port day runs long.

Photos and memories

The ship is genuinely photogenic, and a few habits get you better pictures without paying for every professional print. Central Park in the early morning light and the AquaDome under its glass at sunset are the two standout backdrops most guests miss. The ship’s photographers stage shots at dinner and at gangways; smile, take the frame, and only buy the ones you love rather than a full package. Keep Sailor, the ship’s dog mascot, in mind for the kids’ photos.

Booking your next cruise onboard

If you find yourself loving the ship by mid-week, the onboard cruise sales desk is worth a visit. Booking a future sailing while you are aboard usually comes with perks like reduced deposits and onboard credit, and you can often hold a date without committing to a specific ship. Ask what the current offer includes, note whether the credit transfers to your travel agent, and take the paperwork home to compare. It is the one upsell on the ship that can actually save you money later.

End-of-cruise and disembarkation

The last morning goes smoothly when you prepare the night before. Settle any questions about your onboard account the evening prior, and decide between self-assist walk-off, where you carry your own bags and leave early, or putting luggage out the night before for a later, more relaxed departure. If you have a flight home, self-assist and a mid-morning or later departure out of Orlando’s airport give you the most comfortable buffer given the hour from Port Canaveral.

• Keep an outfit, your documents, and your phone charger out of the bags you set in the hall the last night.
• Fill out any required customs forms in advance so the morning is not a scramble.
• Do not book a same-day flight before late morning; disembarkation plus the drive to the airport eats the early hours.

A few more that regulars swear by

Beyond the big decisions, a handful of small habits make daily life aboard smoother:

• Check the next day’s schedule in the app each evening so you never miss a show, a sale, or a time change.
• Carry a little cash for port taxis and tips ashore, even though the ship itself is cashless.
• Use the stairs for short hops; they are faster than the elevators and quietly offset the buffet.
• Note the all-aboard time in each port and set a phone alarm; the ship does not wait.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming your cabin will be ready at boarding; it usually is not until early afternoon, so pack a carry-on with essentials.
• Booking a guarantee cabin when location matters, which can land you under a noisy pool deck or the AquaDome.
• Flying into Orlando the morning of the cruise; give yourself a buffer day.
• Trying to do everything; the ship is too big, so pick your priorities and leave room to wander.
• Waiting until you are aboard to book shows and dining, by which point the best times are gone.
• Missing the all-aboard time in port because a tour ran long; independent travelers should always leave a generous cushion.

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Get the complete Star of the Seas playbook

These are highlights from the pro-tips chapter of The Ultimate Guide to Sailing on Star of the Seas, which collects dozens more. It is part of the Ultimate Ship Guides series by Leo Sotropa, with clear action steps in every chapter so you board knowing the ship like a regular.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best tip for a first Star of the Seas cruise?

Plan the pre-cruise window. Completing check-in early and reserving dining and shows in the app before you sail removes almost every first-timer headache. Newcomers should also read our first-time cruiser guide.

How early should I arrive in Orlando before the cruise?

At least a day early. Star sails from Port Canaveral about an hour from Orlando’s airport, and a buffer day protects you against flight delays, especially if you are also visiting the theme parks.

How do you beat the lines on Star of the Seas?

Time it. Ride the waterpark early or over lunch, hit pools before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., and use port days, when most guests are ashore, to enjoy the top-deck attractions nearly empty.

Is a drink package worth it on Star of the Seas?

It depends entirely on how much you drink across the day. Add up the coffees, sodas, and cocktails you would realistically buy, compare that to the daily package price, and only buy it if the math clearly favors it.

What should I book first on Star of the Seas?

Specialty dining and the headline shows, including Back to the Future: The Musical, followed by any CocoCay extras you want. These sell out first, so lock them in as soon as the Cruise Planner opens for your sailing.

Do I need to buy Wi-Fi on Star of the Seas?

Only if you want to browse, stream, or work. The Royal Caribbean app handles the schedule, deck maps, reservations, and your account over the ship’s network for free, so many guests skip a paid plan entirely. If you do want internet, buy it in advance, since onboard prices are the highest.

How do I avoid seasickness on Star of the Seas?

The ship is very stable, but a midship cabin on a lower stateroom deck moves least on the sea days. Bring a remedy, start it before symptoms appear, stay hydrated, and get out on deck to watch the horizon if your stomach turns.