I Took My Daughter on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas — Here’s What It’s Really Like for Families

I still remember my first Disney cruise like it was yesterday — Donald Duck tucking me into bed felt like pure magic, a memory I’ll never forget. But as a parent, I was hesitant at the idea of taking my own little ones on a cruise. Could a cruise really offer the variety I love in a vacation, or would we be bored after the first couple of days? Would our cabin feel cramped? Would my daughter actually want to go to the kids club, and would it be safe? Would the food be more than just “meh”? And most importantly, would there be enough for both the kids and the adults to enjoy?

When Royal Caribbean’s PR team invited me to experience their newest ship, Star of the Seas (the largest cruise ship in the world!), I knew I couldn’t pass up the chance. Plus, my daughter was all in the second she saw the giant Category 6 Waterpark, the largest at sea, with its bold twisting slides on top of the ship. NGL, I was too!

First Impressions

From the moment we stepped on the ship, we were like kids in a candy store, which is fitting since you can actually stop by Sugar Beach on the 8th floor and scoop up an entire bag of sweets or grab a soft serve ice cream to go from one of the many Sprinkles poolside locations on board (the ultimate treat!). The ship was bigger and more vibrant than I could have imagined. My six-year-old daughter’s eyes instantly lit up as she exclaimed, “Whoa!” She was torn between hopping on the colorful carousel at Surfside or plunging straight into the splash pad at Splashaway Bay, a multi-level waterpark featuring mini-slides, water cannons, a large drench bucket and a shallow pool with an ocean view to cool off in for the little kids (there’s a dedicated splash areas for babies in swim diapers too). She did have a bit of a meltdown when she realized she was only 47 inches tall though — just one inch shy of being able to ride the big waterslides up top — which was a slight disappointment and something to keep in mind if you’re planning your cruise for when the kids can do all the things.

Family Fun by Neighborhood: Your Guide to the Ship

The Star of the Seas is massive, with more to see, do, and savor than we could possibly fit into our whirlwind three-night getaway. Here’s a quick breakdown of everything there is to enjoy on board, including our personal favorites in each of the distinct neighborhoods. 

Surfside: The Perfect Place For Littles

My daughter and I spent the majority of our time in Surfside, which boasts kid-friendly faves for babies, toddlers and early elementary-school kids, including a carousel, arcade, splash pad, pool and easy grab-and-go dining chocked full of kid-friendly faves like chicken tenders, burgers and pasta. There’s even a bar by the pool here with surprisingly tasty cocktails for the parents and super fun mocktails for the kids, including my daughter’s fave: A mermaid-themed pink lemonade drink in a clear bag complete with Swedish fish inside. Chairs are set up everywhere for parents to relax while the kids splash. You can even grab a lounger in the pool overlooking the ocean. This area never felt too crowded, so we didn’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn just to claim a spot.

Central Park: Where Adults Can Dine & Unwind

Central Park, a stunning, five-story-high open-air oasis bursting with lush greenery, live music and vibrant plants, is where you want to go after dropping the kids off at the kids’ club, though my daughter also enjoyed strolling through here with me in the evenings. You’ll find upscale shopping and dining, including surprisingly delicious specialty restaurants (for an extra cost) like Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Chops Grille and Lincoln Park Supper Club. You can also grab a glass of bubbly at Bubbles, a walk-up sparkling wine bar, or sit down outside for a cocktail. While we only ate at a specialty restaurant one night, I’d imagine if my husband had been on board with me, we’d have booked many more nights out and put all three of our kids at Adventure Ocean, the ship’s dedicated kids’ club.

Thrill Island: High-Energy Fun For The Big Kids and Kids at Heart

Thrill Island definitely lives up to its name. We didn’t spend as much time here as either of us would have liked since my daughter was an inch too short to hit any of the six waterslides, which boast a strict height requirement of 48 inches (and yes, they will take your child’s shoes and hat off to measure), we still found things to enjoy. We climbed Adrenaline Peak, the ship’s rock climbing wall, which is perfect for bigger kids not quite tall enough for the slides, as anyone six and up can give it a try. There’s also laser tag, mini golf, a surf simulator and a sports court where you can play pickleball, soccer, basketball or volleyball — my eight-year-old sports-obsessed son would have lived here (and for the daily scheduled competitions and pick-up games). Myself? I dared to do Crown’s Edge, the ship’s adrenaline-pumping sky-high ropes course, which had me dangling 154 feet above the ocean! 

Chill Island: Poolside Bliss

This multi-deck neighborhood is where you can enjoy all the fun in the sun your heart desires at one of four pools, including a swim-up bar. We found these pools to be more crowded (and a little less exciting for a six-year-old) compared to the family pool at Surfside, so we didn’t spend much time here. It was, however, a great spot to grab a chair (there were plenty facing the ocean unoccupied) and read a book while you sunbathe and your kid plays at kids’ club.

Royal Promenade: Shopping, Bites and Entertainment

Whether you’re craving a coffee from Starbucks (an upcharge but necessary), a slice from Sorrento’s, or a quick grab-and-go sandwich, salad and pastry from Pearl Café because you’re over the endless chicken fingers at Surfside, the Royal Promenade delivers with a bustling, upscale “mall at sea” vibe. After hours, there are plenty of bars to hit, including the popular Dueling Pianos, and these decks are also home to the ship’s casino if you’re looking to gamble after the kiddos hit the hay or live it up at Adventure Ocean.

The Hideaway: An Escape Just for Adults (ages 18+)

Since this was a mommy-and-me excursion, I didn’t get to fully experience The Hideaway, which boasts a beautiful suspended infinity pool (the first ever at sea), but this pool was always popping! It’s basically a beach club on a boat, complete with a DJ, wraparound bar and stunning ocean views. 

AquaDome: An Entertainment & Dining Hub with Food Options for the Whole Family

Perched at the very top of the ship, the AquaDome is hands-down my favorite spot for both food and entertainment. The AquaTheater steals the show with Torque, a jaw-dropping water spectacular that feels like Cirque du Soleil on water — complete with insane stunts and an epic soundtrack — under a stunning glass dome and a 55-foot waterfall cascading from the ceiling, all with sweeping ocean views. Just steps away, the AquaDome Market is an all-inclusive, walk-up food hall featuring five unique stations with the most delicious and diverse food options, from BBQ to Thai and Mediterranean, so everyone can get what they want without a fight.

How’s The Food on Star of the Seas?

Overall, the food was pretty much what you’d expect on a cruise ship, but the specialty restaurants and the AquaDome Market global food hall, especially the BBQ, really impressed me. I also loved that there were so many included dining options, 17 in total, which gave us a ton of variety throughout the trip. With kids, the convenience is hard to beat. There are always kid-friendly favorites like chicken tenders, pizza, burgers, pasta, ice cream and plenty of desserts right at your fingertips in Surfside and Chill Island, as well as healthier, ready-made salads and sandwiches to grab and go at Pearl Cafe for the parents.

With so many complimentary restaurants on board, the specialty dining package isn’t essential, but it’s definitely worth considering if you’re a foodie. Kids ages 6–12 can enjoy specialty dining for just $14.99, while little ones five and under eat free. For the best (note: most peaceful and enjoyable) experience, I’d suggest booking a reservation for the adults and taking advantage of Adventure Ocean for the kids. Prices for specialty dining will vary based on sail date. 

Inside Star of the Seas Staterooms: What to Expect

Though I haven’t stepped foot on a cruise ship in almost twenty years, I was honestly blown away by our ocean room balcony stateroom on Star of the Seas. It felt more like a chic modern hotel room than a typical cramped cruise cabin. The bed was comfortable, and there was plenty of storage space for our clothes. The bathroom was compact but thoughtfully designed (and super clean!) with a shower big enough to hop in with a little one to wash their hair. The balcony was spacious enough for two to relax, enjoy a drink or simply take in the views.

The Entertainment

One of the biggest surprises on Star of the Seas was just how incredible the entertainment was. We caught several shows (all included in the cruise fare), and both Torque, the aqua show, and Sol, the ice-skating show, were absolute highlights for me and my six-year-old. My daughter loved Torque so much that we returned a second time to snag a seat, as our first attempt had us standing since we arrived too late. (Pro tip: arrive about 45 minutes early when doors open if you want a guaranteed seat.) The music, the choreography, the energy — everything was honestly out of this world and absolutely worth seeing.

Adventure Ocean: The Ultimate Kids’ Club at Sea

My daughter loves a good kids’ club, and while she never actually stayed here during our trip because we were too busy enjoying girl time, this place is a true paradise for children ages 3-12, and even babies starting at six months. There are separate rooms for little ones (ages 6-36 months), toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-5) and bigger kids (ages 6-12). 

The space for the big kids was definitely the most impressive, with multiple cool rooms to choose from based on their interests, including a theater, art and creative studio and a huge space to play games and sports for active tweens. The best part? It’s all included for kids 3+ and only $6 per hour (rates subject to change) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and $8 per child per hour from 6 p.m. onward. 

Adventure Ocean’s typical hours are 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 2 p.m.–5 p.m. and 7 p.m.–10 p.m. on sea days, though they can vary when in port to accommodate excursions. After-hours care, dubbed the Late Night Party Zone, is available after 10 PM for an hourly fee (starting at $8 per hour, which isn’t bad at all!) and typically runs until 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. An added bonus: kids receive a waterproof wristband that syncs with the Royal Caribbean app, letting parents track their location on the ship. I can see this being especially handy for families with older kids (ages 9–12) who want a little freedom, while parents still enjoy peace of mind.

Star of the Seas Height and Age requirements: Which Rides and Activities Can My Kids Do?

• Category 6 Waterpark and Thrill Waterpark on Perfect Day at CocoCay: If your little one is under 48” like my daughter, you’ll likely spend most of your time in Surfside at the splash pad and pool. There’s a smaller slide here that she really enjoyed, but if your child is just under the height requirement, you may want to wait to book until they can experience all the big slides at the Category 6 waterpark on the top deck. However, it’s worth noting that she was able to do a lot of the slides at the Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay, an included stop on the itinerary that offers plenty of options for younger kids taller than 42”. Depending on the season and sail dates, tickets for the Thrill Waterpark can be expensive, but my daughter was obsessed with the slides, pool with an obstacle course and wave pool here.
• Adrenaline Peak: There’s no specific height requirement to rock climb on the ship, but kids must be at least six years old.
• FlowRider: Kids need to be at least 52 inches to boogie board and 58 inches to catch a wave.
• Crown’s Edge: This aerial adventure course is such an adrenaline rush! Participants must be 49–83 inches tall, 44–297 pounds and at least six years old. The Crown’s Edge experience costs $89.99.
• Laser Tag: Kids must be at least five years old and 40” to play.
• Escape Room: Open to guests ages 12 and up. Pricing for the escape room starts at $40 per person.

Perfect Day at CocoCay With Kids

If you were to ask my daughter, our stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, was nothing short of perfect. We spent 90% of our time at the Thrill Waterpark, where we plunged down daring slides (there are plenty with a 42” height requirement!) and braved the wave pool, which was a huge hit with my six-year-old. 

We also made our way over to the beach to swim (chairs weren’t hard to come by, which was great), hit a couple of splash pads and munched on the free fruit and cookies. The food itself wasn’t anything to write home about, but since it’s all included and easy to grab on the go, it was convenient enough to keep us fueled.

For families, Perfect Day at CocoCay really shines. My daughter, who was too small for the slides on board, found the waterpark to be a game-changer. She got to ride big slides she wouldn’t have been able to on the ship, making the stop completely worth it for us (though you might skip the added expense if your kids are tall enough for the ship’s slides). The lines were nearly non-existent at 8 a.m. but do get longer as the day goes on — that said, the most we ever waited was about 35 minutes. Little ones five and under will have plenty of fun at the complimentary splash pads, since the larger attractions aren’t suitable for them.

If you’re looking to snorkel or simply relax by the ocean with a book and a cocktail in hand, the island offers plenty of opportunities to unwind as well.

How Much Does Star of the Seas Cost?

Here’s a quick look at the current starting prices for families, depending on the stateroom type. Rates can shift depending on the time of year, so be sure to check here for the latest deals and promotions. It’s not cheap, as far as cruises go, but for what you get (and with it being a brand new ship), I think it’s an excellent deal.

• Interior: Starting at $1,247 per person.
• Ocean View: Starting at $1,368 per person.
• Balcony: Starting at $1,528 per person.
• Suite: Starting at $5,913 per person.

What I Loved

• There was always something to do, from family bingo and mini golf, to water play, slides and jaw-dropping shows.
• The staterooms were comfortable, stylish and surprisingly spacious.
• 17 complimentary dining options, including grab-and-go bites, made mealtime effortless. 
• Top-notch entertainment that blew me away and wowed my daughter.
• Complimentary childcare at Adventure Ocean until 10 PM (the coolest kids’ club your little ones will be begging to go to). They also give your child a watch that allows parents to track where they are on the ship via the app at all times, which is awesome.
• Non-stop water fun with pools, hot tubs, water slides and splash pads.
• The smart elevators made getting around so easy. You just tap your floor on iPad, and it groups you with others headed the same way. I never had to wait long, and it felt way more efficient than a regular elevator system. Bonus: my daughter LOVED it!

What I Didn’t Like

• The shows, particularly Torque, can get pretty crowded so you need to arrive when the doors open (about 45 minutes before showtime) to ensure you get a seat.
• The food was hit or miss at certain spots.
• The pools, aside from Surfside, tend to get pretty crowded and feel a bit too small for a ship this size.
• All the extras can add up, like specialty dining, the Thrill Waterpark on CocoCay, beverage packages and more.

My Final Thoughts: Is Star of the Seas Worth It?

If a luxe, all-inclusive getaway is your idea of a good time, then Star of the Seas will be a dream come true. With endless activities, wow-worthy entertainment and daring water slides, kids will be pumped, and parents will be equally impressed by everything the ship has to offer. I loved how easily accessible entertainment and dining options were at any time, and the evening shows were truly exceptional — perfect for the whole family to enjoy together. And if you want a little adult time, Adventure Ocean has your kids covered, giving you the chance to relax with cocktails or an elevated meal without worrying about your kids causing a scene. The ease of it all and having fun at your fingertips at all times honestly can’t be beat. I was never a cruise kinda gal, but I’m already looking forward to my next one because with kids it’s basically the easiest vacation ever.