Razzle Dazzle Becomes Ariya at Night on Valiant Lady

During the May dry dock, the Razzle Dazzle restaurant onboard Valiant Lady will be getting a makeover and will transform into Ariya. The restaurant’s menu was made in partnership with celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan, who you may have seen on Chopped and various other Food Network shows. Some of the dishes on the menu will be lamb shank biryani, Goan curried mussels, puffed rice & avocado chaat, and tandoori pistachio-crusted snapper.

The bar inside the venue will also get a makeover and use Indian flavors to create truly unique cocktails. Try the Maharani Morning with rose, cardamom, and sparkling wine or a Bangalore Old Fashioned with jaggery and cardamom. Each guest will also get a complimentary welcome beverage of jaljeera, a chilled blend of tamarind and cumin.

As for the space, the decor will be swapped out to something more inspired by the spice markets of India. Expect to see warm, layered wood tones and rich, textured grasscloth wallcoverings. Gone are the long communal tables that never really resonated with guests and instead more cozy alcoves and booths for intimate seating; the renders show a space that is almost unrecognizable from its previous incarnation.

North America’s First Indian-Inspired Sit-Down Restaurant at Sea

In North America, Indian cuisine has become increasingly popular in recent years. While several cruise ships have fast-casual style Indian food, or Indian stations at the buffet, Ariya will be the first proper sit-down Indian restaurant on a cruise ship (at least among the major North American cruise lines).

Indian cuisine is finally getting the global recognition it has always deserved and our Sailors get to experience it at its best, with Chef Maneet. The spice combinations alone will surprise people. That’s the goal: to make every Sailor at that table think, ‘I didn’t know food could do that,’” – Chef Levi Mezick, Senior Director of Culinary Program Development, Virgin Voyages.

Giving Different Choices Across the Fleet

When Virgin Voyages first launched, all their ships were nearly identical copies of each other apart from the art. This meant all the ships had the exact same dinner options. Unlike other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages doesn’t have any main dining rooms or extra-fee restaurants; guests book individual restaurants each night for dinner.

But over the past 5 years, repeat guests have indicated they’re getting a little tired of the same dinner options. While some of the restaurants had unique dishes, it was the same dining concepts on each ship.

When Virgin Voyages had the dry dock for Scarlet Lady, they transformed Razzle Dazzle into a new concept called Lucky Lotus. The restaurant features Chinese-inspired cuisine and drinks. Then, when Brilliant Lady launched, they took Razzle Dazzle and made it Rojo by Razzle Dazzle with a focus on Spanish foods and beverages.

During the day, the restaurants still serve the standard Razzle Dazzle lunch/dinner menus, but at night, the menu switches to the more original cuisine. The spaces also got a makeover, removing the busy and loud decor of the original Razzle Dazzle and giving it a more subdued yet elegant vibe.

My Take: Variety is the Spice of Life, but Will It Lead to More Seating Problems?

I’m really happy to see Virgin Voyages diversifying its restaurants and adding new options that are different across the fleet. It gives you a reason to try all the different ships in the fleet. With Indian food being very popular in England and gaining popularity in the US, it makes sense for Virgin to bring it to the ships; people already rave about the Indian options at The Galley that they have some days.

That said, I’m a bit concerned with how it will impact wait times and reservations for dinner. Virgin Voyages has struggled to accommodate everyone at dinner and trying to score reservations can feel like a free-for-all; something exacerbated even more by their new tiered pricing that differentiates how long before a cruise you can make your reservations.

While leadership has said they clearly have enough seats and tables for all their guests, that doesn’t take into account guest demand. The Test Kitchen, which is a very unique concept using innovative food and molecular gastronomy, isn’t for everyone and picky eaters shy away from the space. Similarly, Gunbae‘s shared tables and meat-heavy menu is not for everyone either.

While Indian food is popular, there are still many parts of the US where the cuisine hasn’t become popular yet, and it might be another restaurant some guests avoid, putting more pressure on the remaining venues.

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Times have changed, though. Guests no longer want shared tables; they want to be able to wear flip-flops to the main dining room, and the thought of spending 2+ hours at a meal would make them squirm. To keep up with the times and changing customer tastes, Carnival is rolling out a new dining option for really speedy dinner service.

Express Dining Option on Carnival Ships

For the past several months, Carnival has been testing “Express Dining,” an option that lets guests get in and out of the dining room in under an hour.

Our guests continue to tell us they value greater flexibility in how they spend their time on board, and Express Dining was designed with that in mind. Our pilot program generated positive feedback from our guests. With this in mind, we are excited to expand Express Dining to offer them the same high quality dishes and attentive service our dining rooms are known for, while giving guests the ability to use more of their time to enjoy all the other onboard fun.” -Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival indicated that the offerings in the “Express Dining” section will “mirror” the main dining room offerings, but will have a “slightly abbreviated selection.” Here is an example of the menu on two nights.

Express Dining is for “Your Time Dining” Only

Guests who want to try Express Dining must have selected “Your Time Dining” when booking their cruise. With Your Time Dining, you use the Carnival Hub app to “check in” when you’re ready to eat, and the phone puts you in the queue and lets you know when your table is ready.

Guests who have set-time, assigned dining (usually at 6 PM or 8:15 PM) will still have the same standard of service. That said, if you know you have a show at 9:30 you want to attend, just tell your waiter, and they can usually expedite your meal.

Also, Express Dining is only available to parties of 6 or fewer.

Carnival Ships With Express Dining

Express Dining is currently available on:

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista

It will roll across the rest of Carnival’s fleet by the end of May.

My Take: Faster Dining Is Great, but Not if the Experience Suffers

Having cruised for over 20 years, I remember the days of longer dinners with course after course of delicious food and top-notch service. But now, it’s mostly an appetizer, main entree, and dessert, which shouldn’t take 2 hours. In fact, it doesn’t on many cruise lines. For this blog, I time every meal I have. In the past 3 years, only 2 meals have lasted over 1 hour and 15 minutes, and both were on Carnival.

But Carnival has to be careful in their quest to be fast. Some of the earliest fond memories of cruising were having the same waiters every night who got to know you and chatted. It made cruising feel special. Carnival has to walk a fine line between offering faster service and still delivering on the experience. On my last sailing on Carnival Celebration, I used Any Time Dining, and on 3 nights, the waiters basically just dropped off food while rushing to the next table and never came back to check on us. If that’s what Express Dining is going to be, count me out.

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Like the other Icon Class vessels, Legend of the Seas will feature Category 6 Waterpark, the Dueling Pianos bar, and the breathtaking AquaDome. She will also include the cruise line’s food hall concept, AquaDome Market.

But Royal Caribbean is not simply repeating what worked on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. Once again, the cruise line is refreshing the lineup inside the food hall, continuing its strategy of giving each Icon Class ship its own personality.

New AquaDome Market Food Hall Offerings for Legend of the Seas

Located at the front of the ship just outside the AquaDome, AquaDome Market has quickly become one of the most popular casual dining venues on Icon Class ships. The venue benefits from its prime location near the theater, making it a natural stop before or after shows.

Everything here is made to order. Instead of traditional buffet trays, guests order from individual food stalls and receive freshly prepared dishes. It is also often open late, providing a welcome alternative to Sorrento’s for post show snacks.

On Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean debuted AquaDome Market with five concepts. On Star of the Seas, two of those returned while three new concepts were introduced. (See the other menus here)

Now, on Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is bringing back just one returning concept, adding four brand new food stalls, and introducing a juice and smoothie bar.

Here is the full lineup.

Creme De La Crepe (Returning)

One of the most popular stalls on the other Icon Class ships, Creme De La Crepe will return on Legend of the Seas.

This venue consistently draws long lines, serving sweet French crepes filled with fruit, chocolate, and other indulgent toppings. It has been a standout hit in the food hall, so its return is no surprise.

Seoulmate (New)

Korean cuisine has historically been underrepresented on many cruise ships, especially in complimentary venues. Royal Caribbean is addressing that with Seoulmate, which will serve Korean inspired rice bowls and flavorful dishes.

It is encouraging to see the cruise line continue expanding its global flavor offerings beyond the typical cruise staples.

Cajun Kitchen (New)

Cajun Kitchen will bring New Orleans style dishes like gumbo and other Louisiana favorites to the high seas.

Royal Caribbean has leaned into regional themed concepts on its newer ships, and this fits that approach perfectly. Bold flavors and comfort food tend to perform well at sea, particularly on longer itineraries.

Adobo (New)

Adobo will focus on Mexican street tacos.

At first glance, this may feel redundant since Legend of the Seas will also feature El Loco Fresh. However, based on descriptions, Adobo appears to emphasize more traditional Mexican flavors rather than the Tex Mex style typically associated with El Loco Fresh.

If the menus are clearly differentiated, this could offer more variety rather than overlap.

La Espanola (New)

La Espanola will serve Spanish style bites.

With Legend of the Seas scheduled to spend time sailing in the Mediterranean before repositioning to the United States, adding a Spanish inspired concept makes strategic sense.

Simply Pressed (New)

Simply Pressed is the new juice and smoothie station being added to AquaDome Market. It will feature fresh juices and smoothies and is likely replacing the small bar stand location seen in previous versions of the venue.

It is somewhat surprising given that Vitality Cafe already offers smoothies and juices just one deck below. However, placement near the AquaDome could make it a convenient option for guests attending shows or relaxing in the space.

My Take: A Strong Evolution of the Food Hall Concept

We recently discussed how food halls appear to be the future of casual dining at sea. They allow cruise lines to offer greater variety, fresher food, and more made to order options compared to traditional buffets.

I like that Royal Caribbean is refreshing the lineup for each Icon Class ship. It gives loyal cruisers a reason to try different sister ships rather than feeling like they are sailing the same experience repeatedly.

That said, I do question the addition of another taco venue and a second juice concept when similar options already exist onboard. On paper, it feels slightly redundant.

Overall though, this is another strong evolution of AquaDome Market. If Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are any indication, Legend of the Seas will once again deliver one of the best complimentary casual dining setups in the fleet.

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Thousands of people go through the area during one meal service, with food that can sit out for long periods, overcooking and drying out, utensils touched countless times, and long lines. In addition, with recent cutbacks from the cruise lines, the higher-quality items you might have seen at previous buffets, like carving stations with good cuts of roasted meats, seafood towers, and chocolate fountains, have been cut in favor of cheaper foods like breads, pastas, and carbs.

For many cruisers, the buffet has been a tradition. Midnight snacks, piling a plate high on embarkation day, grabbing something quick between pool time and trivia. But that tradition may be changing.

On more recent ships, though, some cruise lines have started moving away from the buffet as a staple dining option, and one line has eschewed it completely. What started as an experiment on a few new ships now appears to be a broader shift in how cruise lines think about casual dining at sea.

Alternate Fast Casual Dining Introduced

In the past decade or so, new ships have added new dining concepts to complement the buffet during peak meal times, lunch mostly, but sometimes breakfast. Most of these venues are considered fast casual: you place your order at a counter, it’s made to order, and then you pick it up and take it to your table.

You’ll see these venues on lots of ships. Carnival has fast casual venues, Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, on nearly all of its fleet, offering complimentary food without requiring a trip to the buffet. Royal Caribbean’s El Loco Fresh, which debuted in 2018 on Symphony of the Seas, is similar in concept, with made-to-order burritos, nachos, and tacos. Their Park Café on Oasis Class and Icon Class ships offers custom-made sandwiches, salads, and entrées.

These venues have a few benefits.

First, they’re usually not located in the buffet, meaning you can avoid the massive breakfast and lunch crowds by going to these venues. By spreading out the venues across the ships, the cruise lines are also spreading out the crowds.

They also offer fresher food, almost all of which is made to order or in small batches. Typically, restaurants use turbo ovens that can prepare food in just a few minutes, keeping lines moving while still delivering hot, fresh food.

Food Halls Are the New Trend

But now, food halls seem to be the new trend. A food hall is kind of a combination of the two different options above. You still have one place to try a variety of foods, like a buffet, but the food is made to order, so it’s usually fresher and higher quality. Menus are typically pretty varied and offer a diverse selection of cuisines to choose from.

Virgin Voyages Says No Buffet at All

Virgin Voyages was the first cruise line to completely get rid of the buffet concept in favor of a food hall. When it launched Scarlet Lady in 2020, their big marketing differentiator was that they didn’t have a buffet. Instead, they had The Galley, which offered 8 different concepts to try, all complimentary.

It’s located where the buffet would normally be on a cruise ship, on a higher deck with beautiful ocean views. It has a modern look with lots of metal, clean lines, and a very European feel. Here, guests can either go up to each counter to order or raise a flag at their table, and a server will take their order.

Norwegian Launched a Food Hall on Prima Class

Shortly after Virgin Voyages debuted the food hall concept, Norwegian introduced Indulge Food Hall on their newest class of ships, the Prima Class. Unlike Virgin, the food hall does not replace the buffet entirely, but it is an additional option for guests. Because of that, Norwegian chose to shrink the buffet considerably to one of the smallest in the Norwegian fleet, one of the biggest complaints of the Prima Class.

Indulge Food Hall is located a full 9 decks away from the buffet, effectively splitting crowds between the two. The space is rather large, but broken up with individual food stalls, some designed to look like food trucks. It’s a bit of a labyrinth to navigate, but for lunch and dinner, that’s not a problem because you don’t need to go to the individual stations. Instead, you find a table and use an electronic tablet to order. A server will then bring your food over. If you’re in a general seating area and not at a specific counter, you can order from all the venues at once, giving guests so many options for a single meal. It makes it much easier to try a wide variety of foods.

Depending on the ship, Indulge Food Hall can feature 8 to 10 restaurants, ranging from BBQ and Indian to a concept specializing in plant-based meals.

Indulge Food Hall was originally supposed to have some items for an additional charge, but that was changed before Norwegian Prima first launched. Instead, everything is complimentary except Starbucks and Coco’s on Norwegian Prima.

Royal Caribbean’s First Food Hall: AquaDome Market

Not one to miss out on a trend, Royal Caribbean decided to introduce a food hall concept when it debuted its newest class of ships, the Icon Class. Called the AquaDome Market, this food hall is much smaller than the previous two, only having 5 concepts. It’s located away from the buffet, on the same level but at the front of the ship, off the AquaDome, effectively splitting the crowds.

The stations at AquaDome Market depend on which ship you’re sailing, as each has some unique options. The most popular, or at least the stall with the longest lines, is Crème de la Crêpe, with made-to-order savory or sweet crêpes. You can also find Feta Mediterranean with fresh gyros or bowls, along with Asian, Latin, or Thai-inspired cuisines.

It’s not open for breakfast, but it is open pretty late, giving guests a nice alternative to late-night dining besides Sorrento’s and Pearl Café.

Margaritaville at Sea Embraces the Food Hall

More recently, Margaritaville at Sea has jumped onto the food hall bandwagon. What makes this move a bit surprising is that Margaritaville at Sea does not build new ships but instead buys older ships and completely refurbishes them. You’d think it would be cheaper to take a ship with a buffet and just stick with that, but on their upcoming ship, they’ve gotten rid of the traditional buffet for the High Tide Market.

Then, in January, they retrofitted their first ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, to get rid of the buffet and add High Tide Market. It features a variety of options like Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria, Mexican Cutie Cantina, Slice of Paradise Desserts, and License to Chill Sandwich Shack.

Why Do Cruise Lines Like Food Halls?

Cruise lines don’t jump on a trend just for the heck of it. There have to be reasons behind it.

One of the largest is cost savings. While a food hall can require more staff and more equipment, it can reduce food waste. You don’t have food sitting out for hours and having to be thrown away after a certain amount of time.

Also, portions are smaller. At a buffet, you can load up a plate with scoop after scoop of food, take it back to your table, and not eat it. At food halls, you’ll get a sandwich or a portion that is intended for an individual. You can always order more, but it takes away the impulse to just pile the food on.

Guests also prefer food halls because the food is fresher and the concept feels more innovative. Grabbing a spoon that hundreds of other people have touched and scooping out overcooked pasta onto a plate does not have the same appeal as a freshly plated dish handed directly to you. It also allows for some more interesting concepts. Some foods, like crêpes and salads, do not do well when left out premade.

Also, food halls are easier to implement because you only need one overall design to offer a wide variety of food. You don’t need specially designed logos, seating, or décor for each food concept, as you would for a standalone fast casual restaurant.

What Will We See on the Next Class of Ships?

Right now, we’re on the cusp of a huge cruise ship revolution. Within the next 5 years, nearly every cruise line will debut their new class of next-generation cruise ships like Carnival’s Ace Class or Royal Caribbean Discovery Class. These ships are being designed with current guest expectations and emerging trends in mind.

How will these new designs take food halls into account? Will they take away self-service buffets entirely or shrink them to accommodate a larger, more diverse food hall-style eatery? What kinds of food options might we see?

Celebrity Cruise Line is notably one of the biggest holdouts, with the buffet still a big part of breakfast and lunch on their ships. Will their new ships, which will debut as part of Project Nirvana, lean into this trend more?

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Carnival Cruise Line, in particular, has embraced this evolution by offering tailored menus for nearly every bar across its ships. This is especially notable considering that a single ship can feature anywhere from 10 to 15 bars.

Below, you will find bar menus from Carnival Cruise Line ships. Carnival has a robust beverage program and typically offers different drink selections at nearly every bar onboard, resulting in a wide variety of options. For drinks available at multiple venues, pricing remains consistent. For example, a Coors Light at the Atrium Bar will cost the same as a Coors Light at the Pool Bar. When reviewing prices, keep gratuities in mind. Carnival automatically adds a 20% gratuity to all beverage purchases.

2026 Update: Beginning in December 2025, Carnival started rolling out updated drink menus across the fleet. Most drinks saw a $0.25 price increase, which represents the smallest adjustment the cruise line has made in years.

Want to see just the menus for one ship?

Carnival Cruise Line Drink Menus

• Alchemy Bar Drink Menu
• Amari Bar Drink Menu
• Atrium Bar Drink Menu
• Bar 820 Drink Menu
• Bar Della Rosa
• Blue Iguana Tequila Bar
• Bonsai Sushi
• Brass Magnolia Bar Drink Menu
• Carnevale Bar & Lounge Drink Menu
• Casino Bar Menu
• ChiBang Drink Menu
• Cucina Del Capitano Cocktail and Wine List
• Dr Inks PHD
• Emeril’s Bistro 1396
• Fahrenheit 555 / Steakhouse Wine List and Cocktail Menu
• Fortune Teller Bar Drink Menu
• Frizzante Bar Drink Menu
• Golden Jubilee Bar Menu
• Golden Mermaid Bar Menu
• Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse Drink Menu
• Havana Bar Drink Menu
• Heroes Tribute Bar Menu
• Il Viaggio Drink Menu
• Java Blue Cafe Menu
• Latitudes Bar Menu
• Main Dining Room
• Marina Bar
• Night Club Cocktail Menu
• Ocean Plaza Bar Drink Menu
• Piano Bar 88 Drink Menu
• Punchliner Comedy Club Drink Menu
• RedFrog Pub
• RedFrog Rum Bar
• RedFrog Tiki Bar
• Rococo Bar
• Rudi’s Seagrill Drink Menu
• Serenity Bar
• SkyBox Sports Bar
• Tides Bar
• Watering Hole

Carnival Drink Package
Carnival has a drink package available called “Cheers.” It will cover most of the drinks you see below. You can read more about the program here: All You Need To Know About Carnival’s Cheers Package.

Is the drink package worth it for you? Figure out how much you’d save (or overpay) with our Drink Package Calculator.

Alchemy Bar Drink Menu

Alchemy Bar is Carnival’s signature high-end cocktail bar. It’s an excellent place for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Here, experienced bartenders whip up some delicious, hand-crafted cocktails. This bar is on almost every Carnival ship (except the Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze). Our favorite cocktails here are the Cucumber Sunrise and the Chipotle Pineapple Martini

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee January 2026.

Amari Bar Drink Menu

The Amari Bar is an elevated, Italian-themed cocktail bar currently only available on the Carnival Venezia. Amari Bar replaces the popular Alchemy Bar and but still features 5 of that bar’s more popular cocktails.

Menus are from Carnival Venezia February 2023.

Atrium Bar Drink Menu

This bar is available on most Carnival cruise ships. While it has different names, this menu is typically found at the bar in the ship’s lobby or atrium. You can also find this menu in most of the dining rooms.

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee January 2026.

Bar 820

Bar 820 is the indoor/outdoor bar located on the Carnival Celebration (it replaces the Bar Della Rosa on Mardi Gras). They specialize in cocktails with a distinct Miami twist and are made with Miami-sourced ingredients.

Menu is from Carnival Celebration September 2024.

Bar Della Rosa

Bar Della Rosa can be found exclusively on the Carnival Mardi Gras. It’s an inside/outside bar with Italian-themed cocktails.

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar Menu

The Blue Iguana Tequila Bar is a pool-side bar located by the Lido Pool on almost every Carnival ship except for the Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee, Firenze, and Venezia.

Menu is from January 2026.

Bonsai Sushi Cocktail Menu

Bonsai Sushi is the place to go if you’re looking for fresh sushi on a Carnival cruise. While you’re there, have one of these specialty cocktails. Unfortunately, cocktails are unavailable on Ecstasy, Elation, Freedom, and Miracle as they have a Bonsai Sushi Express, not a dedicated restaurant.

Menu is from the Carnival Horizon January 2025.

Brass Magnolia Bar Menu

Brass Magnolia is a New Orleans-themed themed bar located in the French Quarter Zone on the Carnival Mardi Gras.

Menu is from February 2026.

Carnevale Bar & Lounge Drink Menu

Carnevale Bar & Lounge replaces the Havana Bar found on the Vista-class ships. It’s inspired by the Carnevale di Venezia, an annual festival held in Venice. Guests will find live music and fine Italian wines and cocktails. It’s currently only available on the Carnival Venezia.

Casino Bar Drink Menu

The Casino Bar can currently be found on most Carnival ships except for the Horizon, Vista, and Panorama where they were removed (learn more here).

ChiBang Wine List and Cocktail Menu

ChiBang is an included specialty restaurant on the Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee. It serves Chinese and Mexican dishes, so you’ll see some interesting cocktail choices here. There restaurant does not have a stand-alone bar, so you have to dine here to order these cocktails.

Menu is from Carnival Celebration March 2025.

Coffee Bar Menu

Spirit and Dream Class Ships have a smaller, coffee bars using the menu below. Other Carnival ships have the more extensive Java Blue Cafe (see menu below).

Menu is from January 2026

Cucina del Capitano Cocktail and Wine List

Cucina del Capitano is Carnival’s signature Italian specialty restaurant. It’s available on many ships across the fleet (see here for full list).

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee February 2024.

Dr Ink’s PH D

This cleverly named bar serves unique underwater concoctions. You can find it in the Currents zone only on the Carnival Jubilee.

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee, January 2026

Emeril’s Bistro 1396 Drink Menu

Emerils Bistro 1396 is a quick-service restaurant located in the French Quarter of the Carnival Mardi Gras.

Fahrenheit 555 Wine List and Cocktail Menu

The steakhouse is a staple on almost every Carnival cruise ship. On the newer ships, it’s called Fahrenheit 555. On older ships, it may have a different name, like “David’s Steakhouse,” but the drink menus are similar. On Vista and Excel class ships, you can visit the bar even if you’re not dining at the Steakhouse.

Menu is from the Carnival Vista, January 2026.

Golden Jubilee Bar

The Golden Jubilee is a new bar that pays tribute to Carnival’s 50 years of sailing. It’s available exclusively on Carnival Celebration in the 820 Biscayne zone.

Golden Mermaid Bar

The Golden Mermaid is a new bar which features cocktails inspired by precious gemstones and metals are made with edible glitter, as well as drinks presented in pretty glassware and adorned with graceful garnishes for an elevated experience. It’s available exclusively on Carnival Jubilee in the Currents zone. It is located where the Brass Magnolia bar is on the Mardi Gras and Golden Jubilee on the Celebration.

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee, February 2026

Fortune Teller Bar

The Fortune Teller Bar is beautifully themed with some truly unique and out-of-this-world cocktails. It’s available exclusively on the Carnival Mardi Gras in the French Quarter zone.

Frizzante Bar Drink Menu

Frizzante is a new bar that specializes in bubble drinks and beverages on the Carnival Venezia. It’s located outside the new specialty restaurant and around the corner from the Gondola Lounge (Ocean Plaza on Vista-class ships). It offers bubbles, spritzes, and draft beers. Throughout the day, it also offer specialty coffees and biscotti. 

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse Drink Menu

This bar may be confusing because Carnival uses odd naming for their venues. While many ships have “Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ,” few have the actual Smokehouse and Brewhouse, which has cocktails. The Smokehouse/Brewhouse is a sit-down restaurant with a large bar serving some great cocktails. They even have a brewery right inside this bar where they make their own beer! You can find it on the Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Mardi Gras, and Carnival Panorama.

If you’re a beer fan, I highly recommend the Brewery Tour for $30 a person. You can read more about the Carnival Pig & Anchor Brewery Tour here.

Menu is from Carnival Panorama June 2025.

Havana Bar Drink Menu

The Havana Bar is a Cuban-themed bar located on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Vista. The inside of the bar is home to lively music most evenings. This bar also has an exterior section, but it’s only accessible to guests staying in the Havana area.  

Menu is from the Carnival Horizon, March 2025

Heroes Tribute Bar Drink Menu

The Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge is a new venue from Carnival that honors the men and women that have served our country. You’ll find this menu on the Carnival Freedom, Carnival Firenze, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Pride, Carnival Radiance, and Carnival Venezia where the Heroes Tribute Bar replaces the SkyBox Sports Bar.

There is also a Heroes Lounge on the Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee but they don’t have a dedicated bar; you use the bar from Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse (above).

Menu is from the Carnival Panorama June 2025.

Il Viaggio

Il Viaggio is a new “elevated” dining experience currently only available on the Carnival Venezia.

JavaBlue Cafe Drink Menu

JavaBlue Cafe is the premier coffee place that’s on board about half of the Carnival ships. On Excel Class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee), Java Blue Cafe also offers sandwiches and snacks throughout the day. For Spirit and Dream Class ships, they have a “coffee bar” menu instead (see above)

Menu seen on the Carnival Vista, January 2026

Latitudes Bar Menu

The Latitudes Bar is dedicated to cocktails found around the world. It’s found exclusively on the Carnival Celebration in The Gateway zone. Our favorite drink here is the Sakura, served with an aromatic bubble on top (see how to make it here).

Main Dining Room

This menu is the wine list you’ll find in most of the main dining rooms across the Carnival fleet.

Menu is from Carnival Venezia, January 2025.

Marina Bar Menu

Marina Bar is in the Shores Zone on the Carnival Jubilee. It has both indoor and outdoor seating.

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee February 2025.

Nightclub Cocktail Menu

Not all Carnival ships have a dedicated nightclub anymore. On some of the newer ships, the nightclub takes place in the multi-purpose Liquid Lounge or Limelight Lounge. You’ll usually find this menu out during the nightclub/dancing portion of the evening, after 10 pm.

Menu is from Carnival Horizon, January 2026

Ocean Plaza Bar Drink Menu

Ocean Plaza is located on the main promenade and is a great place to grab a drink before an activity happening in Ocean Plaza or if you’d like to grab a drink and sit outside on the Lanai. This bar is on the Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Magic, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Vista.

Menu is from Carnival Horizon June 2025.

Piano Bar 88 Drink Menu

Every Carnival ship has a piano bar that’s hopping every night. While it might not always be named Piano Bar 88, it will have a similar drink menu to the one below.

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee, January 2026.

Punchliner Comedy Club Drink Menu

If you’re going to a Comedy Show on a Carnival ship, you have some specialty cocktails to choose from. Some ships have a dedicated “Punchliner Comedy Club” venue. On the other ones, the comedy club will take place in the Limelight Lounge or another venue with “Lounge” in its name.

Menu is from Carnival Panorama, January 2026

RedFrog Pub

The RedFrog Pub is the Caribbean-themed indoor bar that’s located on the lower level of many Carnival ships. It’s different than the RedFrog Rum Bar which is found in the Lido Pool Deck Area. You can find it on the Breeze, Freedom, Legend, Magic, Miracle, Pride, Radiance, Splendor, Spirit, Sunshine, Sunrise, and Valor.

Menus are from the Carnival Spirit, March 2025.

RedFrog Rum Bar Menu

You can find the RedFrog Rum Bar next to the Lido Pool on almost every Carnival ship (except the Venezia and Firenze). It is different from the RedFrog Pub, which is usually an inside bar on the Promenade level of the ship.

On the Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee, it’s been upgraded to a two-story pool-side venue called the RedFrog Tiki bar with a slightly different menu (see below).

Menu is from the Carnival Horizon, January 2026.

RedFrog Tiki Bar

The RedFrog Tiki Bar is a supersized version of the RedFrog Rum Bar that’s on most other Carnival ships. You can find this two-story venue on the Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.

Menus from Carnival Jubilee, January 2026

Rococo Bar Menu

The Rococo Bar is the poolside bar on the Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze. It takes the place of RedFrog Rum Bar on most other Carnival ships.

Menu is from the Carnival Venezia February 2024.

Rudi’s Seagrill Drink Menu

Rudi’s Seagrill is a high-end seafood restaurant found on Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. They also have a dedicated cocktail menu so you can pair a special drink with your entree.

Menu is from Carnival Celebration February 2024

Serenity Bar

The Serenity Area is the adults-only (21+) area that’s found on every Carnival ship (you can learn more about it here). This area is also home to this bar which serves some special cocktails that are great to sip while enjoying some peace and quiet.

Menu is from Carnival Mardi Gras, January 2026

SkyBox Sports Bar

About half of the Carnival fleet has a SkyBox sports bar where you can watch the game on the big screen and sample one of these cocktails. You can find the SkyBox Sports Bar on the Conquest, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Liberty, Miracle, Pride, Spirit, Radiance, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor, and Vista.

Tides Bar Menu

The Tides Bar is the outdoor bar on the aft, or back, of the ship. It may have a different name on some ships, but it’ll be the same menu.

Watering Hole

The Watering Hole Bar is located in the Summer Landing Zone on the Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.

Don’t want to pay for each individual drink?

For those who don’t want to pay a ‘la carte for drinks, Carnival has an unlimited drink package, called Cheers. Try our Drink Package Calculator to see if it’s worth it financially for you.

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Day 3 Overview

• Day 3 Cruise Compass
• Arriving in Port
• Breakfast at Park Cafe
• Disembarking Star of the Seas
• Getting onto Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Exploring Perfect Day
  • Food at CocoCay
  • Drinks at CocoCay
  • Beaches at CocoCay
  • Pools at CocoCay
  • Crowds at CocoCay with Two Icon Class Ships
  • Overall Impression of Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Afternoon Nap in a Noisy Infinity Balcony Cabin
• Boleros for Pre-Dinner Drinks
• Dinner in the Main Dining Room
• Very Crowded Dueling Pianos
• The Attic for Comedy
• Silent Disco in Absolute Zero
• Day 3 Wrap Up

Star of the Seas Day 3 Cruise Compass

Arriving in Port

Star of the Seas pulled up to the dock at Perfect Day at CocoCay at 7 AM. We did not set an alarm since we would be docked until 5 PM, so there was no need to rush off. Docking was on the noisier side, though, so I was up around 7:30.

Tip: Be prepared and dressed before opening the blackout shades. You never know which ship will be parked right next to you.

I walked to the Infinity Balcony and pressed the button on the wall to raise the shade. It did a great job blocking out light, so when it started rising, sunlight flooded the dark room. Immediately, I saw that we were docked across from Icon of the Seas and could see into every room. Thankfully, I was already dressed. People were already making their way to the island, but we wanted breakfast first.

Breakfast at Park Cafe

This morning we tried Park Cafe for breakfast. Located in the Central Park neighborhood, this often overlooked venue serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day. It has seating inside and outside, so it works even if it is raining or oppressively humid.

Tip: Do not just head to the buffet when you are hungry. Pull up the app or look at the Cruise Compass to see what is open. On newer ships, there are usually a lot of options people do not know about, and they are much more relaxed.

Since we were on Deck 9, we took the stairs down one deck and walked through Central Park. As I expected, the place was nearly empty, with just a handful of tables taken and no lines for food.

Park Cafe has a smaller selection than the Windjammer. You will find breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, and bagels made to order. Oddly, they did not have any cereal, which would be easy to add and would cater to more people. The space also had the usual complimentary juices like orange, apple, and strawberry kiwi, plus a Coke Freestyle machine.

Disembarking Star of the Seas

We grabbed our stuff for the day and headed to the island. At the elevator bank, the destination elevators had an electronic button labeled “Gangway.” We pressed it and proceeded to the designated elevator.

The elevator took us to Deck 5, the main level of the Royal Promenade. I was confused because you usually enter and exit a cruise ship from a higher deck only when you initially board or finally disembark. Most other ships use lower staff decks, but the signs directed us to the area near the 1400 Lobby Bar, across from The Pearl.

As we approached, staff had set up two stations, one to grab towels before leaving and one to grab waters or sodas. The drinks are included if you have an applicable drink package, so we grabbed two waters before heading out.

We then headed toward the 1400 Lobby Bar and realized we were not exiting there, but instead taking escalators down two levels. It was a really smart design. Normally, leaving and getting back on a ship in port can be a pain, with so many people trying to get elevators to the decks that stairs do not access. The escalators make it easy to get down to the security line and constantly move people. Elevators are still available for anyone who needs them. It is another example of how Royal Caribbean thought through the entire experience when designing this ship.

There were no lines at all, and we walked right off the ship.

Getting onto Perfect Day at CocoCay

We stepped onto the pier at 8:46 AM. Having never been to Perfect Day before, but having read about it plenty, I thought I knew what to expect.

Stepping out from between two behemoths (Icon and Star of the Seas), I saw the colorful pier with bright awnings leading the way from the ships toward the massive water slide tower, Devil’s Peak.

The pier felt pretty busy as we all made our way to the center. Music was blaring from the central plaza, singing about how it is a “Perfect Day.” I was impressed with the short walk. It was five minutes to get to the Arrival Plaza, much shorter than some other cruise line private destinations.

Tip: A tram is available from the ship to the main area of Perfect Day, and a separate one shuttles around the island. Skip the one from the ship unless you have mobility issues. It is a short walk.

Exploring Perfect Day

The island is pretty big, not just one private beach, but a lot of different areas. Around the Arrival Plaza, staff were stationed to help with directions and ask what we were looking to do so they could point us in the right direction. There are big signs, maps, and handheld maps. It was very well done and made the island feel approachable.

Since it was our first time, we explored the whole island before settling in one area. Overall, it took us 45 minutes to walk around, including visiting almost all the neighborhoods on Perfect Day, except the two extra-fee sections, Hideaway Beach and Coco Beach Club.

If you want a complete list of everything at Perfect Day, check our full write-up. For this blog, I will focus on overall impressions and tips.

Food at Perfect Day at CocoCay

The food at Perfect Day was delicious. Was it five-star cuisine? No. Was it perfect food for a beach day without having to pay more? Absolutely. Unlike Carnival, whose newest private destination gives you one complimentary meal at a venue and no beverages, Royal Caribbean gives you unlimited food options, juices, and waters, and your drink packages work on the island.

I started snacking at 11 AM at one of the three Snack Shacks. I ordered the mozzarella sticks I kept hearing about. Less than a minute later, they came out hot and fresh. They were so good. Crunchy and gooey with delicious flavor. They were so good, I had to get a second order later that day.

For dessert, I tried the funnel cake and brownie, both highly recommended by other cruisers. I loved that the funnel cake was personal-sized. I usually skip funnel cakes at fairs or the beach in New Jersey because they are so big. This funnel cake was hot, crispy, and the perfect size. The brownie was gooey and delicious, honestly better than some of the desserts I had in the main dining room this sailing. The quality and the fact that it was not an extra cost continued to impress me.

Two full buffets, called Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill, are also available 11:30 to 3 PM. I also stopped by here for a quick sandwich as we made our way around the island and was surprised how uncrowded they were.

Drinks at CocoCay

As mentioned, your drink packages from the ship work on the island, so since I had the Deluxe Beverage Package, I tried a bunch of drinks around the island.

The menu is similar to what you see on the pool deck on the ship. One bartender recommended an off-menu drink, the CocoLoco. It was tasty, but I ordered it at three different bars, and each version was a little different.

I loved the floating bar at South Beach. Built on a platform, this bar makes it easy to grab a cocktail while lounging in the ocean. The water was clear and mostly soft and seaweed-free. There were even tables with umbrellas providing shade in the water.

I was least impressed by the swim-up bar at Oasis Lagoon. The bar was swamped, and finding a spot to place an order was hard.

For complimentary beverages, you’ll find water and juice stations in all the neighborhoods.

Beaches at CocoCay

Perfect Day has several different beaches to try.

Harbor Beach is a shallow lagoon that is usually a bit warmer than the open ocean. It is protected, so it is very calm and perfect for little kids.

South Beach is the farthest walk from the Arrival Plaza. We started at South Beach and easily got two chairs at 9:30 AM. I was surprised how natural it felt, walking through thick vegetation and winding paths to get there. I expected a theme-park feel, but it felt more natural than I thought it would. Here you will find sports activities like volleyball, basketball, and table tennis, as well as lots of loungers.

Chill Island is a big area with a lot of beach space. The water can get deep here, and Royal Caribbean says this is the best place for snorkeling and water sports. While here, we saw groups go out on jet skis through an official excursion, and a lot of people on floating mats available from Royal Caribbean. This space is supposed to have a more chill, relaxing vibe, but while in the water, I did not notice a big difference from other areas.

Pools at CocoCay

Perfect Day technically has three pools, but only one is open to everyone. That is Oasis Lagoon, located in the center of the island. It is a massive pool, formerly the largest in the Caribbean, and it can hold a lot of people.

Tip: Go under the water in Oasis Lagoon, and you will hear music being pumped underneath that you cannot hear above.

The pool is zero entry, so you do not have to worry about steps or a ladder to get in. The water ranges in depth from waist-deep to deeper than I could, though I am 6 feet tall. In the center are islands with live plants and some benches for those who just want to relax in the water. The bottom is rubberized, so it is easy on the feet, but I could feel the coating starting to wrinkle and come up. The pool is likely overdue for maintenance.

A large bar is stationed on one side where you can sit and grab a drink, or take one with you. It is a sizeable bar, but it is also really popular, and they cannot serve hundreds of people as quickly as most would like. It does not help that most people are ordering frozen drinks, which take longer since they are blended to order and not pre-made.

Tip: Grab a drink somewhere else and bring it into the pool. The pool bar line is too long.

The other two pools are in extra-fee areas. Hideaway Beach is the only adults-only area on the island and has a massive infinity pool overlooking the shore. It is also heated, which is nice in January and February when the temperature might only be in the mid-70s. The cost for our sailing was 90 dollars per person, which felt too high for two extra food options, a heated pool, and no kids. It is not intimate either. It can hold thousands of people and has more of a Vegas party vibe with a poolside DJ.

The other option is Coco Beach Club, which has a smaller pool. This venue is a higher-end area with elevated food, even comfier lounges, and far fewer people. It is more relaxed and exclusive. Usually, it runs around 150 to 250 dollars per person.

The island also has two kids’ splash areas available to everyone. One is shaped like a pirate ship, and the other is a more traditional splash park with slides and a huge dump bucket. It is a really good setup, especially compared to splash areas at Carnival’s newest destination, Celebration Key, which are glorified sprinklers, or Norwegian’s soon-to-be-completed Stirrup Cay renovations, which also start with splash features. The facilities for kids here are like what you would pay for at home.

Crowds at CocoCay with Two Icon Class Ships

Today, the two largest cruise ships in the world were in port, Star of the Seas and its sister ship, Icon of the Seas. According to the dining manager I spoke with, neither ship was at full capacity. We had roughly 5,500 people, and Icon had 6,500. That means the island could potentially have 3,200 more people than what we experienced today.

Having never experienced the island before, I found it refreshingly not crowded. I never waited in a line at any Snack Shack or the buffet. Bars did not have waits either, except for the swim-up bar at Oasis Lagoon, which had a frustratingly long wait. Adding a bar cart in the area would be a huge help. Towel swaps were also easy since those towels absorb so much water that it is nice to change them out a few times.

The main pool, Oasis Lagoon, was busy and parts felt crowded, but there was still plenty of empty space in the water to get away from others. The water at Chill Island and South Beach was also uncrowded. Chairs were relatively full, but we moved our stuff three times to test different areas and never had a problem finding two loungers.

That was my experience as a first-time visitor. Speaking to other cruisers who have been there several times, they said it was really crowded and they struggled to find loungers at Chill Island. They arrived later in the day, which likely contributed.

Overall, I was impressed with how the island handled crowds. If you want a more exclusive vibe with fewer people, your best bet is to upgrade to Coco Beach Club. While pricey, it is capacity-controlled.

Overall Impression of Perfect Day at CocoCay

There is a reason I have not gone on a cruise that visited Perfect Day at CocoCay yet. I had not seen the value. Based on commercials and marketing, it felt like a floating theme park, which did not appeal to me. In reality, I was surprised how much it did not feel like that. Yes, there is a waterpark in the middle and a zip line, but if you are not near them, you do not see them. Many areas feel natural, with thick palm trees and vegetation.

The island is big enough that there is something for everyone, but not so big that it is unmanageable. The farthest neighborhood was a 15-minute walk from the Arrival Plaza, or 20 minutes from the ship, which is not bad, and there is a tram. It is small enough that you could easily go back to the ship for a quick nap for kids or if you forgot something, and still return to the island without hassle.

I was also impressed by how much is included. Yes, you can book the zip line, the helium balloon, or the waterpark, but you do not miss out by skipping these attractions. Almost all the food is included, and it is good. Better yet, your Wi-Fi and drink packages work on the island.

The only thing you do not get is that alone-on-a-beach feeling. On Carnival’s Half Moon Cay, I could walk down the beach and feel like I had it to myself. At some ports, I can go to a private beach like Maya Chan in Costa Maya, and it feels secluded. You will not get that at Perfect Day, but I did not miss it as much as I thought.

Afternoon Nap in a Noisy Infinity Balcony Cabin

After spending most of the day at Perfect Day, I headed back to the cabin for a quick nap. All the food, drinks, and sun really wore me out.

Unfortunately, it was easier said than done. The ship was loud with slamming doors both above and below us. It was annoying, and I had not experienced that on a ship in a while. Some guests mentioned it is because the ship is new and the doors have to be “broken in,” but it definitely was irritating. I never heard a single voice from another cabin or the hallway the whole cruise, but the slamming doors and thuds from above happened often.

Since I could not sleep, I went to the Infinity Balcony to watch sail away. I pressed the button, and the glass slowly lowered to balcony height. Immediately, humidity and heat rushed in, fogging up the mirror. The temperature went up five degrees according to the thermostat. The air conditioning will not run while the window is open, understandably, so the cabin basically becomes the outside.

This moment is when I understood people’s complaints about these cabins. I sailed in an Infinity Veranda on Celebrity Apex in Norway a few weeks before (read about that here) and absolutely loved it, but now I see the trade-off. On hot-weather cruises, you can lose the separation of space with this cabin type. Either everyone is hot and outside, or they are not. It is not like one person can nap comfortably while the other relaxes on a warm balcony. That said, for my needs and how I use the balcony, the Infinity Balcony concept still works for me. I rarely sail in the summer, and in the cooler months, it might be nice, even in the Caribbean.

Boleros for Pre-Dinner Drinks

For pre-dinner drinks, we checked out Boleros on the top level of the Royal Promenade. The venue was pretty much dead. The stage for live musicians was empty, and only a handful of tables were taken. It was a stark contrast to the Boleros I have seen on other Royal Caribbean ships, which are usually full.

Overall, I did not love the design. It felt more like a hallway lounge than a dedicated bar, a similar issue I felt in the Schooner Bar.

I ordered the Girl From Ipanema, which looked pretty and tropical, and the aquafaba added a nice thick froth on top. I also tried the Fiestas Patrias, a fresh watermelon drink with mezcal. The bartender warned that it would be smoky because of the mezcal. The smokiness worked well.

Later on in the evening, when I walked by, the place had live music and was very busy, a big difference from what I experienced earlier in the evening. It’s confusing why they don’t have live music here more often instead of a Promenade DJ.

Dinner in the Main Dining Room

We had 7 PM reservations in the main dining room and were seated immediately. Like the other two nights, we had the same waiter and the same table, which I appreciate. The waiter already knew I would want a Diet Coke and offered the wine menu in case there was something else I wanted.

I started with French onion soup again, which was really hot and delicious. I got the pesto tagliatelle for my main, a delicious dish with fresh pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.

I finished with a blueberry cobbler that was a bit underwhelming. It tasted like they used canned blueberry compote or pie filling with streusel on top. I usually prefer cobblers with berries that burst as you bite into them.

We were in and out in 50 minutes. It was on the quick side, but it didn’t feel rushed; we could have taken our time. Service again was terrific and very attentive.

Very Crowded Dueling Pianos

After dinner, we headed to Dueling Pianos, the new bar that debuted on Icon Class ships. The concept is two pianists taking requests and layering in comedy with the music. On land, you might have seen the Howl at the Moon chain that does this.

I was really looking forward to this. I love the energy of dueling pianos and wanted to see how it worked at sea. Icon Class ships have this in addition to another piano venue, the Schooner Bar.

Tip: If you want to see Dueling Pianos, get there early. It fills up for every performance.

We arrived 30 minutes early, and all the tables were already almost full. The way Dueling Pianos is scheduled, it feels more like a 90-minute show than a place you pop into for a few songs. People arrive early and grab seating just like a show, which makes it essential to get there ahead of time. The bar holds 131 people, more than most other bars on the ship, but it is still not big enough.

With all the complaints about Icon of the Seas that this venue was too small, it was odd that Royal Caribbean did not change much. The space is not small per se, but the seating is not optimal. There were no two tops, so some tables were not fully utilized, and lots of booths were not fully utilized either. There was some bar rail seating, but it was the minority. It was mostly big, bulky tables, which is odd since they do not serve food here. Small cocktail tables would do.

They would do better to take a note from Carnival’s piano bar design, with more lounge-style seating and small cocktail tables, plus tiered seating so it is lower stools at the front and bar stools at the back to ensure good views. The crowd eventually pours into the promenade to peek over the bar, but bottles and equipment block the view. They should remove those and add exterior bar seating, or make it like the Spotlight Karaoke bar below, and move it to the side. I do not understand why Royal Caribbean did not refine this space between the two ships.

The bar was absolutely packed, but a few waiters circulated. This venue probably had the biggest struggle with drink service, mostly because of how crowded it was. The bar has a dedicated menu. I tried the Pop Rocks drink. It was cute for the novelty, but it tasted like Pop Rocks with a sweet drink. They did not enhance each other.

The two performers, Justin Golan and Sarah Angel, were really talented and able to play almost any requested song. While one performed, you could see the other looking up requests and sounding out songs to get ready. In between, they had a lot of interaction with the crowd, which was enjoyable. The show is “kid-friendly” before 10 PM, and after that, it is open season for raunchier songs and curse words.

The crowd really responded. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. We came back for the 11 PM show, and it was even more energetic and rowdier. That time, we had to stand outside because there was no room inside. While the sound was fine, some TVs outside would have been nice so you could see what was happening.

Overall, Dueling Pianos was really fun and lived up to the hype, but it is not revolutionary. Norwegian Cruise Line has official Howl at the Moon bars on some Breakaway Class ships. MSC has a dueling piano bar on its World Class ships. Celebrity is adding dueling piano shows to the upcoming Celebrity Xcel. Carnival has long had piano bars on its ships. While not dueling pianos, they bring similar energy and crowd interaction with comedy mixed in.

The Attic for Comedy

Our next stop was a comedy show in The Attic. In all my Royal Caribbean cruises, I have only been to a comedy show once, for two reasons. One, they only have a handful of shows on a sailing. Two, they often put it in a venue that is too small. On Oasis Class ships, I have never been able to get in (they have been renovating the newer Oasis Class ships to remove The Attic and instead putting comedy in the main theater).

On Icon Class, comedy is in The Attic, a dedicated venue that seems pretty deserted the rest of the time. It holds only 159 people, about 2 percent of guests. With only three shows that day, fewer than 500 people could see it. Compare that to my cruise on the Carnival Celebration (read about that cruise here), where they had seven shows in one night and each of their two comedy venues held double the capacity of The Attic.

Tip: For comedy shows, reserve ahead in the app when the production show, ice show, and AquaTheater show reservations open. There is a standby line that opens 10 minutes before to fill any empty seats.

We got there 12 minutes before the 9:20 PM show and grabbed seats in the back. The back fills first at comedy shows, with the front filling last since no one wants to be a target. As soon as we sat, a waiter took our drink order. The venue uses the standard fleetwide drink menu, so no special comedy cocktail here.

This evening, Royal Caribbean had three different comics, each doing a 15-minute set. I like the variety. Comedy is subjective, and if you do not like one, you might like the next. All the comics seemed to have been working with Royal Caribbean for a while, and for the most part, they did good sets. They felt less polished than acts I have seen on Carnival, but not as strong as ones I have seen on Norwegian.

Silent Disco in Absolute Zero

After the comedy show, we headed to Absolute Zero for a silent disco. A silent disco has no speakers playing in the venue. All music is played through wireless headphones that let you select one of three tracks. Two DJs control the three tracks, and you see people switching as the event goes on.

Tip: On Royal Caribbean, you do not need to fill out forms or hand over your room key. You just grab a headset and head to the dance floor.

Absolute Zero was an excellent space for this event. They slid a solid floor over the ice rink and used projection mapping and the video screen to create an immersive experience. For those who did not want to dance, seating around the rink made it easy to listen and people watch. They brought a bar cart onto the floor, so it was easy to grab a drink without going far.

I liked that this one did not play music over speakers. That meant you only heard people singing along and footsteps as they danced to the different music. It made it more interesting.

While the visual effects were cool, the DJs were pretty amateur. One track was always Latin music and seemed like a set playlist. The other two seemed manned by the DJs, but they did not mix. They just played one song after another, like hitting next on a playlist. I prefer when DJs interact more. If they see everyone listening to one station, they can switch things up to balance the crowd.

Overall, it was a fun event, but less well attended and energetic than others I have seen on other ships. I do not know if the venue is so big that it feels underattended, if people were doing other things, or if Absolute Zero is so out of the way that fewer people found it. On Celebrity Apex, it was right in the Grand Plaza in the heart of the ship, so everyone walked by and wondered what was going on.

Day 3 Wrap Up

Overall, it was a great day at Perfect Day at CocoCay and on Star of the Seas. I was impressed with Perfect Day. It blew my preconceptions out of the water. I also could not believe how much was included on the island. You could easily spend the whole day without spending a single dollar. I see how people get hooked into the Royal Caribbean ecosystem.

Star of the Seas continued to impress, although some flaws in the bar design at Boleros and Dueling Pianos were very evident today.

Follow Along on our 4-Day Star of the Seas Cruise

Star of the Seas – Cruise Blog - Day 1 – Port Canaveral

Star of the Seas – Cruise Blog - Day 2 – Sea Day

Star of the Seas – Cruise Blog - Day 3 – Perfect Day at CocoCay

Star of the Seas – Cruise Blog - Day 4 – Final Sea Day

6 Hits and Misses on Star of the Seas

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Star of the Seas Day 2 Overview

• Star of the Seas Cruise Planner – Day 2
• Morning on Star of the Seas
• Breakfast at Windjammer
• Trying Crown’s Edge
• Basecamp for Snacks and Drinks
• AquaDome Market for Lunch
• Lime & Coconut Frozen Bar
• Afternoon Relaxation Outside
• Exploring the Surfside Neighborhood
• Star of the Seas Escape Rooms
• Rye & Bean in the AquaDome
• Dinner in the Main Dining Room
• Lou’s in Central Park
• “Back to the Future: The Musical”
• Y2K Millennium Party in the Promenade
• Completely Underwhelmed by Playmakers
• Purpose-Built Venues Can Create Empty Spaces At Night
• Late Night Snack Options
• Star of the Seas Day 2 Wrap Up

Star of the Seas Cruise Planner – Day 2

Morning on Star of the Seas

Day 2, I woke up around 8:30. Since 8 AM, I heard distant doors slamming, thuds from the decks above, and the odd sound of water by the windows. I did not hear people, but the cabin was louder than my last sailing on the Celebrity Apex. I do not know if the walls are thinner or if the new door closers are extra powerful, but it was noticeably louder than on other ships, although not annoyingly so.

I used the Royal Caribbean app to open the blackout shade covering the Infinity Balcony. On the Celebrity Apex, this feature was seamless. On Star of the Seas, the remote control system was glitchy. Often, the light buttons would not control the right lights or would accidentally open the shade and turn on the TV. Hopefully, it is just a software issue that can be fixed in the future. (Our cabin also had a switch that did nothing.)

As the shade rolled up, I saw it was a soggy, wet day. The water noises I heard earlier were likely rain coming down the downspouts by our cabin. It was not the perfect vacation morning, but the forecast said it would clear up (and thankfully it did).

Breakfast at Windjammer

I got ready and headed to the Windjammer buffet for breakfast. After the chaos I experienced the previous day, I was nervous about what awaited me.

Thankfully, as I stepped off the elevator and into the entrance, I immediately saw how much less crowded it was. Yesterday, it was wall‑to‑wall people. Today, while busy, it was much more relaxed. I was even able to find a seat with minimal effort.

At breakfast, not only are stations mirrored on the left and right sides, but some are duplicated on the same side. That meant there were at least four places to get pancakes, French toast, and eggs. That really helped with the lines. There simply were not any. And unlike yesterday, no shoving or pushing.

The buffet has all the breakfast staples you would expect: pancakes, waffles, cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit, and an assortment of pastries. The selection and quality were in line with what I have experienced on other Royal Caribbean cruises.

For beverages, Royal Caribbean installed touchless dispensers with complimentary options of apple juice, strawberry kiwi juice, iced tea, and lemonade. Windjammer also had several Coke Freestyle machines for those with a drink package.

Coke Freestyle Machines Everywhere

Speaking of Coke Freestyle machines, Star of the Seas had them absolutely everywhere. Nearly anywhere you walked, you could find one. Machines were located in:

• Windjammer
• AquaDome Market
• Playmakers
• Sorrento’s
• Park Cafe
• Basecamp
• Surfside
• Pearl Cafe

Tip: If you get any drink package, you will receive a soda cup to use with the Coke Freestyle machines. Pick it up at any bar on the first day. The cup holder makes it easy to carry throughout the day. If you forget it, you can order a soda at any bar.

Trying Crown’s Edge

When Royal Caribbean debuted Icon of the Seas, they introduced a new feature called Crown’s Edge. A cross between a ropes course and a zip line, Crown’s Edge takes you 154 feet over the water, walking around the iconic crown‑and‑anchor logo on the side of the ship.

When it first debuted, Royal Caribbean was charging a steep $89 per session. For this sailing, the cost was $35 when I booked it in the app once we boarded.

Tip: Watch for flash sales. I paid $35 when I booked in the app when boarding, but on that day, the app was showing a sale that day, $25. While docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay the next day, it was even cheaper.

We arrived 15 minutes early to check in and sign waivers. After that, our group was loaded into a room where we were suited up in jumpsuits, helmets, and harnesses. A cheesy safety video played and covered the basics. The biggest message was that you can never go backward on the course.

We headed up the stairs. The staff mounted a GoPro to our helmets and one by one we started. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, encouraging anyone who needed it.

My turn came, and I started across the small steps to a large platform for one more check before walking around the huge logo.

The platforms are shaped like circles and X’s and are close together, so walking across it wasn’t really a challenge, quite different from traditional ropes courses. Halfway across the logo, I stood on the platform as the attendant counted down. At zero, the floor dropped out beneath me, I dropped a foot until the rope caught me, and then I zipped around the logo, landing back at the start.

Once there, they removed the camera and offered a second run. The second time, I could enjoy it more because I knew what to expect. Looking out at the horizon and seeing nothing but ocean while I zipped around the course was really impressive.

I am not a huge fan of heights, but oddly, I had no problems with this course. I had much more fear doing North Star on Ovation of the Seas or the London Eye. I think the thick harnesses and non‑challenging course made it less stressful.

From beginning to end, it took about 30 minutes. Our video popped up in the Royal Caribbean app within an hour.

Was Crown’s Edge worth it? I am torn. Carnival, MSC, and Norwegian offer complete ropes courses for free on some of their ships (see which ships have ropes courses here). They do not make you suit up or watch a safety video either. You just get in line, get instructions, and go. Their courses are also more challenging.

The only thing Royal’s experience has that is different is the video, which, to be honest, I will never watch again. They did take some still pictures afterward, but those were an extra $20 each.

It is worth trying if you have extra onboard credit or find a good deal, but I would not put it on the “must do” list.

Basecamp for Snacks and Drinks

After we braved the course, we headed to Basecamp, a food venue with a separate bar in Thrill Island. It is right next to activities like mini golf, the rock‑climbing wall, and the sports court, so it is convenient for food between activities. It is under the sports court, so all the seating is shaded and protected from rain.

When Icon of the Seas first launched, Royal Caribbean charged extra for half the food here, but after a few months, they made all the food options complimentary. It is the same on Star of the Seas.

Basecamp had several ordering stations, and none had a line. I approached the window and ordered pretzels with cheese and a smash burger with tater tots. Within a minute, I had the food with the burger right off the grill. It was a huge difference from Guy’s Burgers on Carnival, which can have a 10 to 20-minute wait during peak times.

The pretzel bites were soft and buttery, and the cheese sauce was tasty but not much different from movie theater nacho cheese. The chicken tenders were tasty, but more notable was that every venue on board had different types of chicken tenders, which was nice variety. The smash burger was tasty with crisp edges but still juicy; you can tell they used fresh beef, not frozen patties. It wasn’t as good as Guys Burgers (which I still call the best burger at sea), but it’s a close second.

We also grabbed drinks from the nearby Basecamp Bar. The menu specializes in tropical cocktails like the Dark’ n’ Stormy, a Hurricane, and the Painkiller. It did not feel much different from the selection at The Lime & Coconut bars, but it was right next door, which was convenient.

AquaDome Market for Lunch

We decided to grab lunch at the AquaDome Market, a new concept for Icon Class ships. It is a food‑hall setup with five different stands serving different cuisines, with all dishes made to order. Other cruise lines have implemented similar concepts, like Norwegian’s Indulge Food Hall on Prima‑class ships and Virgin Voyages’ The Galley.

The implementation here seems less thought-out. There is not a lot of theming to the space. It is basically a hallway with food stands and some seating, which is surprising considering how thoroughly Royal Caribbean designed many other spaces on the ship.

Star of the Seas concepts are slightly different from those on Icon, swapping out three food stalls. It keeps Crème de la Crêpe and Feta Mediterranean, and adds Pig Out BBQ, Mai Thai, and La Cocinita.

The crêpe station always had the longest line, but the rest were manageable. We tried two separate stalls, each taking about three minutes, which is impressive for 1 PM on a sea day.

From La Cocinita, I ordered an empanada with flaky, buttery dough and a moist chicken filling (this empanada is complimentary unlike Carnival which charges for them). It was a perfect snack. I also got a Cuban sandwich with tasty roasted pork, although it could have used a bit more.

Overall, I think the AquaDome Market is a step in the right direction for Royal Caribbean, offering higher‑quality, made‑to‑order dishes at no extra cost. I liked the variety and speed, but the atmosphere needs work. It felt more like playing catch‑up to other lines rather than something revolutionary. It did not feel much different than the deli on Carnival ships that uses similar turbo ovens to prepare up to 14 different sandwiches to order.

Lime & Coconut Frozen Bar

I love a frozen drink. Every time I am in Las Vegas, I cannot wait to try a frozen cocktail at Fat Tuesday, so I was excited when I heard they had a dedicated frozen Lime & Coconut bar.

Located between the main pools and Swim & Tonic, you could easily miss this Lime & Coconut location. There are three others on board. A unique name here would have helped it stand out.

Behind the counter, six mixers were churning frozen drinks. You can mix up to three flavors in a single glass.

What was odd was that they did not seem to put alcohol in the mix. Any time I ordered a drink, they dispensed the base, added a jigger of alcohol, and then blended it. It defeated the purpose of premade frozen drinks because you still have to wait, especially if blending flavors.

The drinks themselves were tasty. They were much less strong than what you would get at Fat Tuesday and, because of that, a little too sweet, but they were perfect on a hot and humid day.

Afternoon Relaxation Outside

Around 2 PM, I decided to find some lounge space to relax and read a book. The decks were busy, but there were still plenty of loungers. The loungers immediately next to the pool were mostly occupied, but many others were available.

I loved that there were many loungers in the shade, with plenty of full‑sun options. They use the Cloud 17 pool area overhang to create a shaded space with loungers that have a great breeze.

Someone from a cruise after ours posted on Facebook that she could not find a shaded lounger, and I could not believe it. I saw hundreds of empty ones and even checked my photos to make sure I was not imagining things. Maybe she did not know where to look.

One thing I noticed on the pool decks is that you cannot find a quiet place. The music was booming everywhere, at the main pool, The Hideaway at the back, and Thrill Island. It made it hard to relax and read. On Oasis‑class ships, the adults‑only Solarium at the front usually provides a more subdued vibe, but Star of the Seas does not offer that. The Overlook, in the AquaDome, provides a similar space, but with couches instead of loungers, and if they are rehearsing the Aqua show, it is very loud.

Finding quiet on the ship is challenging. Your best bet during the day is probably the Pearl Cafe seating area or the exterior promenade areas next to it.

Exploring the Surfside Neighborhood

Since I could not find a relaxing place to read, I explored the Surfside neighborhood, the family‑focused area on Star of the Seas. Surfside is a reimagining of The Boardwalk on Oasis‑class ships. It is located at the back of the ship on Deck 7 and sits between two rows of interior‑facing cabins.

Just stepping outside, you can immediately see the upgrades from The Boardwalk. Your eyes are hit with a colorful landscape of hot pink flamingos, teal walls, and artwork almost everywhere. It is almost too much at first, but it has much more personality than The Boardwalk, which felt bland.

For the Surfside neighborhood, you enter from Deck 8 and take the stairs (or a slide) down, or from Deck 7 and take the stairs up. Anchoring the neighborhood one deck below are the kids’ club, Adventure Ocean, and the teen club, Social020. Their proximity to the neighborhood makes it easy to drop off and pick up your kids from activities.

Kids’ Activities in Surfside

Surfside has a lot to keep kids busy. In the center is an upgraded version of the Oasis‑class signature carousel. Rather than a traditional wooden carousel, this version is whimsical with sea creatures. The ride runs most of the day and is complimentary.

Arcade

A large indoor arcade is on the port side. Like many cruise ships, it is half video games and half prize or ticket games.

Dry Play Structure

Next to the arcade is a dry play structure with a slide and climbing area. It is a nice touch, since cruise ships do not have enough dry attractions to entertain kids. On Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, they even replaced one of the FlowRiders with a play area to meet a similar need.

Water Play Areas

Splashaway Bay is geared for children up to 10 years old with shorter water slides, fountains, and a dump bucket. A nice touch is that the whole area is under The Hideaway pool above, so it is shaded, giving kids extra protection from the Caribbean sun.

The area also has Baby Bay, a dedicated space for toddlers in swim diapers.

Further back is a kids’ pool. Originally, Royal Caribbean thought parents would use this pool while kids were at Splashaway Bay. It’s a clear sign that Royal Caribbean headquarters staff don’t sail on their ship enough, because I could easily tell you the pool would be overrun by children, and adults would never use it. And of course, that’s what they learned after Icon launched, so they geared this pool more to children with some minor adaptations. 

Overall, the water area is nice, but the implementation on Liberty of the Seas was better (read about our family cruise on Liberty of the Seas here). That ship has two mini hot tubs for kids, a waterfall into a full pool, and a huge splash park. The one on Star of the Seas feels small, which seems like a miss considering this ship can hold thousands more children.

Around Splashaway Bay are chairs so parents can relax while their kids play. In the corners of the deck, overlooking the water, are shaded chairs that, on this sailing at least, were completely empty. I found a spot overlooking the water and was actually able to read a little here because the music was not blaring. It was quieter in the kids’ area than at the main pool.

The Surfside neighborhood also has plenty of food options. You will find a second, smaller buffet with kid‑oriented cuisine, a grab‑and‑go spot, the Sprinkles ice cream machines (which do not have sprinkles), a candy shop called “Sugar Beach,” an adult and kid bar called The Lemon Post, and a specialty dining restaurant, Pier 7.

With this layout, a family could easily spend an entire day in Surfside. It is a smart move. Ships this large can be a pain to navigate, and if you have to walk 20 minutes to get food or a drink, it gets frustrating. This area keeps families together and, in theory, reduces kids around the rest of the ship. While this sailing was light on children because school had just started in the United States, there were still relatively few children on the main pool decks. They were either in Thrill Island or Surfside. In a testament to how this design works, I had not heard a single kid scream or cry the entire cruise until I was in Surfside.

Star of the Seas Escape Rooms

Before dinner, we booked an escape‑room adventure. Star of the Seas has two different escape rooms, and we chose “Escape Star Records.” Usually, the cost is $40 per person, but for this sailing, it was showing as $0 in the Royal Caribbean app for two weeks, so a lot of people booked it.

Tip: Join your Facebook group for your sailing. People will often post things like sales on drink packages or, in this case, when the escape room is offered for free.

Our time was 5:30 PM, and the app said to arrive 10 minutes early. The escape rooms can last up to one hour and accommodate 12 people. You will be paired with others if your party does not fill all 12.

I have done several escape rooms on land and enjoyed them. I also tried one on Norwegian Viva and thought it was subpar (read about that here). I was interested to see how it would be on this ship, especially with strangers.

The activity starts with a short video, then the attendant introduces themselves and has everyone briefly introduce their group. Phones and cameras are strictly prohibited, but lockers are available.

We entered the room, a vintage music store with wood paneling and retro posters. It was well themed, rivaling some of the best escape rooms I have seen. The room was surprisingly big, a long rectangle with a smaller alcove at the end. There was plenty of space for everyone to move around without bumping into each other.

The puzzles were well designed. Because several groups were in the room at once, the designers ensured puzzles could be done simultaneously. While one family untangled ropes to crack a code, another worked on a brain teaser to determine card order. At points, one puzzle fed into another, so groups would work together to find solutions.

The attendant stayed in the room the whole time and understood the game and how to help groups that did not know each other work together. At one point, a woman was trying to share a solution but was being steamrolled by a stronger personality. The attendant told her, “You are on the right track, let them know.” It was encouragement without creating conflict and was well done.

We worked at a frantic pace and solved the last puzzle as one big group. We found the missing record with 19:43 left on the clock. We beat the voyage record, but not the fastest that month.

It was a lot of fun, and even at $40, which is close to what I pay at home for an escape room, it felt worth it. That said, it is not really a kids’ activity. The app says ages 12 and up, and that feels right.

Rye & Bean in the AquaDome

After the win, we went for a celebratory cocktail at Rye & Bean, a bar located in the AquaDome. The AquaDome is the large glass bubble at the front of the ship, and it includes the AquaTheater, Hooked Seafood, the AquaDome Market, and The Overlook, the space that replaces what was the Solarium on Oasis‑class ships.

The entrance to the space uses LED lighting and wavy lines to give a fluid feel. It opens immediately to the AquaTheater, which is pretty much deserted during the day except for rehearsals.

Walking to the right, you enter The Overlook with massive windows over the ocean. I could not help but look up at how high the ceilings are. It is much taller than the Solarium on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum and newer Oasis‑class ships. It is hard to explain how small you feel in this massive space.

Unlike those solariums, the AquaDome does not have plant life, hot tubs, or pools. It is more of a daytime lounge, with lots of couches and chairs looking out to sea. The space feels underutilized. There is a lot of seating, but also a lot of empty space and walkways. They could pool-style loungers for people who want a relaxing space away from the constant noise on the pool decks.

The Overlook has two bars, and we tried Rye & Bean this evening. The bar is an alternative coffee spot that also serves cocktails with coffee and tea influences, along with a full bar. I am not a coffee drinker, so I usually would not visit.

Tip: If you want a premium coffee and Pearl Cafe has a long line, stop by Rye & Bean. Specialty coffees are included in the drink packages, and the lines are usually shorter.

At 6:30 PM, the space was popular with most bar seats taken. It was a great place to watch the sunset as we sailed through the Caribbean. I am a fan of green tea, so I tried the G and Tea, a play on the G&T. It was quite good, though not my favorite drink on the ship.

Dinner in the Main Dining Room

For this evening, we had reservations at 6:45 PM. We showed up at Deck 3 and joined the line. It looked like a long wait, but we were on our way to our table in less than three minutes.

The hostess brought us to the same table we had before, and we had the same wait staff. Tonight’s dinner featured a special “Star of the Seas” menu, possibly in place of a formal night since this was a shorter cruise. The menu felt a bit limited, but the waiter said that if there was a usual staple, like their grilled chicken breast, they could prepare it.

To start, I got my French onion soup, a guilty pleasure. It came out piping hot with a layer of browned Gruyere on top. It was absolutely delicious and way better for the poor imitation that Norwegian served on the Viva (read about that here).

For dessert, I got the cookie, which looked underwhelming at first, just two cookies on a plate with a bit of chocolate sauce. In reality, they were almost like deep‑dish cookies with a dense, cake‑like texture. It was tasty, but they should turn it into a cookie sundae with a scoop of ice cream for a more impressive presentation.

Our entire dinner took only 45 minutes, which honestly felt a bit quick. The staff was incredibly attentive, and the food was hot and fresh. It was another great experience in the dining room. Not the best cruise food I have had, but a solid showing.

Lou’s in Central Park

Since dinner was quick, we decided to check out some live music before our show. Unfortunately, there were slim pickings. From 7:30 to 8:30, there was an odd lull in musical activity onboard. The one option listed was harpist Anna in Central Park, so we headed there.

The air was warm and sticky as we entered the neighborhood. We tried the Trellis Bar the previous night, so this evening we tried Lou’s. On Icon of the Seas, this venue is called “Lou’s Jazz and Blues,” but the signage on Star of the Seas reads “Lou’s,” hinting they may be removing the jazz label.

The venue has huge glass doors that swing open in the evenings. That allows music from Lou’s to fill Central Park, or vice versa. In this case, the harp music in the center of Central Park flowed into the seating for Lou’s. It is an innovative design that makes the space more attractive at night. It is odd, though. In four days onboard, I never saw live music inside Lou’s when I walked by, although I did see it on the schedule.

It was nice to enjoy a more subdued atmosphere and fresh air, even though it was a bit humid. I enjoy Central Park, and if the cruise were longer, I would spend more time there.

“Back to the Future: The Musical”

Tonight, we had tickets for “Back to the Future: The Musical,” the Broadway show Royal Caribbean brought to Star of the Seas. While some cruise lines are cutting back on Broadway shows, Royal Caribbean is going strong with productions on their biggest ships.

We booked on the Royal Caribbean app the minute reservations opened. We arrived at the Royal Theater 25 minutes early and got seats six rows back, dead center. It holds about 1,229 people, roughly 16 percent of the ship at full capacity, so it is not critical to arrive 45 minutes early.

Tip: For seven‑day sailings, “Back to the Future: The Musical” typically runs five times, meaning most guests can see it. If you cannot get a reservation, try the standby line, especially later in the cruise.

The Royal Theater is a traditional theater with comfortable seats, cup holders, and great sight lines. It is perfect for Broadway‑style productions.

“Back to the Future: The Musical” is based on the 1985 film starring Michael J. Fox. In the show, Marty McFly gets sent back to the 1950s, where he has to find a way to return without destroying the timeline. The musical adaptation opened on London’s West End in 2021 and is still running. A Broadway version opened in New York in 2023 and closed earlier this year.

The production shines with special effects. I will not give anything away, but there are moments when you truly will not believe your eyes. The sets, effects, and props were Broadway caliber. Royal Caribbean seemed to spare no expense. The acting was also top‑notch. The cast captured the unique tics and personalities of their movie counterparts.

That said, the adaptation has the same problems that plagued the original Broadway run. Critics found the plot thin and the songs almost totally forgettable. It relies heavily on nostalgia and love for the movie. I agree. I could not remember one song from the show, even with a live orchestra and strong vocals. One improvement was the pacing of the first act. Removing the intermission helped the show flow more smoothly. The runtime is about 1 hour and 40 minutes, which is plenty of time to hit the major plot points.

Overall, I commend Royal Caribbean for continuing to bring shows like this to their ships. It was enjoyable and very impressive, even if it was not my favorite Broadway show.

Y2K Millennium Party in the Promenade

Tonight’s party on the Royal Promenade was the Y2K or Millennium Party. Traditionally, Royal Caribbean relies heavily on disco and 70s parties, so it is nice to see an update, especially since millennials are now a key market. The problem seemed to be how to dress for a Y2K or Millennium party. It has not been long enough for that fashion to find its way to parody.

The party was less attended than last night’s, but the Promenade still had a good crowd. The entertainment staff brought out platforms in front of The Pearl and performed choreography to the songs. These are not line dances, but prearranged choreography among the team. It felt more organic than Carnival’s frequent line‑dance parties.

The issue I saw is that the party froze other entertainment in the area. Boleros, the Latin bar that is usually filled with live music each night, was totally quiet. The same went for Thorn & Thistle (the English pub) and Schooner Bar. It is odd to force all guests into the same nighttime entertainment if they want live music.

Purpose‑Built Venues Can Create Empty Spaces At Night

One thing I noticed tonight was that a lot of bands had the night off. The jazz band in Lou’s, the dueling pianos, and the Latin band in Boleros were all off. That meant three venues that could hold nearly 300 people were empty. Boleros looked like a ghost town as I walked by, the bartender cleaning the bar top.

Royal Caribbean’s strategy for these mega‑ships has always been to divide crowds so no place feels overwhelming. That mostly works, but when you have purpose‑built bars that depend on a single entertainer, there will be off nights. It felt like wasted space. Once Star of the Seas is on normal seven‑day sailings, this may not happen as often with a fuller entertainment schedule.

Completely Underwhelmed by Playmakers

Because the Promenade was all about the Y2K party, we went to Playmakers for a nightcap. We arrived around 11:15, and the place was basically empty. The bartender told us food stops at 11 PM, which we were not getting anyway, so we just ordered drinks.

I had walked through Playmakers a few times already, because it is a hallway to get to Absolute Zero, but I had not spent time there. Now that I have, I can say I disliked the design.

I have sailed Royal Caribbean plenty of times, but none of the ships had Playmakers, so this was my first chance to see it in use. I had seen pictures of the version on Oasis‑class ships with open windows, doors to The Boardwalk, and many TVs. Maybe that is why this space felt off to me.

Playmakers was really dark, with black walls and ceilings, and most of the light coming from massive TVs. Pool tables and arcade games sat along one wall, but they were separated from the bar and table seating by the walkway leading to the ice rink. It felt like a basement dive sports bar, far from what I expected from Royal Caribbean. It also felt oddly cramped with furniture and chairs, even though it was empty. I could not imagine paying extra to eat here unless I was a sports fan and my team was on the TVs.

Late Night Snack Options

Before bed, I had to stop by Sorrento’s for pizza. The Promenade party had dissipated, and the pizza spot was quiet. It was only a two‑minute wait, which was impressive. Royal Caribbean knows how to churn out pizza. It might not be the best pizza, but it is fast and hot.

I did not realize it then, but the AquaDome Market is also open until midnight for those who want a late-night bite. It was clearly listed in the Cruise Compass, but late‑night food on Royal Caribbean always means pizza to me. A sign near Sorrento’s pointing guests up to the market would help.

And yet a third option for late-night snacks was Pearl Cafe. Here, guests could choose from a variety of complimentary sandwich options and desserts (although the selection of sandwiches was really puzzling).

Star of the Seas Day 2 Wrap Up

Overall, Day 2 was jam-packed, and I walked over 7 miles just exploring the ship. I continued to be impressed by Star of the Seas, although today, I did find some shortcomings, as you would on any cruise ship. The constant noise during the day is probably what I’d mention to those looking to book the ship.

In terms of crowds, it’s not that there weren’t any, but it wasn’t any more than you’d see on any other cruise ship. I didn’t experience any crazy lines for anything; bars, activities, food, shows. In fact, I’d say it felt less crowded than older, smaller ships that hold thousands of people less.

Follow Along on our 4-Day Star of the Seas Cruise

Star of the Seas – Cruise Blog - Day 1 – Port Canaveral

Star of the Seas – Cruise Blog - Day 2 – Sea Day

Star of the Seas – Cruise Blog - Day 3 – Perfect Day at CocoCay

Star of the Seas – Cruise Blog - Day 4 – Final Sea Day

6 Hits and Misses on Star of the Seas

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Norwegian Fjords Cruise Day 7 Overview

• Day 7 Schedule
• Lazy Morning Start
• Fourth of July Celebration
• Cloudy Day Poolside Relaxing
• Trying Eden Cafe for Lunch
• Buffet Extravaganza
• Busy Ship on a Cool Day
• Musical Murder Mystery in The Club
• Sea Day at the Gym
• Shopping with Onboard Credit
• Craft Social for Pre-Dinner Drinks
• Cypress Dining Room for Dinner
• Martini Bar
• “Rockumentary” in the Celebrity Theater
• Karaoke with the Band
• Leaving the Celebrity Apex
• Stonehenge Excursion
• Norwegian Fjord Cruise Wrap-Up

Celebrity Apex Day 7 Schedule

Lazy Morning Start

This cruise had a lot of early mornings to explore the ports, but today was my first real chance to sleep in. I didn’t set an alarm and stayed asleep until 9 AM, when I was woken by vacuuming in the cabin above us. It was the first time I noticed any noise outside my cabin the whole cruise. No hallway doors slamming, no kids running up and down corridors, and even though we had a connecting cabin, which is usually noisier, I never heard our neighbors once. I don’t know if it was great ship design or just the right passenger mix on this sailing.

I eventually made my way to the Seaside Cafe buffet around 10 AM, just half an hour before closing. It was more crowded than I’d ever seen it. Food stations were still well organized with minimal lines, but finding a table was nearly impossible. After about 10 minutes of circling, I finally found a spot. Today, they had a specialty donut station set up.

Fourth of July Celebration

Today was the Fourth of July, and in the pre-cruise Facebook group, many people wondered if there would be any celebration on board. Since we had departed from Southampton, I honestly didn’t think so. I was wrong.

Yesterday, the ship celebrated Canada Day, and today it was the Fourth of July. At 10:30 AM, Captain Nikolas came over the speakers and invited everyone to the pool deck on 14. According to him, this sailing had 35 different nationalities onboard, with 1,135 Americans (about 25% of the guests) and only 18 American crew members.

An American flag was hung between the large “heart hands” sculpture as officers lined the far side of the pool. It was chilly outside, only about 60 degrees, so the staff walked around handing out blankets. One of the entertainers sang the national anthem as the flag was raised to the ship’s highest point. Bartenders served a festive red, white, and blue frozen cocktail (included in the drink package but not complimentary if you don’t have one). It was tasty but freezing cold on such a brisk day.

It was a simple event but nicely done, and it had a solid turnout considering only a quarter of the ship were Americans.

Cloudy Day Poolside Relaxing

After the ceremony, the crowd dispersed. I grabbed one of the loungers facing the ocean behind the large glass windows. It was cool outside, but with long pants and a jacket, I was comfortable enough to read. I loved that Apex had loungers facing outward toward the sea. Too many Royal Caribbean ships face everything inward, making it easy to forget the ocean is even there.

The pool deck wasn’t crowded, but Celebrity still staffed three bar carts in addition to the full bar. I picked up a Vitamin Water, which I had forgotten was included in the drink package since it’s not on menus or displayed anywhere.

Tip: The Premium Drink Package includes energy drinks, Vitamin Waters, and other non-alcoholic beverages as well as “premium sodas.” You might not see them on display,, or on a menu, so you just have to ask. 

Soon after, the staff and officers played guests in a game of pool volleyball. I had to give them credit. Even though the water was heated to 72 degrees, it still looked brutally cold, but they gamely jumped in. It was another nice example of how involved Celebrity’s senior officers are compared to other lines.

Trying Eden Cafe for Lunch

I had spent plenty of time in Eden throughout the cruise, but I hadn’t tried the Eden Cafe yet. Tucked away on Deck 5 with very limited hours, it’s hidden behind curtains when closed.

The cafe has two counters: one for sandwiches and salads, the other for drinks and snacks. Seating is limited, but you can take food anywhere in Eden. Outdoor seating was closed because of strong winds.

I ordered a Reuben, one of my favorite sandwiches, and was given a buzzer. A few minutes later, I picked up my plate. The half sandwich was pressed flat with harsh grill marks and tasted as sad as it looked. The corned beef was nearly missing, and there was no sauce; definitely a miss.

Lunchtime Buffet Extravaganza

Since Eden Cafe was disappointing, I headed back to the Oceanview Cafe. On the final sea day, Celebrity usually puts on an “extravaganza,” and since it was also the Fourth of July, they went even bigger.

The first two buffet islands were filled with premium seafood: oysters, shrimp, clams, and lobster rolls. It felt like a throwback to the grand midnight buffets cruise ships were known for years ago. The only thing missing was crab which was disappointing.

I tried a little of everything. Normally, I’d never order mussels or clams, but one of the best things about cruising is sampling new foods without worrying about the price. In this case, I didn’t care for them, but at least I gave them a shot.

At dessert, the buffet had dozens of stunning chocolate options. Two staff members plated desserts from the display, but the labeling was poor. I couldn’t tell what most of them were, only that they looked impressive.

Busy Ship on a Cool Day

With highs only around 60, the inside spaces filled up quickly. Sea days are always a test of how a ship handles crowds, even more so when bad weather keeps everyone indoors.

Apex passed with flying colors. The ship was busy, but it never felt overly crowded. It was far more comfortable than my sea day on Norwegian Viva last year and the lay out made it feel less cramped them my sailing on Valiant Lady during inclement weather.

The busiest spot was Deck 4 of the Grand Plaza near Cafe al Bacio. Guests were playing cards and board games, taking over most of the tables. Celebrity opened one of the dining rooms for games, but without signs, few people knew it was available.

Musical Murder Mystery in The Club

At 3 PM, I went to The Club for the “Musical Murder Mystery.” I wasn’t sure what to expect, but with little else on the schedule, it seemed worth a try. The venue was packed, with both levels full and extra chairs set up.

The event mixed scripted lines with musical trivia. Staff played characters in a murder mystery, and in between scenes, they worked in songs that the audience had to guess. It was a fun twist on traditional trivia, especially when the staff adlibbed lines.

Overall, there were 25 different questions and some were quite hard. But the 45 minutes for this activity felt a bit rushed, there was a lot to cram in to that short time period. They easily could have extended it 15 more minutes. Considering its popularity, I was surprised there weren’t more trivia events scheduled for this sea day.

Sea Day at the Gym

After trivia, I headed to the gym to burn off some of the week’s indulgence. With the sun finally shining, the space looked even better. Located at the very front of the ship, the fitness center has sweeping panoramic views over the bow.

Norwegian’s Prima class ships have a similar setup, but their dark ceilings make the room feel more closed in. Celebrity’s design feels bright and open, although the sunlight did heat the space quite a bit, making cardio more of a workout than usual.

I appreciated the small touches like complimentary headsets, chilled towels, and flavored water. It all added a high-class feel.

Shopping with Onboard Credit

As a Royal Caribbean stockholder, I received $100 in onboard credit. Since I already had the Premium drink package and prepaid gratuities, I had barely spent anything all week, so I still had about $90 left.

Most of the onboard shops weren’t my style. They were focused on high-end jewelry, fashion, and perfumes. While the stores often looked empty, one Fabergé egg on display had been sold, and those can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so I guess a single sale justifies the space.

I ended up at The Celebrity Shops, which offered branded merchandise, some destination items, and the usual duty-free goods. The Celebrity collection felt limited, but I picked up Norwegian-themed coasters, soaps, and wine stoppers to use up my credit.

Craft Social for Pre-Dinner Drinks

For pre-dinner drinks, we stopped at Craft Social. The space was buzzing, and bar seating was nearly impossible to find. A woman next to me mentioned how small the bar felt and how few true bar spaces existed onboard. I had to agree. While servers were plentiful and quick to bring drinks to tables, the lack of bar seating made it harder to socialize casually.

The layout leaned toward small groups seated at tables or couches rather than mingling at the bar. Carnival’s Alchemy Bar is a good example of a layout that encourages both seated and standing interaction, something I wish Craft Social offered.

Cypress Dining Room for Dinner

For our final dinner, we returned to the Cypress Dining Room. At 7 PM, the space was only about half full, but service still felt stretched thin. Our waiter was personable and friendly, but clearly covering a lot of tables.

This evening I ordered the exclusive dish, braised lamb shank. It’s nothing I’d usually order at home, but I was feeling adventerous. It was very hearty and tender. Dinner ended with yet another apple pie; I have to say that Celebrity really does that well.

Before we left, the waiter reminded us to complete our surveys but didn’t push for specific scores, which I appreciated.

Martini Bar

After dinner, we set our bags outside the cabin for pickup the next morning. Like most cruise lines, Celebrity encourages guests to put luggage out the night before to make disembarkation smoother. It does mean repacking and keeping out only what you’ll need for the morning, but it’s worth it to avoid dragging bags through crowded elevators and hallways.

With that done, we returned to the Martini Bar for a final drink. The evening’s entertainment was another “DJ Chill and Soul” session, which was essentially a DJ sitting in the corner playing a playlist and looking bored. Thankfully, my Lychee Martini was far more entertaining.

I really grew to enjoy the Grand Plaza and Martini Bar. The natural hardwoods gave the space a warmth that’s rare on modern ships. It felt both sophisticated and inviting, though the tiered seating was tricky to navigate and the bar itself was too small. Celebrity seems to have learned from this, enlarging and re-centering the bar on newer Edge-class ships.

“Rockumentary” in the Celebrity Theater

For our last production show, we went to the Celebrity Theater for “Rockumentary.” The description promised guests could “relive the epic performances that defined decade after decade.”

We arrived 20 minutes early, and there were still plenty of seats, even in the front rows. Despite complaints I’d read online about the theater being too small, I found it more than adequate as long as you arrived a little early.

The show featured classics from the Rolling Stones, Beatles, Janis Joplin, and Bruce Springsteen, all backed by the massive LED screens that dominated the set. The visuals were impressive, and the four lead vocalists were perfectly matched to their songs.

After seeing three productions this week, I left impressed. “Rockumentary” and “Tree of Life” were excellent, while “Crystallize” earlier in the cruise felt like a misstep. It was surprising that the same creative team produced such different-quality shows.

Karaoke with the Band

Later in The Club, karaoke returned, this time with a live band. It was a fun idea that worked well with strong singers, but made weaker ones sound even more amateurish.

After karaoke, the venue transitioned into a nightclub. Unfortunately, it didn’t keep much of the crowd. The schedule for sea days felt oddly light, with just a handful of trivia sessions and only one karaoke slot despite their popularity. Silent Disco, one of Celebrity’s most-loved events, was also offered only once the whole week. It felt like the entertainment staff missed opportunities to expand the most successful events.

Leaving the Celebrity Apex

The next morning, it was time to say goodbye. Self-debarkation for guests who kept their luggage began at 6:55 AM, and by 7:10, they were already up to group 8 for those who had tagged bags. Guests exited midship through Raw on 5.

Since our flight wasn’t until later, we booked a Celebrity excursion that combined a Stonehenge tour with airport transfer. All tour groups met in The Club. We arrived at 7:20 and were called 10 minutes later, but the logistics were messy. The Club is on Deck 4 while the exit is on Deck 5, and no one told us we’d need to move between decks. Groups got split up as people tried to squeeze onto the stairs and elevators, which created confusion.

Once off the ship, we breezed through customs and baggage claim. From there, we found our bus, although there was more disorganization. Several guests were on the check-in list but not on the bus list, which had to be corrected before departure. At $167 per person, I expected smoother coordination.

For those not using transfers, taxis were waiting outside the terminal, and the National Express station was only about a 15- to 20-minute walk, making Heathrow accessible by cheap bus.

Stonehenge Excursion

Our bus left at 8 AM and drove through winding English country roads, charming villages, and even a national park with free-roaming ponies. The guide provided commentary on what we passed, though surprisingly not much about Stonehenge itself.

We arrived around 9:20 AM. Buses park near the visitor center, and from there you either take a shuttle (four minutes) or walk to the stones. We opted for the shuttle.

Being among the first buses of the day, we still found the site quickly filling up. The weather was gray, with low clouds and the threat of drizzle, fittingly British.

The stone circle sits in an open grassy field, isolated from nearby civilization. Guests can no longer walk up to the stones except on one special day each year. Instead, a path encircles the site at a safe distance.

A free audio guide was available, but the app was clunky, often cutting off mid-track. Fortunately, the signage around the site explained things well enough. Stonehenge’s marketing team also leaned heavily into social media, encouraging photo poses similar to the “holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa” gag. Some tourists really went for it.

After a lap of the site, we returned to the museum. It’s small but well done, with multimedia exhibits explaining the many theories about Stonehenge’s purpose. Outside, recreated Neolithic dwellings gave a glimpse of everyday life. The visitor center also offered free Wi-Fi, a cafe, and a gift shop.

Overall, I was glad we went since it only added about an hour and a half to the trip home. I don’t think I’d make a separate journey just for Stonehenge, but it worked well as part of our transfer.

We met back at the bus at noon and arrived at Heathrow by 1:30 PM, leaving us several hours before our flight.

Norwegian Fjord Cruise Wrap-Up

Looking back, this trip was incredible. The landscapes and scenery of the Norwegian Fjords blew me away. It reminded me of my Alaska cruise, but with less focus on wildlife and more on sweeping natural panoramas. I’d recommend this itinerary to anyone who loves dramatic scenery and wants something different from the Caribbean. Whether you want to hike, kayak, zip line, ride the Flam Railway, or just relax and take in the views, the fjords offer something for every kind of cruiser.

As for Celebrity Apex, the ship impressed me at every turn. Its design made enjoying the scenery from multiple vantage points easy, and its slightly smaller size compared to the mega-ships made getting around less stressful. I could pop back to my cabin in minutes rather than turning it into a production like on Icon of the Seas.

This cruise was also my first time sailing with Celebrity, and I’ll admit I worried it might feel too formal or stuffy. Instead, I found the atmosphere relaxed yet refined. The food was excellent, the service was consistently warm, and the overall experience won me over.

I wish there were more activities on sea days, but that’s a minor critique compared to everything else Celebrity did well. Would I sail Celebrity again? Absolutely.

Follow Along on our 7-Day Norwegian Fjord Cruise

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 1 – Southampton

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 2 – Bruges

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 3 – Sea Day

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 4 – Flam

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 5 – Geiranger

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 6 – Bergen

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 7 – Sea Day

4 Hits and Misses on Celebrity Apex

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MSC Now Charging One Fixed Price for a Specialty Dining Meal

With the new structure, guests will pay one flat fee at each specialty restaurant. That fee covers a full meal, typically including one appetizer, one main course, and one dessert. A few high-end options, like Ozaki Wagyu beef, will cost extra, but most items are now bundled into a single price.

This setup removes some of the guesswork that came with à la carte pricing, where it was easy for a meal to become more expensive than expected. By having a clear upfront cost, MSC hopes to make specialty dining more accessible to a wider range of guests.

MSC Introduces More Flexible Dining Packages

Alongside the pricing change, MSC is also updating its specialty dining packages. Guests can now pre-purchase packages that include one to four meals at specialty restaurants. Unlike in the past, these packages are fully customizable. Guests can return to the same restaurant multiple times if they choose, with one exception. The steakhouse, Butcher’s Cut, is limited to one visit per package.

For those who buy their dining packages before their cruise, MSC is offering discounts of up to 20 percent. Packages can also be purchased onboard, but they may cost more.

MSC Follows an Industry Trend

This move brings MSC more in line with what other major cruise lines are doing. Earlier this year, Norwegian Cruise Line switched from à la carte pricing to fixed cover charges at most of its specialty restaurants. Carnival and Royal Caribbean have both used fixed fees for most of their specialty restaurants for years.  

According to MSC, this setup gives guests more freedom and flexibility. But for those who previously only wanted a single appetizer or dessert, it may feel like you’re now being pushed to spend more than before. The flat fee removes price visibility for individual items, making it easier for the cruise line to increase spending without guests doing the math.

What This Means for Cruisers

For travelers who enjoy specialty dining, the changes should make planning easier. You now know exactly what you’re paying for and what you’re getting without feeling nickel and dimed. Still, with fixed-fee dining, some guests may miss the ability to grab just a small plate or dessert without committing to a full meal.

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What is AquaDome Market?

The AquaDome Market is located inside the dome-topped AquaDome space and offers quick, counter-service dining from five unique stalls. The food hall is only found on Icon Class ships and is designed to let guests mix and match globally inspired bites in a casual setting with panoramic ocean views.

The concept first debuted on Icon of the Seas, where guests can stop by five different concepts:

• Feta Mediterranean for pitas and gyros
• Mac’s for customizable mac and cheese bowls
• Toast and Garden for fresh salads and sandwiches
• GNGR for Korean dishes like beef and broccoli
• Crème de la Crepe for sweet and savory crepes

But for Star of the Seas, three of those stalls are being swapped out for new concepts.

What’s New in AquaDome Market on Star of the Seas?

Star of the Seas keeps two favorites from Icon, Feta Mediterranean and Crème de la Crepe, but introduces three all-new food options:

• Pig Out BBQ – A casual barbecue joint serving up smoky pulled pork, tender brisket, and other comfort food classics.
• Mai Thai – A Southeast Asian-inspired stall with dishes like pad thai and beef panang.
• La Cocinita – A Latin American offering focused on handheld favorites like hot empanadas and griddled arepas.

The food hall still includes a drink station where guests can grab a beer, wine, or seltzer to pair with their meal.

Our Take: Minor Tweaks Give Star of the Seas Something Unique

Royal Caribbean hasn’t officially said why the food stalls were changed, but the new lineup brings more variety and familiar comfort foods to the space. It could also improve service speed, since foods like empanadas and arepas can be prepped in advance and finished to order. Mac and cheese, one of the concepts being removed, may also be less appealing on warm-weather Caribbean sailings.

These minor tweaks help make Star of the Seas feel fresh, even for guests who’ve sailed Icon. Whether you’re craving smoky barbecue, spicy noodles, or Latin street food, the updated lineup brings a flavorful new twist to this already popular venue. With no reservations or added cost, it remains one of the easiest and most satisfying dining options onboard.

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