Star of the Seas Cruise Blog – Day 2 – Sea Day
It was our second full day aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest ship, Star of the Seas. With more than 5,500 guests onboard, this was the first real test of how the ship’s venues and features could handle the crowds. Would the pool decks feel jam-packed? Would dining lines stretch endlessly? Or could this mega-ship deliver a smooth experience even at full capacity? Follow along on our Day 2 Blog.
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 (Coming Soon)
Star of the Seas – Cruise Blog - Day 2 – Sea Day (Coming Soon)
5 Hits and Misses on Star of the Seas (Coming Soon)
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