First Look - Sunday, November 16th

Monday, November 17th

A day at Coco Cay, and a chance to explore the ship.  The Independence of the Sea was next door.  A Norwegian ship was “out there,” where they tender to their own private island.

Previous cruise - link below

7 night cruise on the Star

• After having been exposed to a 3-night sampling, we are excited to spend an entire week aboard
• Cabin #3182, Oceanview Window - an economical choice, available at a discount through a casino offer
  • Although we won’t spend too much time in the cabin, we hope to experience an Oceanview Balcony on our next Star voyage
• The refrigerator is (way too) small.  You can’t even fit your ice bucket inside - if you’re trying to have ice for a few hours after delivery.

Entertainment

We have scheduled in advance all the major productions:

• Back to the Future, the Musical, Royal Theatre - already getting rave reviews
• ”SOL” Ice Show
• Torque in the Aqua Theatre
• Music including a rock cover band “Phoenix,” along with various other artists - harp, piano, acoustic guitar

Monday night Headliner opening featured a comedy juggler.  Really good juggling.  Kinda funny.  Repetitive after 30 minutes.

And, 3 comedians at the Adult Comedy show - you’re bound to like one or two.  But…do Not attend if you don’t want to find out what jokes qualify as “adult.”  (You’re been Warned!)

Evening Music Options

Dueling Piano bar was crowded; Lou’s Jazz was not - both were entertaining; we enjoyed the Piano Bar from afar; Jazz close up.Also at Lou’s (although sometimes elsewhere on the ship), a harpist.  You will not find this unique musical variety very often.

Aqua Theatre

• Always a treat - the Star show “Torque” had a motor racing theme and was energy-filled, including motorcycles in a cage.

Music - Guitar/vocalist in the Pub

First Day Food - Sunday, 11/16

• Sandwiches from the Park Cafe
• Cheeze/tomato salad at the Pearl Cafe
• Smashburger from BaseCamp, with a side of tators

Dining - Sooo many Choices!

We enjoyed everywhere we ate and wished there was time to repeat some visits.  On day 2, we cancelled a day 6 speciality restaurant when we realized there were so many (no extra cost) options, including:

• Base Camp - great burgers but be prepared to wait a few minutes for freshly grilled (smashed) meal.
• AquaDome Market - actually, four dining options in one (see photos below).
• El Loco Fresh - a step up from fast food, and never busy (or at least, not as busy as on the Utopia).
• Windjammer - except for Embarkation day, never had trouble finding a table
  • Pro-tip:  Made to order omelets in the back, past all seating.  Never a wait.  Most folks don’t make it this far.
  • Fruit:  I ate fruit on this ship that I just don’t buy at home - Star fruit, Kiwi, Figs…
• Main Dining Room - while there was nothing “new” (for Royal) on this ship, a highlight was lobster on night 6.  (Yes, they will cheerfully remove the meat from the tail; no need to get messy).  We only went twice to the MDR, but were satisfied each time.
  • Note:  You can order the “dessert” cheese plate as an appetizer (extra or replacement)
• Pearl Cafe - great little sandwiches and salads that easily make a satisfying meal, along with a nice selection of desserts.  Some salads and sandwiches are grab-n-go; you’ll want to have your pulled pork sandwich (on a tasty biscuit) heated up.

Dining - From the August 2025 cruise

In short, the food was great.

• The Main Dining Room offered superb options, served promptly.
  • Lobster was on the menu night 2
  • Waiters were excellent and provided napkin figures (i.e., like towel animals)
• Pearl Cafe - Deck 6, 24 hours
  • Take the stairs from the Promenade
  • The desserts are amazing
• Windjammer Marketplace
  • Lobster was on the lunch menu, after boarding
  • Not too crowded, compared to other ships we’ve experienced (either due to operating under capacity or due to the many choices available)
• Multiple other choices
  • AquaDome Market - unique to the Icon Class
  • El Loco Fresh - as seen on many ships
  • Surfside Eatery - geared toward children and families
  • Several specialty restaurants at extra cost

Fitness Center

It doesn’t get any newer, cleaner or available than this.