Royal Caribbean’s latest addition, Star of the Seas, has quickly risen to the top of the fleet rankings. In just one year, it has become the highest-rated ship based on customer reviews. This achievement is based on data from Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com, and TripAdvisor, which compare the cruise line’s 29 ships. Launching in 2025, Star’s rapid ascent to the top is remarkable.
Interestingly, Star’s sister ship, Icon of the Seas, ranks 10th despite their similar designs and features. Icon was highly anticipated and introduced the new Icon Class design in January 2024. Initially, Icon held the top spot but gradually dropped as more reviews came in and the initial excitement waned. This suggests that Star’s current position might not be permanent. As more passengers review Star, its ranking could change similarly.
Why Star May Have An Early Advantage
Although Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas are nearly identical, Royal Caribbean made several tweaks based on feedback from Icon’s debut. Instead of a complete redesign, they refined areas needing improvement. For instance, Surfside was updated to appeal to older children, not just younger families. Guest flow around the ship was improved, and dining options were enhanced.
Star also introduced new venues and experiences. The Lincoln Park Supper Club replaced the Empire Supper Club’s New York theme with a Chicago concept. AquaDome Market’s food options were refreshed, and entertainment saw changes, including Back to the Future: The Musical as the headline show. Smaller changes included an extra hot tub and revised children’s spaces with traditional play areas. These adjustments, though minor individually, may explain why guests are responding more positively to Star.
Price could also be a factor. Icon of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s pricier ships, and reviewers often note that high prices raise expectations. Star faces similar pricing challenges, but with its refinements, it might be meeting those expectations more effectively.
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