Star of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas: Which Royal Ship Wins for Families in 2025?
Royal Caribbean’s mega ships are redefining family vacations, but with two Icon-class giants sailing in 2025, which one should you choose? The brand-new Star of the Seas launches in August 2025, while Icon of the Seas has been wowing families since January 2024. We’ve compared both ships to help you pick the ultimate 2025 family cruise.
🚢 Quick Comparison
| Feature | Star of the Seas (2025) | Icon of the Seas (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | August 2025 | January 2024 |
| Ship Class | Icon Class | Icon Class |
| Max Guest Capacity | ~7,600 guests | ~7,600 guests |
| Length | 1,198 feet | 1,198 feet |
| Key Audience | Families, multigenerational groups | Families, young couples, thrill seekers |
🏨 Family Suites & Staterooms
Star of the Seas:
Ultimate Family Townhouse: A 3-level suite with a slide, karaoke, and private patio.
Expanded Suite Options: More family-focused suites, including larger layouts for multigenerational groups.
Suite Enclave: Exclusive area with private dining and concierge services.
Explore Star of the Seas suites
Icon of the Seas:
Ultimate Family Townhouse: First introduced here, ideal for large families.
Family Infinite Balconies: Spacious cabins with convertible balcony space.
Surfside Suites: Located in the kid-centric Surfside neighborhood for easy access to family activities.
Explore Icon of the Seas suites
✅ Verdict: Star of the Seas edges out with refined suite layouts and more options for larger families.
🌊 Water Parks & Pools
Star of the Seas:
Category 6 Waterpark: Six thrilling slides, including the new “Hyperloop” (confirmed August 2025).
Splashaway Bay: Expanded toddler-friendly splash zone with mini-slides and water cannons.
Adult-Only Infinity Pool: Stunning aft views for parents.
Icon of the Seas:
Category 6 Waterpark: Features high-speed slides like Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter.
Surfside Splash Zone: Perfect for kids under 6 with water play areas.
Chill Island & Cloud 17: Multi-level pools and adults-only retreats.
🔁 Tie: Both ships offer epic water fun for all ages.
Star of The Seas docked at CocoCay
🍽️ Dining Options for Families
Star of the Seas:
Lincoln Park Supper Club: A 1930s Chicago-themed specialty restaurant with crab ravioli, wagyu prime rib, and live jazz, priced at ~$200 per person.
AquaDome Market: New stalls include Pig Out BBQ (brisket, pulled pork), Mai Thai (Pad Thai, Beef Panang), and La Cocinita (empanadas, arepas), offering global flavors with no reservations needed.
Surfside Eatery: Kid-friendly buffet with healthier options and grab-and-go snacks, plus stroller parking for convenience.
Expanded room service and quick-service options near pools for family flexibility.
Icon of the Seas:
20+ dining venues, including Surfside Bites, AquaDome Market, and Pearl Café for grab-and-go.
Specialty dining like Izumi in the Park (sushi) and Empire Supper Club (1930s NYC-themed).
Proven variety with fewer bottlenecks compared to older ships.
📈 Edge: Star’s new dining concepts, like Lincoln Park Supper Club and updated AquaDome Market, offer fresher flavors, but Icon’s established dining flow is a safe bet.
🧒 Kid & Teen Activities
Star of the Seas:
Surfside Neighborhood: Enhanced with better flow, wider paths, and a new Baby Bay splash zone for infants, appealing to both younger and older kids.
Find My Kid Feature: A new tracking system for parents to monitor kids onboard via a mobile app, exclusive to Star.
Adventure Ocean: Reimagined with more physical challenges at the Playscape and expanded teen lounges with gaming and social spaces.
Chief Dog Officer Sailor: A golden retriever adding fun meet-and-greets for kids.
Icon of the Seas:
Surfside: Designed for kids under 10, with Splashaway Bay, arcade, and candy store.
Thrill Island and Social 020: Teen-focused areas with rock climbing, FlowRider, and lounges.
Extensive kid and teen programming but less tailored for infants.
🎯 Edge: Star wins with upgraded family zones, infant-friendly features, and the innovative Find My Kid tracking.
🎤 Shows & Entertainment
Star of the Seas:
Back to the Future: The Musical: A Broadway-style show with the largest orchestra at sea, exclusive to Star.
Torque: A high-energy AquaTheater show with synchronized swimmers, divers, and robots.
Sol: A stunning ice show at Absolute Zero with the largest skating cast, tracing the sun’s journey.
Improved show reservation system and more open seating to reduce wait times.
Icon of the Seas:
Wizard of Oz: A beloved Broadway-style production.
Aqua Action: High-diving AquaTheater show with impressive stunts.
Absolute Zero: Ice-skating performances, though with a smaller cast than Star.
🎭 Edge: Star’s new shows and smoother reservation system make it the winner for fresh entertainment.
🌍2025 Itineraries
Explore Star of the Seas on Royal Caribbean’s official site
Star of the Seas:
Homeport: Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
Routes: 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.
Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, Nassau, and Costa Maya.
Explore Icon of the Seas on Royal Caribbean’s official site
Icon of the Seas:
Homeport: Miami, Florida.
Routes: 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings.
Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Maarten, Roatán, and San Juan.
🗺️ Edge: Icon offers slightly more port variety.
🌱 Sustainability
Star of the Seas:
Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), with waste heat recovery and shore power connectivity, supporting Royal Caribbean’s net-zero goal by 2035.
Icon of the Seas:
Also LNG-powered with similar eco-friendly systems, setting the standard for the Icon class.
🌿 Tie: Both ships prioritize sustainability, making them eco-conscious choices.
✨ Which Ship Wins for Your Family?
| Best For... | Our Pick |
|---|---|
| Larger Family Groups | Star of the Seas |
| Proven Onboard Experience | Icon of the Seas |
| New Ship Enthusiasts | Star of the Seas |
| Best Waterpark Fun | Tie |
| All-Ages Dining Variety | Icon of the Seas |
💬 Cruiser Quote: “Our 2024 Icon cruise was a blast, but we’re booked for Star in 2025 for the new suites and waterpark upgrades!” — Sarah T., Chicago
👉 Our Advice: Choose Star of the Seas if you want cutting-edge family features like the Find My Kid app, new dining venues, and the thrill of a brand-new ship. Opt for Icon of the Seas if you prefer a proven experience with glowing reviews and slightly more diverse itineraries. Both are phenomenal, but Star’s upgrades make it the top pick for families in 2025.
❓ FAQ: Star vs Icon of the Seas
Q: What’s new on Star of the Seas for 2025?
A: Launched in August 2025 with a refined Ultimate Family Townhouse, new “Hyperloop” slide, and Latin fusion dining.
Q: Which ship is better for toddlers?
A: Both have great toddler areas (Star’s Splashaway Bay and Icon’s Surfside Splash Zone), with Star offering updated play spaces.
Q: Are the itineraries similar?
A: Yes, both offer 7-night Caribbean cruises with CocoCay, but Icon includes St. Maarten and Roatán.
Q: Which ship is more affordable?
A: Pricing varies; Icon may have lower rates as an established ship. Contact Sun Chaser Travel Co for deals.
✅ Planning Your Family Cruise?
Let Sun Chaser Travel Co help you plan the perfect vacation! From choosing your suite to scoring early-bird rates, we’ll take care of it all. BEST OF ALL? Our services are FREE!
Contact us here or message us on Instagram at @sun.chaser.travel
🛳️ Let’s get your 2025 cruise booked before the best cabins are gone!
