Tag: Star of the Seas

Dining Royal Caribbean Ships

A Guide to Complimentary Dining Aboard Icon of the Seas

Food lovers, rejoice! Icon of the Seas is more than just a cruise ship—it’s a floating paradise for anyone who loves good food. From hearty meals with the family to quick bites between adventures, the complimentary dining options on board cater to every palate. Here’s your go-to guide on where to satisfy your cravings while exploring this incredible ship.

Main Dining Room (Decks 3, 4 & 5) 

The Main Dining Room is the heart of Icon of the Seas’ dining experience. Spread across three stunning levels, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an elegant setting. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast to start your day or a three-course dinner to wind it down, the menu offers something for everyone, with options that change daily. Ideal for families and couples looking to enjoy a classic cruise dining experience.

Sorrento’s (Deck 5 – Royal Promenade) 

Who doesn’t love pizza? Located on the Royal Promenade, Sorrento’s serves fresh, hot slices of pizza until 3 a.m. every night. It’s the perfect spot for a late-night snack or a quick bite between activities. Families with kids (or hungry adults) will especially appreciate the no-frills deliciousness of this spot.

Pearl Café (Deck 6) 

Hungry at 2 a.m.? No problem. Open 24/7, Pearl Café is a one-stop spot for warm pressed sandwiches, grab-and-go snacks, and delicious desserts. Its convenient location behind the Pearl makes it a great choice for travelers on the move or anyone craving a midnight treat.

Surfside Eatery (Deck 7 – Surfside Neighborhood) 

For those traveling with kids (or just feeling young at heart), Surfside Eatery delivers a buffet of kid-friendly favorites that adults will love too. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s perfect for families looking to relax while enjoying an easy, tasty meal.

Surfside Bites (Deck 7 – Surfside Neighborhood) 

If you’re in a hurry, Surfside Bites has you covered. This grab-and-go spot offers snacks like hot dogs, fries, and more. Quick, satisfying, and ideal when you’re juggling pool time or other activities with little ones.

Sprinkles Soft Serve (Decks 7 and 15) 

Soft serve anytime, anywhere. Sprinkles has two convenient locations—one in Surfside and another in the Pool Neighborhood on Deck 15. With chocolate, vanilla, and twist cones, it’s a fun stop for kids and adults alike.

Park Café (Deck 8 – Central Park) 

Hidden in the lush greenery of Central Park, Park Café is a charming escape offering light options for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. From fresh salads to sandwiches, its variety makes it a perfect choice for a relaxing meal with gorgeous surroundings.

Vitality Café (Deck 6 – Spa & Fitness Area) 

If you’re all about health and wellness, stop by the Vitality Café. While specialty drinks come at an additional cost, the café offers complimentary granola bars and other small bites to keep you energized without overindulging.

Aquadome Market (Deck 15 – Aquadome) 

Step inside the stunning Aquadome and explore a food hall-style dining experience with five unique stalls to choose from:

  • Crème De La Crepe serves mouthwatering sweet crepes made to order.
  • GNGR offers bold and delicious Asian-inspired dishes.
  • Mac’s features a variety of decadent mac & cheese creations.
  • Feta provides Mediterranean fare like hummus, wraps, and fresh veggies.
  • Toast & Garden has sandwiches, salads, and fresh, healthy options. 

This diverse lineup ensures there’s something for everyone.

El Loco Fresh (Deck 15 – Pool Deck) 

Your go-to spot for quick and tasty Mexican cuisine! El Loco Fresh serves dishes like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, complete with a self-serve toppings station to customize your creation. It’s fast, flavorful, and fantastic after a swim.

Windjammer (Deck 15 – Pool Deck) 

No cruise dining guide is complete without mentioning Windjammer. This all-day buffet serves up a rotating menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Highlights include a made-to-order pasta, omelet, or ramen bar, a vibrant salad station, and a variety of international dishes. For families, Windjammer offers the ultimate convenience and variety.

Basecamp (Deck 16) 

Basecamp is now fully complimentary, making it a fan favorite! Relax in its spacious seating area and enjoy quick-serve comfort foods like Smash burgers, pretzel bites, and crispy chicken fingers. It’s the ideal spot to fuel up before heading out for adventure.

Room Service- Continental Breakfast

While there is a small charge for general room service, if you are just doing the continental breakfast (cereal, pastries, coffee, fruit, and more), it is complimentary. You can easily order by calling or leaving the filled out menu hanger on your door the night before. We love doing this on sea days and enjoying a relaxed breakfast on our balcony. We do recommend tipping the attendant who brings your food.


Savor Every Bite

From traditional sit-down meals to quick snacks and ice cream on the go, dining aboard Icon of the Seas is an experience in itself. Whether you’re traveling as a family or enjoying some “me time,” there’s something delicious waiting for you around every corner.

Stay tuned to thecrusingcompass.com for information, news, tips, and tricks on all things cruising and join in the conversation in The Cruising Compass Facebook group.

News & Updates Royal Caribbean Ships

Royal Caribbean Selects Diana Ross as Godmother for Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is gearing up to launch its revolutionary Icon Class cruise ship, Star of the Seas, in August 2025, and they’ve chosen a fittingly iconic godmother to lead the festivities. Music legend Diana Ross, known for her timeless hits and global influence, will take on the honored maritime tradition of bestowing prosperity and safety upon the ship, its crew, and its future guests. The launch will kick off with a dazzling naming ceremony in the AquaTheater, located in Star’s AquaDome neighborhood, offering breathtaking ocean views.

“I am truly honored to be part of this incredible milestone,” said Ross. “For decades, I’ve created music that connects people around the world, and now, as godmother of Star of the Seas, I’m excited to continue bringing joy and memories to families and travelers alike.”

Photo from Royal Caribbean

A New Standard in Family Vacations

The Star of the Seas is set to redefine the ultimate family vacation with eight distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own unique adventure. Designed to merge elements of resort escapes, theme park thrills, and beach retreats, the ship promises something for every family member. Highlights include:

  • Thrill Island: Home to the largest waterpark at sea where adrenaline seekers can test their bravery on six record-breaking slides.
  • Chill Island: A more relaxing experience with seven sea-facing pools, including Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat, and the iconic swim-up bar, Swim & Tonic.
  • Unmatched Entertainment: The ship will debut the beloved Back to the Future The Musical, paired with cutting-edge productions in its AquaTheater and Absolute Zero ice arena.
  • Gourmet Dining: More than 40 dining and drinking spots, from casual eateries to upscale venues like the Lincoln Park Supper Club, will keep food lovers satisfied.
Photo from Royal Caribbean

Exclusive Destinations Await

Sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, Star of the Seas will offer 7-night itineraries exploring the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Each voyage will include a stop at Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. Guests can also look forward to more exclusive experiences on the horizon, including the Royal Beach Club in Paradise Island starting December 2025 and Perfect Day Mexico in 2027.

A Celebration Fit for an Icon

The AquaTheater ceremony featuring Diana Ross promises to set the tone for the exciting adventures awaiting families and vacationers aboard Star of the Seas. Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean’s CEO, highlighted the significance of the occasion, saying, “Having Diana Ross as the ship’s godmother is a perfect match. Her music has brought generations together, and that’s exactly what Star aims to do for our guests. It’s a celebration of connection and joy.”


Royal Caribbean has been synonymous with innovative travel for over 50 years, delivering unforgettable experiences to over 300 destinations globally. Star of the Seas marks yet another leap forward in providing life-changing moments for travelers of all ages. Prepare to set sail on the future of family vacations this summer.

Stay tuned to thecrusingcompass.com for information, news, tips, and tricks on all things cruising and join in the conversation in The Cruising Compass Facebook group.