Which Cruise Ship is Right for You? Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas?

Are you an Icon or a Star?

Royal Caribbean International officially debuted their second Icon Class ship, the Star of the Seas, this past month. This gorgeous ship is joining her sister, the Icon of the Seas, in running weeklong itineraries to the Western and Eastern Caribbean, while making a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay. Naturally the question becomes, are you an Icon or a Star?  

First let’s start with what’s different about the ships:  

Home Port 

 This is by far the biggest difference between the two. While the Icon of the Seas has been home porting in Miami, the Star of the Seas made its debut in Port Canaveral (Orlando). While Miami’s vibrant city is full of art, food and culture is a draw for some as a pre-cruise stay; families will enjoy having the Star leave from the Theme Park Capital of the World.   

On-Board Entertainment 

The big difference here is the main show on each ship. The Icon features the Wizard of Oz, a fantastical take on the hit Broadway show. The Wizard of Oz is the most advanced production ever on a Royal Caribbean Ship to date.   While the show on the Icon may follow the yellow brick road: where the show on the Star of the Seas is going you don’t need roads. That’s right, the short-lived Broadway production has found a home on the newest ship in the fleet. With amazing special effects and classic rock ballads this show is sure to stun.   The original production at the Royal Theater is different too. The Icon features a superhero inspired show, The Effectors, as well as a big band style show, Show Band. The Star has Create, a stunning show about a robot determined to find the spark of artistic creation.   On the ice, Icon of the Seas features a fairytale adventure called Once Upon a Time and Starburst, Elemental Beauty. Star of the Seas features SOL, which brings the power of the sun to the ice.   At the AquaTheater you’ll find Torque, a high-octane stunt show, and Pirates and Mermaids on the Star of the Seas. On the Icon you’ll find Aqua Action!, another thrilling stunt show.   

Now let’s talk about what’s the same because well, that’s basically everything else. 

The layouts of the ships are nearly identical, apart from Star having a second escape room. There are family suites, infinite balconies, more rooms designed for larger families than any other ship. Both ships mimic the layout of Perfect Day at Coco Cay with a Thrill Island, a Chill Island, and a Hideaway Bay.  

Iconic thrills have also remained for the Star including Crown’s Edge and the Category 6 water park. Surfside remains your one stop shop for families with dining, entertainment, and pools. The list goes on...

So how do you pick?

By working with one of the agents at Carry on the Magic of course! All joking aside, the biggest thing you need to consider is what port is easiest for you to sail from. While I love the convenience of flying into Orlando and all of the family friendly activities there, even if you skip the theme parks; Port Canaveral is actually an hour away from Orlando and that transportation cost can add up. On the other hand, Miami can be more expensive to fly to (though you do have Fort Lauderdale as another reasonable airport option). Miami hotels are more likely to offer free or low-cost transfers to the port since it’s more centrally located. I also love Miami for the art and culture that you can find in the city. Which port is better for you is going to rely on your local airport, events in either city prior to your travel dates, and so many other personal factors. This should be the main thing you consider.  

The other thing to consider is the itinerary. You may want the ease of Port Canaveral, but the dates you can travel the Star is doing a Western Caribbean itinerary and you’re dying to go to St. Thomas. Then you may want to consider the Icon out of Miami.   This is assuming you don’t specifically want to see either the Wizard of Oz or Back to the Future: The Musical. If the show is the most important thing, make sure you pick the ship that offers the entertainment you want! Either way you’re in for a truly iconic vacation!