Icon of the Seas vs Star of the Seas

Icon of the Seas

• Crowds disperse remarkably well across 8 neighborhoods despite ~7,600 passengers - decks and the Royal Promenade rarely feel packed
• The Hideaway is the first suspended infinity pool at sea, anchoring an adults-leaning party zone among the ship's 7 pools and 9 hot tubs
• Category 6 is the largest water park at sea with 6 slides, including Frightening Bolt (longest drop slide at sea) and the free-fall Pressure Drop
• Chill Island features the largest pool at sea plus Swim & Tonic, Royal Caribbean's first swim-up bar, with abundant loungers
• Surfside is a dedicated family neighborhood (pool, eateries, carousel) that families consistently rate as a standout

• Peak times get genuinely crowded - members report shows and restaurants must be booked early, leaving little room for spontaneity
• The top water slides draw long lines on warm sea days (waits of nearly an hour reported for the drop slides)
• Premium and steeply rising pricing - balcony fares that launched near $4,100/wk have climbed to $7,000-$8,000+, and over $12,000 on holidays
• Pervasive upcharges: Crown's Edge (~$49pp), Empire Supper Club ($200pp), Desserted milkshakes ($35), and pool casitas up to $800 on sea days
• Specialty-dining costs add up fast (Unlimited Dining Package ~$100/night for two) and several 'new' eateries carry extra fees

Star of the Seas

• Entertainment lineup is a genuine standout - Back to the Future: The Musical and the AquaDome dive shows draw repeat mentions as the best productions at sea
• Eight-neighborhood layout spreads 5,600+ guests surprisingly well - travelers report rarely waiting for food or drinks outside peak events
• Category 6 is the largest waterpark at sea, with six full-size slides that keep kids occupied for entire sea days
• Embarkation at Port Canaveral's new terminal is remarkably fast - many guests report walking on in under 30 minutes
• Surfside neighborhood is purpose-built for families with young kids: splash zone, carousel and family dining all in one place

• It is a genuinely crowded ship when everyone gathers - sailaway, headliner shows and holiday sailings can exceed 7,000 passengers
• Noise is a recurring complaint - music around the pools and Promenade often runs at nightclub volume all day
• As a newer ship some crew are still learning their roles, and service consistency lags veteran ships like Harmony
• Complimentary main dining room food rates as average - the wow meals are mostly in $50+ specialty restaurants
• Show reservations disappear fast; travelers who don't book on day one report being shut out of Back to the Future