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    Cruise Ship Showdown, Updated September 2026

    Icon of the Seas vs Star of the Seas

    Star of the Seas is the second ship in Royal Caribbean's Icon class, debuting August 2026. It's nearly identical to Icon of the Seas in size and layout, with a few key tweaks worth knowing before you book.

    Marissa Wright, cruise specialist

    Marissa's Pick

    Winner: Star of the Seas

    Star of the Seas, if you can be flexible on dates. It launches with the lessons learned from Icon's first two years, slightly refined dining, and lower pricing through 2026 as Royal builds awareness. Icon is still excellent if Star's homeport (Port Canaveral) doesn't work for you.

    Head-to-head comparison

    Side-by-side stats sourced from each cruise line's published specs.

    Spec
    Icon of the Seas
    Star of the Seas
    Cruise line
    Royal Caribbean
    Royal Caribbean
    Ship class
    Icon Class (1st)
    Icon Class (2nd)
    Debut
    January 2024
    August 2026
    Gross tonnage
    248,663 GT
    248,663 GT
    Passenger capacity
    5,610 (double occ.)
    5,610 (double occ.)
    Homeport
    Miami, FL
    Port Canaveral, FL
    Neighborhoods
    8 unique zones
    8 unique zones
    Category 6 waterpark
    Yes (6 slides)
    Yes (6 slides)
    AquaDome
    Yes
    Yes
    Surfside (family neighborhood)
    Yes
    Yes
    Typical 7-night starting price
    $1,400+/person
    $1,200+/person (launch)

    Which ship is right for you?

    Book Icon of the Seas if…

    Royal Caribbean · Debuted January 2024

    • Sailing from Miami
    • Want the proven, reviewed experience
    • Need 2025 dates

    Book Star of the Seas if…

    Royal Caribbean · Debuted August 2026

    • Sailing from Port Canaveral (Orlando)
    • Want refined Icon-class with launch pricing
    • Flexible to 2026+ dates

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    Frequently asked questions

    Quick answers about Icon of the Seas vs Star of the Seas.

    Is Star of the Seas bigger than Icon of the Seas?

    No, they're essentially the same size. Both ships are 248,663 gross tons with capacity for 5,610 guests at double occupancy. Star is the second ship in the Icon class and shares Icon's hull and overall design.

    What's different between Icon and Star of the Seas?

    The differences are mostly subtle: refined dining venues, an updated entertainment lineup, minor décor changes, and a different homeport (Port Canaveral instead of Miami). The bones, attractions, and neighborhoods are nearly identical.

    Should I book Star of the Seas or Icon of the Seas?

    If you live closer to Orlando or want launch-window pricing, book Star. If Miami is more convenient or you want the proven, fully-reviewed experience, book Icon. Both deliver the same Icon-class vacation.

    When does Star of the Seas start sailing?

    Star of the Seas debuts August 2026 from Port Canaveral, sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

    Is Star of the Seas a good first cruise?

    Yes, both Icon-class ships are excellent first cruises, especially for families. Eight distinct neighborhoods mean there's always something age-appropriate happening, and the ships are designed to feel less crowded than their capacity suggests.

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