Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's newest ship, debuting in August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida — and 7-night Caribbean cruises start around $899/person for an inside cabin, climbing to $4,500+ per person for suite-level accommodations.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean keeps one-upping itself, and Star of the Seas is the latest proof. Launching in August 2025, this Icon-class ship is already being called the most ambitious cruise ship ever built — and the pricing reflects exactly that ambition.
Star of the Seas: The Newest Royal Caribbean Ship and What It Costs
Star of the Seas is the second ship in Royal Caribbean's Icon class, following the record-breaking Icon of the Seas (which debuted in January 2024). Star of the Seas homeports out of Port Canaveral, Florida, running 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The ship carries approximately 7,600 passengers at double occupancy — making it one of the largest cruise ships on earth.
Here's what you're realistically looking at for a 7-night Caribbean sailing in 2025–2026:
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person (7 Nights) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Cabin | $899 – $1,299 | Budget entry point; no window |
| Ocean View | $1,100 – $1,600 | Fixed window, no balcony |
| Balcony | $1,400 – $2,200 | Most popular category |
| Junior Suite | $2,000 – $3,200 | Extra space, partial suite perks |
| Sky Suite | $3,200 – $4,800 | Full suite perks, priority boarding |
| Star Class Suite | $6,500 – $12,000+ | All-inclusive with Royal Genie butler |
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and exclude taxes, fees, gratuities, and drinks. Expect to add $200–$350 per person in port fees and taxes on top of the base fare.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
What Drives the Cost on Star of the Seas
1. Sailing date and season Peak weeks (school holidays, Christmas, New Year's, spring break) run 30–50% higher than shoulder-season sailings. A balcony cabin that costs $1,500/person in October 2025 might hit $2,100/person over Presidents' Week in February 2026.
2. How far in advance you book Royal Caribbean releases Icon-class inventory early, and the best cabins at the lowest prices go fast. Booking 9–12 months out typically locks in the best rate. Last-minute deals on this ship are rare — it sells out consistently.
3. Itinerary (Eastern vs. Western Caribbean) Eastern Caribbean itineraries (St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Perfect Day at CocoCay) tend to price slightly higher than Western routes due to CocoCay demand. Perfect Day is Royal Caribbean's private island — and it's included in the fare.
4. The add-ons that make the real price much higher Here's where Royal Caribbean gets you. The base fare doesn't include:
| Add-On | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Deluxe Beverage Package | $75 – $105/person/day |
| Gratuities | ~$18.50/person/day |
| Specialty Dining (per restaurant) | $30 – $75/person |
| Internet (Surf + Stream) | $25 – $35/person/day |
| Thrill Waterpark (onboard) | $35 – $49/person/day |
| Shore Excursions | $50 – $200+/person/port |
A couple in a balcony cabin who drinks, tips, and does a couple excursions will realistically spend $5,000–$7,000 total for a 7-night sailing — not the $2,800 base fare that shows up in ads.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
How to Get the Best Price on Star of the Seas
Book early and watch for sales. Royal Caribbean runs promotions constantly — "Buy One Get One 60% Off," free drink packages, onboard credit offers. The catch is that base fares often inflate when perks are added. Run the numbers both ways before assuming a "sale" is actually cheaper.
Consider the KEY program or suite perks instead of à la carte add-ons. If you're buying drinks, internet, and specialty dining separately, a suite with Star Class (all-inclusive) can sometimes pencil out if there are two heavy drinkers in the cabin.
Book a Thursday or Sunday departure. Mid-week sailings on Icon-class ships tend to run $100–$200/person less than Saturday departures out of Port Canaveral.
Use a travel agent who specializes in Royal Caribbean. They can often access group rates or apply promotions that aren't visible on the Royal Caribbean website. If you want to compare fares right now, CruiseHub is a solid starting point for live Star of the Seas pricing.
Skip the Thrill Waterpark day pass if you're in a suite. Some suite categories include waterpark access — double-check before paying the daily fee.
Is Star of the Seas Worth the Premium Over Other Royal Caribbean Ships?
Star of the Seas costs 20–35% more than a comparable sailing on Oasis-class or Quantum-class ships. Here's what you actually get for that premium:
| Feature | Star of the Seas | Oasis-Class Ships |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ~7,600 passengers | ~5,400 passengers |
| Waterslides | 6 (incl. Category 6 waterpark) | 2–3 |
| Neighborhoods | 8 distinct zones | 7 |
| Perfect Day stop | Yes (most itineraries) | Sometimes |
| Avg. balcony price (7-night) | $1,400 – $2,200 | $1,100 – $1,700 |
If you have kids obsessed with waterparks and thrill rides, or you're a first-time cruiser who wants the most "wow" factor possible, Star of the Seas justifies the upcharge. If you're a repeat cruiser who just wants a nice balcony and Caribbean ports, an Oasis-class ship delivers 90% of the experience at a meaningfully lower price.
Star of the Seas is undeniably impressive — but impressive doesn't mean it's the right ship for every budget or travel style. Run your actual all-in numbers (base fare + drinks + gratuities + excursions) before you fall in love with the brochure pricing. Use CruiseMutiny to model the real cost of your Star of the Seas sailing before you book.