Star of the Seas cruises are expected to start around $1,200–$1,800 per person for a 7-night Caribbean sailing in an interior cabin, with balcony cabins running $2,200–$3,500 and suite-class staterooms hitting $5,000–$15,000+ per person — premium pricing that reflects its status as the world's largest cruise ship at launch.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean is about to do it again. Star of the Seas — the second Icon-class ship and officially the largest cruise ship ever built — debuts in August 2025 out of Port Canaveral, and the pricing already reflects exactly what you'd expect from a ship this hyped: a hefty premium over anything else in the fleet. Here's what you'll actually pay.
Star of the Seas Base Cruise Fares: The Real Numbers
Star of the Seas launches on its inaugural season in August 2025 sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Based on early booking data, Royal Caribbean's own pricing patterns on Icon of the Seas, and confirmed pre-sale rates, here's the honest breakdown:
| Cabin Type | Budget (Early Saver) | Mid-Range (Standard) | Splurge (Suite/Star Class) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior | $1,200–$1,500 pp | $1,600–$1,900 pp | — |
| Ocean View | $1,500–$1,900 pp | $2,000–$2,400 pp | — |
| Balcony | $2,200–$2,800 pp | $2,900–$3,500 pp | — |
| Junior Suite | $3,200–$4,200 pp | $4,300–$5,500 pp | — |
| Sky/Aqua Suite | $5,000–$7,500 pp | $7,500–$10,000 pp | — |
| Star Class Suite | — | — | $10,000–$20,000+ pp |
All prices are per person, double occupancy, for a 7-night sailing. Solo travelers pay the single supplement (typically 100% extra). Prices do not include gratuities, drinks, specialty dining, or airfare.
To put this in perspective: Icon of the Seas launched at roughly 20–30% above comparable Royal Caribbean ships, and Star of the Seas is tracking in the same territory. Don't expect a deal just because it's the second ship of the class.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
What Drives the Cost Higher on Star of the Seas
1. Icon-Class Premium The ship carries 7,600+ passengers at double occupancy and features nine neighborhoods, six waterslides, a category-exclusive pool area called Thrill Island, and AquaDome — all of which Royal Caribbean uses to justify pricing that would make a luxury land resort blush.
2. Inaugural Season Surcharge The first 6–12 months of any new flagship ship command a significant premium. Early sailings are treated as events. Royal Caribbean knows this and prices accordingly. Inaugural 2025 sailings will be 10–25% more expensive than the same ship in 2026.
3. Gratuities Are Not Included Add $18–$20/person/day in automatic gratuities on top of every fare. On a 7-night sailing, that's $252–$280 per person before you even step on board.
4. The Real Cost of a Star of the Seas Vacation Here's where people get blindsided. The cabin fare is just the entry ticket:
| Add-On | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Gratuities | $18–$20/person/day (~$140/person for 7 nights) |
| Deluxe Beverage Package | $85–$110/person/day ($595–$770 for 7 nights) |
| Specialty Dining Package (3 meals) | $90–$150/person |
| Wi-Fi (Surf + Stream) | $25–$35/person/day |
| Shore Excursions | $75–$250/person/port |
| Parking at Port Canaveral | $20–$25/day |
| Total Add-Ons (mid estimate) | ~$1,000–$1,500+ per person |
A couple in a balcony cabin paying $2,800/person for the fare can easily end up at $4,000–$4,500/person all-in once you add drinks, tips, dining, and excursions. Budget for that before you fall in love with the balcony cabin.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
How to Save Money on Star of the Seas
Book Early — But Watch the Sales Royal Caribbean offers early booking discounts, but their "sales" (30% off, Kids Sail Free, etc.) often undercut the so-called early saver rate. Track prices across multiple windows. The sweet spot is typically 9–12 months out for new ships.
Skip the Inaugural Hype If you want Star of the Seas without the inaugural premium, wait until early-to-mid 2026. The ship will be fully operational, the crew will be better drilled, and the fares will be noticeably lower — often 15–20% less than the 2025 debut sailings.
Choose the Right Cabin Category Interior cabins on Icon-class ships are genuinely fine — the neighborhoods and public spaces are so well-designed that you won't spend much time in your room anyway. An interior cabin at $1,400/person frees up $800–$1,000 per person for experiences you'll actually remember.
Use a Travel Agent for Group Bookings For groups of 8+ passengers, Royal Caribbean's group rates can unlock meaningful discounts and amenity credits. A knowledgeable cruise-specialist agent costs you nothing and can save you hundreds.
Bundle Packages Pre-Cruise The Deluxe Beverage Package is almost always cheaper when purchased before boarding — sometimes 20–30% less than the onboard price. Same goes for Wi-Fi and specialty dining.
Consider Repositioning or Shoulder-Season Sailings Star of the Seas will sail year-round Caribbean itineraries, but late August through September (hurricane shoulder season) and January–February after the holidays tend to offer the softest pricing on Caribbean cruises generally.
Star of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas: Is the New Ship Worth the Premium?
If you've been eyeing Icon of the Seas and wondering whether to wait for Star of the Seas, here's the honest comparison:
| Factor | Icon of the Seas | Star of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | January 2024 | August 2025 |
| Home Port | Miami | Port Canaveral |
| Capacity | ~7,600 passengers | ~7,600 passengers |
| New Features | Established baseline | Updated neighborhood features, enhanced entertainment |
| Current Pricing (7-night balcony) | $2,000–$3,000 pp | $2,200–$3,500 pp (inaugural premium) |
| Best For | Proven experience, Miami access | Newer ship, Orlando-area cruisers |
The honest answer: Icon of the Seas in 2025–2026 will often be cheaper than Star of the Seas during the inaugural period, and it's the same generation of ship. Unless you specifically need Port Canaveral or want to say you sailed the newest ship on earth, Icon may be the smarter financial move right now.
For families driving from Central Florida, Star of the Seas is a genuine logistical win — Port Canaveral eliminates the Miami drive and Miami parking costs. That convenience has real dollar value.
Want to see exactly how Star of the Seas fares compare across cabin categories, sailing dates, and what you'll actually pay all-in? Run the numbers with CruiseMutiny — it's built specifically to cut through Royal Caribbean's pricing maze and show you the real cost before you book. You can also check live availability and current deals through our booking partner at https://book.cruisehub.com/swift/cruise?referrer=dave&siid=191861.