Our Family Cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

By: Danielle Lucia Schaffer

When you’re raising four kids, vacations look a little different every time. This time, we traded carpools and dance rehearsals for palm trees and piña coladas — and took off on a family cruise through the Caribbean aboard Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Star of the Seas. While Jackson held it down at the Air Force Academy and Dylan stayed home for her senior night, we set sail with Brody and Roman for a week of sun, sea, and serious adventure.

And let me tell you — this ship isn’t just a cruise, it’s a floating city designed to wow families, thrill-seekers, and anyone who appreciates a little luxury (and a lot of food).

Our Perfect Day at CocoCay

The highlight of the trip was Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Think crystal-clear water, soft white sand, and endless activities for every type of traveler.

Here’s what made it unforgettable:

Thrill Waterpark – Record-breaking slides, including the tallest in North America. Brody and Roman raced down every one.
Coco Beach Club – Overwater cabanas with five-star vibes. (Yes, I was tempted to move in.)
Up, Up and Away Balloon Ride – A breathtaking view of the Bahamas from 450 feet in the air.
Oasis Lagoon – The Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool with its own swim-up bar.

The Floating City at Sea

This wasn’t just a cruise—it was a floating city of adventure and memories. Every corner of the ship had something that wowed us:

Crown’s Edge – A heart-pounding aerial adventure 154 feet above the ocean.
Thrill Island: Category 6 – Six record-breaking slides at the largest waterpark at sea.
Surfside – The ultimate family neighborhood with Splashaway Bay, kid-sized slides, and the Water’s Edge infinity pool.
Seven Pools – Because one pool is never enough.
The Hideaway – An adults-only suspended infinity pool with total beach club vibes.
Swim & Tonic – The largest swim-up bar at sea (yes, I found my happy place).
The AquaTheater inside the AquaDome – Jaw-dropping stunts on water, on air, and on stage.
Absolute Zero – A high-tech ice arena with skating shows that gave us chills (in the best way).

Dining Onboard

With 20+ dining venues and 25 bars and lounges, there was no shortage of choices. The boys loved the casual spots, while I indulged in cocktails and chef-driven meals. Here’s why dining worked so well for our family on this cruise:

Quick bites between activities.
Elegant, multi-course dinners.
Endless options for picky eaters and adventurous foodies.

Our Stateroom

We were rarely in our room, but when we were, it was the perfect retreat. Floor-to-ceiling ocean views, bunks for the kids, and plenty of space to recharge after all the excitement.

Dani’s Fashion Picks

Because a mom never travels without a few stylish essentials, here’s what I wore (and loved):

Flowy Maxi Dresses – Easy to throw on for ship-to-shore days.
Swimwear with Style – Functional, flattering, and mom-approved.
Oversized Sunglasses & Sun Hats – Must-haves for long days under the Caribbean sun.
Sparkly Evening Looks – For dinners and shows that called for a little glam.

We linked it all here.

Other Star of the Seas Itineraries

While our sailing was a quick jaunt to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Star of the Seas also offers incredible 7-night Caribbean itineraries that explore even more tropical gems. Depending on your sailing, you can experience:

St. Maarten – A European-meets-Caribbean paradise.
Puerto Rico – Explore vibrant Old San Juan.
St. Thomas – Famous for sapphire waters and duty-free shopping.
Western Caribbean – Stops like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatán for adventure and culture.

So whether you’re looking for family fun, island relaxation, or a mix of both, there’s a Star of the Seas sailing to fit your dream vacation.