OPULENT ships, butler service and voyages to dreamy destinations are some of the hallmarks of the world’s most indulgent cruises.
And they don’t come more indulgent than this …
The world’s largest cruise ship has set off on its maiden voyage from Florida, USA – and it simply drips with luxury.
Not only can the 20-deck ship hold a whopping 5,610 passengers, it offers dining at a different level.
The new cruise liner, sister to the Icon of the Seas, was welcomed by the Royal Caribbean team at a shipyard in Turku, Finland in July.
For those who love to splash about, the Star of the Seas is home to the largest waterpark at sea, called Category 6 with six record-breaking slides.
The slides include the tallest at sea drop waterslide, the first open freefall waterslide at sea and two raft slides.
For little splashers, there is also Splashaway Bay with water cannons, fountains, pools and whirlpools.
Seven pools
Passengers can have a go at surfing too, on a 12-metre surf simulator.
In total, the ship has seven pools – with a mix of family-friendly pools and more adult-oriented pools.
For example, for adults-only the Hideaway Pool is suspended in the air eight storeys up – complete with a DJ and a daybed in the middle of the water.
Alternatively, families can head to the Water’s Edge pool with views over the sea.
The Star of the Seas, which set sail from Port Canaveral on Sunday, also boasts 40 bars and restaurants.
Guests on the seven-night cruise can also enjoy Broadway’s Back to the Future musical in the Royal Theatre, which features a full-size replica of the original film’s iconic flying DeLorean car.
The Royal Caribbean ship will reportedly stop in the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
During the voyage, guests will also have access to a rock climbing wall, laser tag, and mini golf.
And the price is …
It all comes at a price, of course – with the cheapest ticket costing nearly $1,000.
The launch of the Star of the Seas comes just weeks after Royal Caribbean bosses removed a popular tourist destination from the company’s travel itineraries.
Officials said the decision was made out of caution.
Royal Caribbean bosses paused visits to Labadee – a plush, private resort located off Haiti’s northern coastline.
Trips to Labadee have been paused at intervals over the last year.
Last summer, bosses at the cruise company paused trips to Labadee until September 2024.
In April, chiefs announced visits to the Haitian island would be halted.
But I don’t like swimming ….
For those who prefer to stay dry, there is the Lost Dunes mini golf course to explore or the Adrenaline Peak climbing wall, writes our travel reporter Cyann Fielding.
And for the brave, there is Crown’s Edge – a part skywalk, part thrill ride, 154-feet above the ocean.
For older kids, there are activities exclusively for them, including Social020 – where there is a hidden entrance to a gaming lounge, karaoke venue and movies.
There will be a park in the middle of the ship too, with over 30,500 plants.
When it comes to entertainment, there is also a wealth to choose from on board.
Deck plans also reveal a music hall, casino, expansive fitness centre, a Starbucks, an escape room, a spa and slides.
There will also be an ice arena called Absolute Zero, where there will be shows by professional ice skaters. Pic credit: Royal Caribbean
