Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is massive. Like, “you keep turning corners and the ship still feels like it has more ship” massive. It’s basically an all-inclusive resort on overdrive, with that Royal Caribbean polish where the entertainment, food, and constant activity schedule make it feel like you’re always one decision away from doing something fun. The Broadway-style show lineup is a real highlight, and seeing something like Back to the Future on a cruise ship still feels kind of unreal in the best way.
Cruising and traveling abroad is one of those situations where you can be having an amazing time and still catch yourself doing little mental math every day. Is the tap water fine here? What about ice? What about the water they hand you on an excursion, or the cup you refill in a busy port, or the random “I’m thirsty right now” moment where you don’t want to overthink it. That’s exactly why I brought LifeStraw with me, and by the end of the trip, I’m not traveling without it again.
I packed two things: the LifeStraw Sip and the LifeStraw Go Series Tumbler. The Sip became my “always on me” option because it’s basically a stainless steel filter straw that lives in a carry case and does not take up space. It filters out bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, and it’s rated for up to 1,000 liters, so it’s not a one-trip gimmick, it’s something you can keep in rotation for a long time. The best part is how low effort it is. No batteries, no charging, no special routine. If I was in a situation where I wanted extra peace of mind, I just used it. It’s the kind of product that disappears into your day until you realize how many times it saved you from that “should I risk this?” moment.
The Go Series Tumbler was my comfort pick. It’s insulated, it fits into real travel life, and it has a two-stage filtration setup: a membrane microfilter for the stuff you actually worry about when you’re out and about, plus a carbon filter that helps reduce chlorine taste and odors. That made it perfect for long ship days, port days, and the in-between moments where you just want clean water without thinking about it. And it’s not just about safety paranoia either, it’s also about convenience. When you’re bouncing between dining spots, shows, excursions, and walking a ship that feels like a floating city, having a reliable way to hydrate makes the whole trip feel smoother.
The itinerary of Star of the Seas was to Saint Thomas and St Martin’s and as noted by many St Martin is the place to travel and get off and enjoy while Saint Thomas is very much a port where you have to do a bit of work to get to any of the excursions or beach. The cruise overall can seem flawless in the beginning but here is where the experience gets a little more complicated is the “premium on top of premium” part of cruising. The dining included with the ship is strong, honestly better than a lot of all-inclusive stays I’ve done either at the Windjammer, My Dining or the various lunch options by the pools and activity areas on the top floors, but I still found myself wishing there were more standout options that didn’t require paying extra. Spots like the Sushi and Ice Cream at Central Park, Sports Bar at the back of the ship and or some of the specialty quick bites feel like they should be part of the core experience, especially when you’ve already paid for the cruise and potentially stacked a drink package on top. It’s not that the upgrades aren’t good, it’s just that the ship is designed in a way that constantly tempts you to spend a little more to unlock the “full” version of the experience.
The other thing I walked away feeling is that Star of the Seas is absolutely built as a family cruise first. Royal Caribbean knows its market, and the bigger the boat, the more it leans into families, kids, and multi-generational groups. That is not a bad thing, it’s just the vibe. You can definitely meet friendly people if you’re a single or solo traveler, but compared to my time on Symphony of the Seas, this one felt like it had fewer natural spaces and activities that cater to those travelers who are trying to casually meet others, this is also very evident the later it gets, night time swimming and adult areas which have moved to the back of the boat now close early compared to other ships and the “nightclub” doesn’t seem as lively as I’ve seen before. The DJ in particular to this experience seemed dated in terms of music and flair and reminded me of an all inclusive hotel on a Caribbean Island from the 90’s, this part can vary per time of year you’re traveling. If you’re bringing family, or you find a great deal, it’s still an experience I’d recommend, because there’s always something going on and the ship genuinely delivers on spectacle.
Overall, Star of the Seas is the kind of cruise you book for the scale, the shows, and because there’s always something happening especially if you’re traveling with family or a significant other. I still wish a few more of the ship’s best food experiences were included without that extra premium layer, but I can’t deny it delivers an experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. And if you’re doing a cruise like this, especially with travel abroad involved, LifeStraw ended up being one of those low-key essentials that made the whole trip feel easier. It’s peace of mind, but in a way that actually fits into real travel.
