I recently attended a media preview of Royal Caribbean’s newest Star of the Seas. After learning that it holds the title of the world’s largest cruise ship, I looked forward to experiencing everything from Category 6 (the waterpark in the Thrill Island neighborhood) to “Back to the Future: The Musical” and the more than 40 restaurants, bars and eateries on board.
Highlighted below are my standout venues for onboard dining. Whether you sail with your children or to celebrate a family reunion, there is something for every type of family.
This trip was hosted, but all opinions are my own.
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Windjammer
Whether you want to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, I found the complimentary (included) buffet-style Windjammer my favorite on Star of the Seas. I dined there during all three mealtimes during my cruise. While I enjoyed the create-your-own waffle station (including Oreos, rainbow sprinkles and chocolate sauce), the dinner buffet impressed me.
Whether you are vegetarian, gluten-free, a carnivore or have a sweet tooth, this extensive buffet caters to a variety of palettes. I enjoyed the beets and feta cheese, macaroni and cheese and yuca the most. For dessert, I savored the chocolate fondue (especially on top of the red velvet cake pieces).
- The Food: Indian, Caribbean, Asian and American (buffet)
- The Vibe: Energetic, family-friendly, casual and vibrant
- Who Best For: All ages and taste preferences
- Food and Drink Favorites: Chana masala, macaroni and cheese, chicken and beets & feta
- Facts: This restaurant offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
- Tip: This restaurant stays open later on the ship, suitable for a late dinner.
Main Dining Room
The main dining room serves as another complimentary (included) full-service restaurant on Star of the Seas. You can eat breakfast there on any morning of your 7 Day Western Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise or 7 Day Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise.
Unlike Windjammer, the main dining room provides a progressive dining experience through a multi-course meal. I chose the fruit cup as an appetizer and the eggs Benedict for my main. I enjoyed the slower-paced meal and the opportunity to socialize with other cruisers (and the servers) at my table.
- The Food: American (Multi-course)
- The Vibe: Elegant, chic and charming
- Who Best For: Adults and families with older children
- Food and Drink Favorites: Menu changes daily
- Facts: The multi-level restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Tip: Arrive on time (as listed on your SeaPass card) as there are designated seating times. It is unlikely an exception will be made if you want to dine earlier or later (especially during dinner).
Basecamp
I found Basecamp to be my favorite fast-casual complimentary (included) restaurant on the ship. I enjoyed the chicken tenders and soft pretzel bites with cheese sauce so much that I dined there twice. The chicken tenders ranked as the best I’ve had in a while and the honey mustard paired perfectly. I also tried a fruit-flavored energy drink from the beverage machine.
- The Food: American
- The Vibe: Casual, playful and family-friendly
- Who Best For: Families and children
- Food and Drink Favorites: Chicken tenders (best I ate on the cruise) and pretzel bites
- Facts: It’s located in the ship’s Thrill Island neighborhood
- Tip: Ask for extra honey mustard for the chicken tenders
El Loco Fresh
El Loco Fresh in the Chill Island neighborhood serves a buffet with Mexican cuisine staples, including chicken and beef burritos, quesadillas, guacamole, rice and beans and more. I tried a chicken burrito and paired it with additional chicken and black beans.
While it did not rank as the best burrito I’ve ever had, it tasted good and I liked that the guacamole enhanced the flavor. I enjoyed the restaurant’s vibrant ambiance and eye-catching decor. I also appreciated that the buffet-style service allowed me to enjoy as much or as little as I wanted.
- The Food: Mexican
- The Vibe: Fun, playful and vibrant
- Who Best For: All ages
- Food and Drink Favorites: Chicken burrito, guacamole and beans
- Facts: It’s located on Deck 15
- Tip: Get some chips to enjoy with your meal or snack on
Lincoln Park Supper Club
Lincoln Park Supper Club is one of the most sought-after specialty restaurants on Star of the Seas, serving elevated cuisine via a multi-course dining experience with mains such as fish and lamb. While I did not dine there on board, I peeked inside the restaurant. I also heard some of the 1930s Chicago-inspired entertainment and jazz music while walking past.
Unlike many other specialty dining restaurants on board, (which also appear on several other Royal Caribbean Icon Class ships), Star of the Seas currently offers Lincoln Park Supper Club exclusively. Because of this, I recommend it for first-time guests.
- The Food: American
- The Vibe: Sophisticated, formal and edgy
- Who Best For: Couples and families with adult children
- Food and Drink Favorites: Crab ravioli and lamb
- Facts: The space accommodates 42 diners
- Tip: Reserve this dining experience in advance on the Royal Caribbean app or the Royal Caribbean website.
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