Royal Caribbean’s Highest Promoting Travel Advisors Weigh In on Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s latest Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, will probably be named by astronaut Kellie Gerardi later this week, after having operated a collection of invite-only sailings that kicked off on Aug. 6 with a three-day preview primarily for social media influencers. Among the lots of of content material creators, nevertheless, had been additionally 5 of Royal Caribbean’s top-selling journey advisor companions.

TMR reached out to 3 of them to listen to their first impressions of the ship, and what recommendation they’d give purchasers happening an Icon Class ship for the primary time.

We heard again from two. Here’s what they needed to say.

TMR: What had been your first ideas of Star of the Seas?

Danny Genung, proprietor, Harr Travel: WOW!  She is completely spectacular.  There is one thing to do for everybody, and it is without doubt one of the most lovely ships I’ve ever seen.  Especially at evening.  The meals, service, and leisure will make lots of people joyful for a really very long time.

Beci Mahnken, CTC, MCC, president & CEO, MEI Travel: The second I stepped onboard Star of the Seas, I used to be struck by how contemporary and revolutionary the design feels. Royal Caribbean has taken every thing visitors love about their ships and elevated it — from expansive, light-filled public areas to leisure venues that really feel like Broadway went to sea.

One of the standout improvements for me was the vacation spot elevators, that are so intuitive and guest-friendly — a small change that makes a giant distinction within the circulate of the ship. Add in jaw-dropping neighborhoods just like the AquaDome with its unimaginable exhibits, and also you’ve bought a ship that feels trendy, thrilling, and able to create unforgettable holidays.

TMR: Have you been on Icon of the Seas earlier than? If so, is there something on Star of the Seas that stands out to you as totally different an notable?

Genung: I used to be fortunate sufficient to sail on Icon on her first income crusing.  AMAZING!  Lots of little issues which have modified, however Icon was a large hit. The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a serious enchancment with sleeping areas and circulate. The bigger and improved Splashaway Bay is a serious win for households, and there may be extra to do in surfside. I additionally LOVED the Ice Show.  I feel it’s the finest and most enjoyable within the fleet.

Mahnken: Yes, I’ve been on Icon of the Seas, and truthfully, there aren’t many variations — the design was so sturdy it didn’t want a lot tweaking. Star of the Seas shares that very same groundbreaking structure and intuitive “people-eater” zones, so even with 1000’s onboard, it by no means feels overly crowded.

The refinements are within the particulars, like the brand new AquaDome Market stalls providing BBQ, Southeast Asian, and Latin American road meals, and an leisure lineup that feels larger and bolder. Highlights embody Back to the Future: The Musical, the high-energy AquaTheater present Torque, and the beautiful ice spectacular Sol.

TMR: Did you see the preview of Back to the Future? Will your purchasers adore it?

Genung: I cherished it.  I feel for older kiddos and adults will probably be successful.  If you’re keen on theater, will probably be a large win, and when you love the films, will probably be as nicely.  I imagine there will probably be an viewers that must be satisfied, however I’ll attempt to try this!

TMR: You’re sending purchasers on Star of the Seas. What one or two items of recommendation do you give them to assist them profit from their time onboard?

Genung: Pre-reserve every thing you need from eating and leisure, so once you get onboard you may get pleasure from.  Take benefit of the boarding day reductions on specialties and do them at a lower cost for lunch and dinner on boarding day.  Also, do every thing, nothing, or in between. Enjoy. You won’t ever be bored.

Mahnken: First, obtain the Royal Caribbean app earlier than you sail and use it to plan your must-do exhibits and actions — the leisure on Star of the Seas is unimaginable, and also you’ll need to safe reservations early. Second, don’t simply stick to at least one space of the ship — it’s designed so that each neighborhood has its personal vibe and surprises. From the AquaDome to Surfside to Central Park, take time to discover every house, uncover hidden gems, discover quiet spots to chill out, and revel in actions which are enjoyable and memorable.