Is the Star of the Seas bigger than the Icon?

The Titanic Tussle of the Seas: Star of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas – Who Reigns Supreme?

The world of cruise ships is locked in a perpetual arms race, a contest of engineering marvels striving to be the biggest, the boldest, and the most unforgettable. Two titans currently vying for the crown are Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and, coming soon, Star of the Seas. While both promise unparalleled vacation experiences, the burning question on every cruise enthusiast’s mind is: which is the bigger ship?

Icon of the Seas has already made waves, literally and figuratively, boasting an impressive capacity to host nearly 10,000 guests and crew. This makes it less of a ship and more of a floating metropolis, a city at sea complete with diverse neighborhoods, thrilling water parks, and dazzling entertainment. It has undeniably set a new standard for cruise ship size and amenities.

Now, enter Star of the Seas. Details about its exact specifications are still somewhat under wraps, leaving us to piece together the puzzle. While Royal Caribbean hasn’t officially released the ship’s total capacity, we can infer some information from its lineage. Knowing that Icon of the Seas is significantly larger than previous Oasis-class ships, which typically accommodate over 5,600 guests at double occupancy, suggests Star of the Seas will likely have a larger total capacity.

The “bigger” question hinges on more than just guest capacity. Gross tonnage (GT), a measure of a ship’s overall internal volume, is often used as the definitive yardstick for size. Currently, Icon of the Seas holds the record for the largest cruise ship by gross tonnage. While Star of the Seas might strive to rival its sister ship in terms of passenger count, it’s unlikely to significantly exceed it.

So, who wins the title of “biggest”?

Based on current information, Icon of the Seas likely holds the title of the larger ship by gross tonnage and overall volume. While Star of the Seas might offer comparable guest capacity and potentially some unique features to differentiate itself, it seems poised to occupy a similar, albeit possibly slightly less massive, space within the Royal Caribbean fleet.

The truth is, regardless of which ship ultimately claims the “biggest” title, both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas promise unparalleled cruising experiences. From cutting-edge technology to immersive entertainment and a diverse array of dining options, these floating resorts are designed to redefine the vacation landscape. The real winner is the traveler, who benefits from the constant innovation and striving for excellence that drives the evolution of cruise ship design.