On Aug. 31, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas departed Port Canaveral, Florida, setting a record in the world of cruising. The largest cruise ship in the world features a whopping 40 dining venues, 20 decks and seven pools, and the vessel accommodates 5,000 passengers.

The ship is currently on its maiden voyage on a seven-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day sailing. The trip includes visits to Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico, returning back to Port Canaveral Sept. 7.

The ship caters to all ages, and its above-average prices mean the ship sets a new standard in Royal Caribbean cruising. Accommodations include spacious infinite balcony rooms, panoramic ocean-view rooms, panoramic suites, Sunset Corner suites, Surfside family suites, the multistory Royal Loft, Icon Loft and Ultimate Family Townhouse. Sunset Corner suites, for instance, boast a full bathroom with a tub, shower and two sinks; a balcony with private dining; living room with sofa; and a king-sized bed facing the sea.

Pools cater to different ages and atmospheres, too. Water’s Edge Pool boasts unbeatable sea views, while Royal Bay Pool takes the title of largest pool at sea. The Cove Pool comes with in-water loungers, Swim & Tonic boasts a swim-up bar, and Cloud 17 includes an infinity pool and cantilevered whirlpool. The adults-only Hideaway Pool allows guests ages 18 and up to enjoy a more secluded experience. The ship also features an aquapark and water-centric social space for younger guests and teens.

Passengers on the ship have more than 40 choices for food and drink. Lincoln Park Supper Club transports guests back to 1930s Chicago with cocktails, live jazz and elegant dishes; Chops Grille Steakhouse serves up quality cuts; Izumi Hibachi & Sushi offers fresh sushi selections with a side of entertaining teppanyaki theatrics; and Celebration Table in the AquaDome allows for private dining for just 13 guests. A variety of casual and poolside eateries are also located throughout the ship.

For drinks, Star of the Seas boasts 25 bars, including 1400 Lobby Bar, a vintage-inspired venue serving upscale cocktails developed by Tom Abou-Ganim and inspired by the history of shipbuilding; The Overlook Bar, a space with nooks overlooking the sea; Bubbles, a walk-up Champagne bar in the ship’s Central Park; and Rye & Bean, a transformative coffee shop specializing in coffee-infused cocktails to perk up the evening.

Star of the Seas provides an array of activities and entertainment when the sun goes down, too. From dueling pianos to a music hall to a Latin-themed club, guests are treated with various ways to end the night.

Other features on the ship include shows with superhuman stunts, Broadway-worthy productions, comedy shows and music performances. The ship caters to thrill seekers, too, with Crown’s Edge, an aerial adventure course over the sea; the largest waterpark at sea; and more.

Currently, the ship offers itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean on seven-night journeys.

Do you plan to cruise on Star of the Seas? What part of this new ship most entices you? What feature do you wish to see on the ship? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.