Read Authentic Ratings for the Star-Of-The-Seas

The 'Star of the Seas' is facing its second glass panel failure within nine months, with the latest incident occurring on May 26, 2026. This event follows a previous glass panel shattering on August 28, 2025, both incidents taking place in the AquaDome structure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either occurrence, as the fractured panel remained secured within its frame. The AquaDome, perched on the forward top deck of the cruise ship, boasts an impressive 673 individual glass panels that create a serene atmosphere by day and transform into vibrant entertainment venues by night. The panel that fractured was during voyages encompassing 7-night Caribbean cruise itineraries departing from Port Canaveral. Thankfully, the glass remained intact in its framework, eliminating immediate safety risks for passengers. Royal Caribbean's crew promptly cordoned off the area pending necessary repairs. As of now, Royal Caribbean has yet to disclose any specific details regarding the cause of this glass panel failure. Notably, during preview sailings ahead of the official launch in August 2025, another glass panel on Deck 15 shattered, which was part of safety measures designed to prevent passengers from accidental overboard incidents. Following that incident, crew members had to erect temporary barriers and white tarps until a permanent fix was applied. Several factors could be contributing to these glass panel failures. Manufacturing defects during the tempering process could lead to micro-fractures due to improper stress relief, making the glass susceptible to breaking. Additionally, environmental conditions aboard a Caribbean cruise ship can include dramatic temperature shifts between air-conditioned interiors and the humid outdoors, further stressing the glass. Other potential stressors include salt spray corrosion, vibrations from the ship's engines, impacts from rogue waves, and even bird strikes during port operations. The AquaDome's innovative architectural design, involving 673 panels supporting a vast overhead structure, can also lead to uneven stress distribution. While Royal Caribbean has yet to publish findings from any formal investigations, speculation about the precise cause of these failures remains rampant. Fortunately, modern cruise ship glass panels are designed with safety features that keep shattered pieces contained within the framework, preventing harmful shards from posing a danger to passengers below. Repair crews are set to replace the damaged panel during upcoming port calls or maintenance intervals. Despite the effective safety protocols in place, the repeated glass failures across multiple Royal Caribbean vessels in 2025 and 2026 raise concerns about potential systemic issues that may extend beyond isolated incidents.

On March 9, 2026, a swift response by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) led to the successful rescue of a British passenger aboard the cruise ship 'Star of the Seas.' This dramatic medical emergency unfolded approximately 200 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, as the vessel made its way towards its next destination, St. Thomas, after a stop at Port Canaveral and Perfect Day at CocoCay. A 64-year-old male passenger required urgent medical attention, prompting an immediate medevac operation. The USCG dispatched an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen, located on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. The courageous crew not only airlifted the ailing passenger but also ensured the safe transportation of his next-of-kin and a nurse from the 'Star of the Seas' to the Centro Medico Hospital for advanced medical care. For more details, watch the rescue in action here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=917661724324295.

A glass panel on the upper deck of Royal Caribbean's latest cruise ship, 'Stars of the Seas', shattered just three days after the vessel's inaugural voyage. Crew members promptly cordoned off the area with caution tape and swiftly replaced the damaged panel with a new piece of glass. This stunning ship, which made its official debut on August 16, embarked on its journey from Port Canaveral. For a detailed report featuring images and video footage, visit: https://www.wfla.com/news/national/video-glass-panel-shatters-on-royal-caribbeans-brand-new-ship/ and https://www.tiktok.com/@magicpavingandconcrete/video/7542904409273994510.