The next edition of the record-breaking Icon Class is on the horizon, just over one year after Royal Caribbean welcomed its largest cruise ship ever to its fleet. Star of the Seas will welcome paying passengers aboard on August 16, setting sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas.
As exciting as Star of the Seas' debut is, sailing aboard one of the newest cruise ships at sea isn't cheap. Fares for its inaugural sailings were pricey, though not as offensive as Icon of the Seas' inaugural fares, which often exceeded $2,500 per person for a windowless interior stateroom.
Still, while it's cheaper to cruise on Star of the Seas during its first year in operation, other ships offer fun-filled vacations for a fraction of the cost. Here are some comparable ships that deliver exciting amenities and great value.
Read more: 9 big changes coming to Royal Caribbean's new mega-ship
#1: MSC World America
Earlier this year, MSC Cruises launched its first ship built specifically for the North American market. Sailing from Miami, Florida, MSC World America offers guests a big ship experience for far less than what it costs to cruise on Star of the Seas.
For example, the cheapest cruise on Star of the Seas in June 2026 starts at $2,300 per person for an interior stateroom. However, a similar 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing on MSC World America starts at under $1,130 per person. In fact, you can opt to bundle your cruise fare with extras like Wi-Fi and a premium drink package for around $1,500 per person.
Suites within MSC's exclusive Yacht Club are also more affordable than those within Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class, which is ideal for travelers seeking a more luxurious experience without draining their entire bank account. Yacht Club perks include a private sun deck and restaurant, 24-hour butler service, priority boarding, a premium drink package, Wi-Fi, and more.
Read more: This is the most popular cabin type on any cruise ship, and I sailed in one on MSC World America
The cheapest Yacht Club cabin aboard MSC World America in June 2026 starts at $2,705 per person, whereas a Junior Suite on Star of the Seas will cost around $8,000 for two travelers.
Despite the lower fare, MSC World America delivers when it comes to amenities. Onboard activities include everything from a waterpark to a massive dry slide, the first-of-its-kind overwater swing, a ropes course, bumper cars, and so much more.
Dining is another area where MSC World America holds its own. While you'll still find the standard buffet and dining room, guests can choose from more than 6 specialty restaurants, ranging from the only Eataly at sea to Paxos, which dishes up fresh Greek cuisine; an American-style steakhouse; Teppanyaki; and more.
MSC may not be as familiar to North American cruisers as lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival, but MSC World America shouldn't be overlooked. The 215,863 gross-ton vessel stands out as a value-packed alternative to Star of the Seas.
#2: Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua is the newest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet. Part of the Prima Plus Class, an evolution of the popular Prima Class, she's smaller than Star of the Seas, but don't let the size fool you. This ship is all about bold design and smart innovations, featuring amenities like the world's first hybrid rollercoaster-waterslide at sea and the high-tech LED Glow Court.
Unlike Star of the Seas, Norwegian Aqua isn't sailing to the Caribbean next summer. Instead, she'll make voyages from New York to Bermuda. A 7-day sailing in June 2026 starts at just $1,399 per person for an interior stateroom (remember: a weeklong cruise on Star starts at over $2,300!).
Norwegian also lets guests choose whether they want to only pay the base fare or bundle in extras like specialty dining, a drink package, and Wi-Fi. For just $33 extra per person (for the June 6, 2026, sailing), you can add an unlimited open bar, one specialty meal, and 150 minutes of Wi-Fi to your reservation. This brings the total for two travelers to around $3,260 for a weeklong cruise.
Read more: A major cruise line changed its fares so there's less nickel and diming
Okay, let's get into the good stuff: what's available onboard. I've already mentioned the brand-new slidecoaster and Glow Court, but there's so much more to explore, including the Aqua Game Zone, interactive Tee Time mini-golf, 10-story dry slide, adults-only Vibe Beach Club, and Aqua Park waterpark.
Norwegian's Freestyle Dining is also worth mentioning. Instead of adhering to set dining times, Norwegian's open seating means you can dine in a variety of restaurants, giving you the freedom to eat whenever and wherever you'd like.
Norwegian Aqua has over 10 restaurants onboard, ranging from the complimentary Indulge Food Hall to the first-ever specialty Thai restaurant at sea.
With flexible pricing, eye-catching new amenities, and modern design, Norwegian Aqua proves you don't have to shell out over $2,000 per person to sail on one of the world's biggest cruise ships to have an amazing vacation.
#3: Utopia of the Seas
Giving up your Royal Caribbean loyalty benefits can be heartbreaking. Instead of abandoning the cruise line, consider sailing aboard Utopia of the Seas. Although Utopia isn't as new (or big) as Star, it's one of the latest ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet and comes with a big perk: lower fares.
Because Utopia of the Seas only sails 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas, it’s a great option for travelers who want a quick getaway without spending an arm and a leg. Plus, every voyage visits Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island.
Not only that, but Utopia visits Nassau. Historically, Nassau has been an undesirable port of call. However, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, which is exclusive to Royal Caribbean guests, promises a more elevated, resort-style beach day with the world's largest swim-up bar, insane cabanas, local cuisine, and more.
Back onboard, though, you can enjoy everything signature Oasis Class amenities, including the zipline, ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, Ultimate Abyss dry slide, high-diving AquaTheater shows, and more.
With over 20 dining venues, you'll have trouble trying everything — unless you book a back-to-back cruise! A Utopia exclusive is the Royal Railway: Utopia Station. This immersive specialty restaurant makes you feel like you're traveling on a classic train car. There are also other favorites like Chops Grille, Izumi Sushi and Hibachi, and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. In short, you won't go hungry.
Pricing for Utopia of the Seas in June 2026 starts at $835 per person for a 3-night cruise and $911 for a 4-night voyage. It's definitely pricier than ships like MSC World America and Norwegian Aqua, but if you're looking for a big ship experience on a familiar cruise line (especially if you have good loyalty perks), you can't go wrong with Utopia.
Read more: I cruised on Utopia of the Seas. The 4-day cruise wasn't cheap, but I'd do it again
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee is the newest ship in Carnival's fleet, joining sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. The Excel Class really ushered in a new era of cruising for Carnival Cruise Line. They're easily the line's sleekest and most innovative ships to date.
Built exclusively for the Texas market and sailing from Galveston, Carnival Jubilee was designed to honor the Lone Star State. You'll find everything from Texas-inspired activities to merchandise and even the state star displayed proudly on the ship's bow.
The cheapest voyage in June 2026 starts at $1,180 per person. The fare gets you a weeklong cruise to the Western Caribbean packed with Carnival favorites like the WaterWorks aqua park, Limelight comedy shows, poolside movies, and more.
Plus, Carnival Jubilee is one of three cruise ships to feature a rollercoaster at sea. BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster should be on any adrenaline junkie's list.
In terms of dining, there are popular fast-casual venues like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, and Big Chicken. However, the main dining experience differs from other ships because guests can dine at restaurants like ChiBang! and Cucina del Capitano for free on their first visit!
If you're in the mood to splurge, there are several specialty restaurants available, including Rudi's Seagrill, Bonsai Teppanyaki, and Emeril’s Bistro 717. However, it's easy to enjoy all of Carnival's complimentary dining without spending extra money.
Carnival Jubilee might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a great option for cruisers seeking a fun-filled cruise from the Gulf Coast.
Read more: 14 things I loved and hated about Carnival Jubilee
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
