Welcome back to Ports and Pensions! We recently had the chance to get on the brand-new Star of the Seas for its first Showcase Cruise, and we couldn't wait to share our first impressions. This is an Icon Class ship, and from the moment we stepped on board, we were blown away by the sheer size and thoughtful design.

We've put together a full video walkthrough of the ship, but before you dive in, we wanted to share a few of the things that really stood out to us. This ship is a world in itself, with eight distinct neighborhoods designed to offer a variety of experiences.

The Royal Promenade and Beyond When you first get on, you're right in the middle of the Royal Promenade, which is the ship’s central hub. We loved the huge Pearl sculpture and how its lighting changes the whole atmosphere throughout the day. It’s also a great spot to grab a snack at the Pearl Cafe or hear some live music at the English pub during an evening stroll.

Surprises and Favorites As we explored, we found so many things we appreciated. The running and walking track is on Deck 5, away from the busy pool deck, which is a big plus for anyone who wants a quiet place to get their steps in. We were also really impressed with the variety of equipment in the fitness center.

A few of our favorite spots we'll definitely be visiting again:

• Surfside: This entire neighborhood is dedicated to families and has everything in one place. The kids-eat-free policy at Pier 7 is a fantastic touch for parents, and the Lemon Post with its separate kids' mocktail menu is just a great idea.

• Central Park: For a break from the crowds, Central Park is so relaxing. We loved grabbing a coffee at the Park Cafe and just sitting in the breeze. It’s a peaceful retreat right in the middle of the ship.

• Basecamp: If you're a fan of good food, you have to try the chicken strips here. We're not exaggerating when we say they were the best we had on the ship.

• The AquaDome Market: This was our go-to for food. Having so many different cuisines—from barbecue to Mediterranean—all made to order in one spot was so convenient.

Another small but significant detail was the elevators. You just punch in your floor on a screen, and it tells you exactly which elevator to go to. We rarely had to wait, and they were never crowded, which made getting around so much easier.

This is just a sneak peek of what the Star of the Seas has in store. To get the full picture and see all these amazing spots for yourself, be sure to watch our full walkthrough video!

Video on our YouTube Channel: Star of the Seas Walkthru in 4K