Samsung equips Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ship with 4K smart TVs

Samsung Electronics has equipped cruise operator Royal Caribbean with a new set of displays for its Icon-class vessel, Star of the Seas.

Per its official announcement, the displays include in-room 4K smart TVs for guests and ultra-slim smart signage displays in public areas of the cruise.

Can I connect my Android or iOS phone to the TV inside Star of the Seas?

Per the TV’s spec sheet, guests will be pleased to know that it supports Google Cast, allowing them to cast content directly from their personal Android or iOS smartphones and tablets by simply scanning a QR code.

The in-room TVs also support Netflix, and the Tizen OS interface should be familiar to users who use regular Samsung smart TVs, so minimal learning is required.

The in-room TVs for cruise guests are the Samsung HBU8000 Crystal UHD Smart Hospitality TV. This model packs an LED display with a 3,840 x 2,160-pixel resolution (also commonly referred to as 4K resolution) and support for HDR10+ content. 

Beyond personal pleasure, the in-cabin TVs also serve as a central information hub for Royal Caribbean’s guests: sharing welcome messages, showing daily activity schedules, destination details, weather, announcements, and updates, and promoting the cruise’s activities and programmes.

Separately, Samsung used its QMC series of smart signage for the cruise’s public and activity areas. 

What is the Star of the Seas?

Star of the Seas is the name of Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class vessel. It is one of the largest cruise ships in service, sharing the same gross tonnage as its sister ship. Launched in August 2025, the Star of the Seas targets groups of holidaymakers who need large-format rooms that can fit a family, as well as more varied onboard entertainment and dining options. It mainly travels around the North and South American continents, like the US, the Bahamas, and parts of Mexico.

Royal Caribbean uses other cruise vessels to sail routes connecting to Singapore, such as the Ovation of the Seas and soon, Navigator of the Seas. These mostly visits various Asian ports, including popular holiday destinations such as Japan, Taiwan, and many of our ASEAN neighbours. Previous ships that home-ported in Singapore were Anthem of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas, whose arrivals have generated much buzz in our community as people seek out the best booking periods, the best room locations to select on each ship, and how they rated their voyages, service, and food on board.

Notably, Samsung has been Royal Caribbean’s partner for its 200,000 displays across 28 ships for the last 21 years, so you’re still likely getting a Samsung TV if you end up in one of their cabins.

Source: Samsung (newsroom)