Sunday, July 20, 2025
Royal Caribbean has debuted Star of the Seas, her biggest and boldest ship yet, redefining the industry standard. Following nearly two years of meticulous work at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the monstrous 1,198-foot-long vessel is ready to be launched. Slated to set sail for the first time from Port Canaveral, Florida, this August, Star of the Seas is set to provide memorable weeklong Caribbean sailings, transporting guests to Perfect Day at CocoCay and beyond.
The official handover ceremony, witnessed by more than 1,250 crew members, engineers, and collaborators, marked the transfer of ownership from the shipyard to Royal Caribbean. With the spotlight on this grand occasion, top executives highlighted the ship’s role in shaping the future of cruising. The ship is not just a marvel in size but also in its combination of innovative design, entertainment, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.

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A Bold Expansion on the Icon Class
Star of the Seas is the second vessel in Royal Caribbean’s innovative Icon Class, following the Icon of the Seas, which currently holds the record as the largest cruise ship in the world. However, Star is more than just a companion ship—it pushes the boundaries of innovation even further, offering a variety of new and upgraded features. With a design based around eight distinct “neighborhoods,” Star of the Seas creates a diverse environment that caters to every type of vacationer, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Thrill Island: This area hosts the largest waterpark at sea, complete with six thrilling waterslides, including exhilarating drop slides and raft rides. The Crown’s Edge skywalk, situated 154 feet above the ocean, offers an intense blend of obstacle courses and stunning panoramic views.
Chill Island: Spanning three decks, this space features Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, accompanied by a swim-up bar, live DJs, and tropical cocktails. This area is ideal for those looking to relax and unwind in a lively atmosphere.
Surfside: Designed for families with younger children, Surfside features splash zones such as Baby Bay, along with a family pool with ocean views. This family-friendly zone also boasts diverse dining options that cater to all ages and tastes.
AquaDome: By day, this stunning glass-enclosed sanctuary is a place of peace and tranquility. By night, it transforms into an action-packed venue with acrobatic performances, aerial shows, and even robotic entertainment. With a seafood restaurant, food hall, and rooftop bar, AquaDome becomes a central destination for guests.
The Hideaway: Suspended 135 feet above the ocean, The Hideaway is an adults-only haven offering an infinity pool, whirlpools, and a DJ-driven social scene. It’s the perfect place for those seeking relaxation and a sophisticated social experience.
Additionally, Star of the Seas brings familiar yet refreshed features, such as a two-level Coastal Kitchen, a lush Central Park with over 30,000 plants, and The Pearl, the largest kinetic art installation at sea. For those craving glamorous 1930s-style dining, the Lincoln Park Supper Club offers a taste of old-world Chicago elegance. Meanwhile, quick-service windows offer everything from sushi to champagne, ensuring no guest goes hungry.
Pioneering Sustainability in Cruising
Aligned with Royal Caribbean’s commitment to sustainability, Star of the Seas becomes the third vessel in the fleet to utilize liquefied natural gas (LNG), further advancing the company’s efforts to promote eco-friendly cruising. The ship also features advanced environmental technologies, including waste heat recovery and shore power connectivity, marking significant progress toward the goal of achieving a net-zero carbon footprint by 2035. These sustainable initiatives are an integral part of Royal Caribbean’s broader vision to make cruising both luxurious and eco-friendly.
The Caribbean Awaits
After completing final touches in Cadiz, Spain, Star of the Seas will sail to Port Canaveral, where it will embark on alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. These itineraries will feature visits to beloved destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s exclusive private island in The Bahamas. Whether guests are relaxing on serene beaches, exploring crystal-clear waters, or enjoying exciting shore excursions, the ship offers a multitude of ways to enjoy the ultimate tropical escape.
Looking Ahead to a New Era of Cruising
Star of the Seas isn’t even the beginning of the chart-topping line-up of Royal Caribbean’s future. A dream that seems to have come straight out of a utopian book made into reality. Now the cruise line aims for more ground-breaking milestones introducing the much sought-after The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025. Then in 2026 and 2027 respectively, Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Perfect Day Mexico will open, spreading its unique island experiences even further.
Star of the Seas was designed with one thing in mind: the guests experience – whether they want to relax in ultimate luxury or maintain their active lifestyle or even find peace of mind knowing their vacation was the most sustainable cruise all around. Cruising of the future is here now and Star of the Seas is at the forefront.

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Tags: Canaveral, Cozumel, florida, mexico, Paradise Island, royal caribbean, Travel News

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