Imagine a rooftop bar suspended over the ocean, the world’s largest pool at sea, and a glass-domed AquaTheater where aerialists, acrobats, and DJs come together beneath the stars. Welcome aboard Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class cruise ship—and a revolutionary leap forward in vacation experiences.
After nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, Royal Caribbean has officially taken delivery of this 1,198-foot megaship, the second in its groundbreaking Icon Class series. Star of the Seas is now preparing for its debut Caribbean sailings this August from Port Canaveral, Florida, offering seven-night cruises to hotspots like Perfect Day at CocoCay and other Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations.
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A New Chapter in Family Cruising
Building on the enormous success of Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, Star of the Seas adds even more excitement, relaxation, and innovation. It’s not just a ship—it’s a multi-neighborhood floating resort designed for everyone: families, couples, solo travelers, and adventurers alike.
In a vibrant handover ceremony attended by over 1,200 crew members, engineers, and Royal Caribbean executives, the ship was praised as a bold next step in the future of cruise vacations. CEO Michael Bayley noted it was crafted to “reimagine what’s possible at sea.”
What Awaits Onboard Star of the Seas
The ship is designed around eight unique “neighborhoods,” each with its own atmosphere and purpose:
- Thrill Island: Home to the largest waterpark at sea, featuring six record-breaking slides and the gravity-defying Crown’s Edge skywalk 154 feet above the ocean.
- Chill Island: A three-deck paradise with Royal Bay, the biggest pool ever on a cruise ship, plus swim-up bars and DJs.
- Surfside: A family-focused zone with splash pads, pools, and kid-friendly dining designed for parents with young children.
- AquaDome: A multi-sensory venue wrapped in a glass dome—offering shows, aerial performances, a seafood restaurant, and a rooftop bar.
- The Hideaway: An adults-only haven with an infinity pool 135 feet above the ocean, complete with whirlpools and a DJ-powered party vibe.
- Central Park: Lush with more than 30,000 real plants, this reimagined favorite returns with new dining and tranquil paths.
- The Pearl: A striking kinetic art sculpture and social hub.
- Coastal Kitchen: Now two stories tall, with sweeping ocean views and reimagined menus.
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Also onboard are specialty venues like Lincoln Park Supper Club, nodding to 1930s Chicago, and pop-up quick-service windows offering sushi, champagne, and more.
Designed for the Future of Sustainable Cruising
Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s third liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship, equipped with waste heat recovery systems and shore power capabilities. These features support the company’s goal of launching a net-zero emissions cruise ship by 2035, blending high capacity with cutting-edge sustainability.
Cruise Details and Pricing
Following a brief outfitting stop in Cadiz, Spain, Star of the Seas will begin sailing from Port Canaveral in August 2025. Cruises start at $839 per person for a three-night itinerary that includes a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
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What’s Next for Royal Caribbean?
The launch of Star of the Seas is just the beginning of Royal Caribbean’s expansion. The cruise line will debut Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025, followed by Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in 2027.
Star of the Seas isn’t just the next big ship—it’s a floating destination that redefines what a vacation at sea can be, merging innovation, entertainment, and family fun into one unforgettable journey.
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