Royal Caribbean is once again bringing local artistry to the high seas with the newest cohort of its Artist Discovery Program, set to feature onboard Star of the Seas, launching August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Following the success of the program on Icon of the Seas, this second round brings together a talented group of up-and-coming artists from across the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The selected creators—representing the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti—will each receive grants ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 to bring their large-scale, culturally inspired murals to life.
These breathtaking pieces will be prominently displayed throughout the new Icon Class ship in the Royal Promenade, embarkation area, Suite Sun Deck lobby, and on the Suite Sun Deck itself. More than just visual enhancements, these murals will serve as vibrant expressions of Caribbean spirit, culture, and community.
“Collaborating with the places we visit is at the heart of what we do,” said Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer at Royal Caribbean. “We’re thrilled about the vibrant, beautiful, and cultural murals that’ll be on Star of the Seas for years to come.”
Meet the Artists
- Nestor Omar Garcia “Angurria” (Dominican Republic)
Guests will be welcomed by Garcia’s colorful creation the moment they board. His work fuses Dominican culture and bold visuals to evoke joy and familiarity. - Anthony Smith o/c Taoszen (Jamaica)
Smith’s mural in the Royal Promenade combines nature, color, and symbolism to tell stories of unity, change, and Caribbean heritage. - Saegel Bascombe (Trinidad and Tobago)
Bascombe’s eclectic, pattern-rich piece will enhance the Suite Sun Deck lobby with energy and elegance inspired by her homeland. - Philippe Dodard (Haiti)
Returning from the first Artist Discovery round, Dodard will craft a mosaic that captures the history and vibrancy of Haiti on the Suite Sun Deck.
Celebrating Caribbean Culture at Sea
Royal Caribbean’s Artist Discovery Program is more than just an onboard feature—it’s a platform for emerging talent from across the Caribbean to gain international visibility. The cruise line received nearly 180 submissions from 28 countries for this round alone, a testament to the region’s rich artistic diversity.
Set to debut this August, Star of the Seas is designed for unforgettable family vacations with eight distinct neighborhoods, 40+ dining and entertainment options, and 7-night Caribbean itineraries—including stops at the exclusive Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
For more on the Artist Discovery Program or to explore the upcoming Star of the Seas, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com.
So until the next blog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
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