The ultimate family vacation is about to shine even brighter.
Royal Caribbean has officially welcomed its newest and most anticipated ship, Star of the Seas, to the fleet. The revolutionary second ship in the Icon Class completed construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and will make her much-anticipated debut this August in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
In a stunning handover ceremony inside Star’s cutting-edge AquaTheater, more than 1,250 crew members and shipbuilders gathered alongside Royal Caribbean executives Jason Liberty and Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm, to celebrate this monumental milestone. The delivery marked the formal transfer of ownership and recognition of the years of innovation, design, and engineering that brought this next-generation cruise experience to life.
“Star and the Icon Class are a symbol of what’s possible when innovation, imagination and our relentless focus on delivering exceptional experiences come together,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.
From the groundbreaking glass-and-steel AquaDome to the Category 6 waterpark—the largest at sea—Star is packed with first-of-its-kind experiences across eight distinct neighborhoods designed for every kind of traveler. Here’s what guests can look forward to onboard:
🌊 Thrill Island
Home to six record-breaking waterslides, the Crown’s Edge skywalk-thrill ride, FlowRider surf simulator, and a rock-climbing wall for the brave at heart.
🏝️ Chill Island
Relaxation meets party vibes across three decks of pools, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, and a swim-up bar at Swim & Tonic.
👨👩👧👦 Surfside
The ultimate family zone featuring Splashaway Bay, Baby Bay, and Water’s Edge, plus kid-friendly dining at Surfside Eatery and Pier 7.
🌅 AquaDome
A jaw-dropping, multi-use dome with panoramic views, robot-powered entertainment, and foodie hotspots like Hooked Seafood, Rye & Bean, and The Overlook bar.
🎶 The Hideaway
An adults-only retreat 135 feet above sea level with a suspended infinity pool, DJ, bar, whirlpools, and unbeatable ocean vistas.
Guests will also enjoy familiar favorites like the reimagined Royal Promenade, the lush Central Park with over 30,000 live plants, and new venues like the 1930s Chicago-inspired Lincoln Park Supper Club. For those seeking the ultimate upgrade, the Suite Neighborhood offers luxurious accommodations, access to the Grove Suite Sun Deck, and a two-level Coastal Kitchen.
⚡ Powered by Progress
Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s third ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and includes eco-conscious advancements such as waste heat recovery systems and shore power connectivity—bringing the cruise line closer to its goal of a net-zero ship by 2035.
🌴 What’s Next?
Star will soon sail to Cadiz, Spain, for final touches before embarking on her inaugural 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings, including stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay. She’s also just one part of a growing portfolio of unforgettable destinations, including:
- Royal Beach Club Paradise Island – opening December 2025
- Royal Beach Club Cozumel – debuting in 2026
- Perfect Day Mexico – coming Fall 2027
- Lelepa, South Pacific – arriving in 2027
You can now book your unforgettable vacation aboard Star of the Seas directly at Royal Caribbean’s website.
So until the next blog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
Leave a Reply