Royal Caribbean Officially Welcomes Star Of The Seas

Royal Caribbean has officially taken delivery of its latest ground-breaking ship, Star of the Seas, marking the start of a bold new chapter in family cruise holidays.

After nearly two years under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the second ship in the revolutionary Icon Class is now ready to shine, just weeks ahead of its much-anticipated debut from Port Canaveral, Orlando, this August.

In true Royal Caribbean style, over 1,250 crew members and partners gathered for a celebratory handover event in Star of the Seas’ spectacular AquaTheater. The exciting event was hosted by Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, Jason Liberty; Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, Michael Bayley; and Meyer Turku CEO, Casimir Lindholm.

“The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reimagine the future of vacations. 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, ultimately creating unforgettable memories for millions of families and vacationers. We’re proud to bring this next-generation vacation experience to life with our valued partners at Meyer Turku.”

- Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group

A Floating Destination With Record-Breaking Attractions

Star of the Seas is not just a cruise ship; it’s a floating destination with more than 40 dining, drinking, and entertainment venues spread across eight themed neighbourhoods.

Highlights onboard the new ship include:

• Thrill Island – Home to Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, featuring six record-breaking waterslides, including raft rides, duelling mat racers, and a daring drop slide. Crown’s Edge (a skywalk-meets-thrill-ride suspended 154 feet above the ocean) is a must-try here for adrenaline seekers!

• Chill Island – Three decks of sun-soaked serenity offer four pools, including Royal Bay, the largest at sea. Guests can unwind at swim-up bars like Swim & Tonic or grab a cocktail at The Lime & Coconut.

• Surfside – A vibrant family neighbourhood designed for young families to play and dine together. Kids will love Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, while parents relax at Water’s Edge.

• AquaDome – By day, it’s a tranquil oasis with wraparound ocean views. By night, it comes alive with dazzling shows featuring high divers, aerialists, and robotic performers. Dining options include Hooked Seafood and AquaDome Market, along with panoramic bars like The Overlook.

Adults looking to escape can head to The Hideaway, featuring the ship’s iconic suspended infinity pool, a DJ, whirlpools, and unbeatable sea views.

Familiar Favourites, Reimagined

Iconic Royal Caribbean spaces are making a comeback with modern twists. Expect the lush, open-air Central Park with over 30,000 live plants, the immersive Royal Promenade with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, and the jaw-dropping Pearl, the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture.

New onboard venues include the elegant Lincoln Park Supper Club, inspired by 1930s Chicago, as well as convenient pickup windows for sushi, champagne, and more. Plus, Star of the Seas offers elevated luxury through its Suite Neighbourhood across four decks, complete with private dining at Coastal Kitchen and relaxation at the exclusive Grove Suite Sun Deck.

Innovation Meets Sustainability

Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s third LNG-powered vessel and a major step toward the company’s goal of a net-zero cruise ship by 2035. The ship features advanced environmental systems, including waste heat recovery and shore power connectivity.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Star of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family as we continue to revolutionise how families and adventurers vacation. It’s a true team effort with so many talented individuals coming together to make the new Icon Class vacation a reality, and we’re excited to debut this incredible achievement with a star-studded celebration this August.”

- Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean

Caribbean Adventures Await

Before welcoming its first guests, Star of the Seas will head to Cadiz, Spain, for final outfitting. From August, the ship will begin offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, calling at top-rated destinations, including Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean is expanding its destination portfolio with several exciting beach escapes:

• Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (The Bahamas) – Launching December 2025

• Royal Beach Club Cozumel – Opening in 2026

• Perfect Day Mexico – Arriving in Autumn 2027

• Lelepa (South Pacific) – An exclusive destination debuting in 2027