Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas Set to Make Waves as Newest Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean’s New Icon-Class Ship: Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International has recently unveiled the first images of its upcoming cruise ship, Star of the Seas, currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. This LNG-powered vessel is poised to be the second ship in the company’s highly anticipated Icon-class series, following closely on the heels of the Icon of the Seas, which debuted in early 2024.

The newly released images depict the Star of the Seas embarking on its maiden journey to open waters as it prepares for its initial sea trials. These trials are crucial, marking a significant milestone in the ship's development and occurring less than 100 days prior to its official launch, slated for August 2025.

Exciting Itineraries and Destinations

Upon its launch, the Star of the Seas will offer a variety of cruises to the Caribbean, with departures from Port Canaveral, Florida. Passengers can look forward to seven-night cruises navigating both the Western and Eastern Caribbean, with itineraries including a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. This new addition will replace the previous flagship, Wonder of the Seas.

Featuring Ample Spaces and Entertainment

As the largest cruise ship in the world, Star of the Seas will boast a stunning gross tonnage of approximately 250,800, slightly larger than its predecessor, Icon of the Seas. Designed to accommodate around 5,610 passengers with a total capacity for approximately 7,600 guests, the ship will feature numerous attractions including:

• Twenty decks filled with amenities
• A plethora of dining options with 26 restaurants and 18 bars
• AquaDome Market featuring diverse culinary offerings
• State-of-the-art entertainment, including five signature shows and an ice-skating rink

Future Expansion and Innovation

Royal Caribbean is preparing to bolster its fleet with a third vessel, the Legend of the Seas, expected to enter service in 2026. This ship will take a different route, making its debut in the Western Mediterranean before transitioning to North American waters. Furthermore, a fourth Icon-class vessel is already on order for delivery in 2027, showcasing Royal Caribbean's commitment to innovation and expansion in the cruise industry.

Continuing the Trend in Ultra-Large Ships

Royal Caribbean has remained at the forefront of the cruising sector by introducing remarkably large ships over the years, with the Oasis of the Seas breaking the 200,000 gross ton threshold back in 2009. The company continues to push boundaries in shipbuilding, spurring competition among other cruise lines like MSC Cruises and Disney Cruise Line, who are also venturing into the ultra-large category.

As anticipation builds for the Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean appears to be solidifying its position as a leader in the cruise industry, promising a rich experience for future guests.