MIAMI — After nearly two years of construction, the keys to the all-new Star of the Seas ship have been handed over to Royal Caribbean.
The cruise line officially welcomed its latest ship at a delivery ceremony this year at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, ahead of its August debut in Port Canaveral, Florida. Fit for a star, the ceremony was hosted by Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty and Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley who welcomed 1,250-plus crew members and partners in the ship’s next-level AquaTheater.
“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,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We’re proud to bring this next-generation vacation experience to life with our valued partners at Meyer Turku.”
Now officially part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, Star of the Seas will sail to Cadiz, Spain, for final touches before heading to her new homeport in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. There, it will begin offering seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages – including stops at fan-favourite Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Designed to double the fun of its record-breaking sister ship Icon of the Seas, Star features eight signature neighbourhoods that each feel like their own destination. From pulse-pounding waterslides to tranquil infinity pools, it’s a ship built to delight every kind of traveller:
- Thrill Island boasts Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking slides, plus the jaw-dropping Crown’s Edge skywalk and the ever-popular FlowRider surf simulator.
- Chill Island invites guests to relax across four pools – including Royal Bay, the largest at sea – and enjoy tropical drinks from the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar or The Lime & Coconut.
- Surfside caters to young families with splash zones, family-friendly dining, and adult retreat areas all in one dedicated neighbourhood.
- AquaDome transforms from a serene hangout by day to an entertainment hub at night, complete with daring AquaTheater performances, casual dining, and sweeping ocean views.
- The Hideaway, an adults-only escape, features a suspended infinity pool, whirlpools, and a beach club vibe 135 feet above sea level.
Also on board are reimagined favourites like Central Park, now home to more than 30,000 live plants; the high-tech Royal Promenade with panoramic ocean views; and brand-new venues like the 1930s Chicago-inspired Lincoln Park Supper Club.
Sustainability is another highlight: Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s third ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and features state-of-the-art environmental systems, such as waste heat recovery and shore power connection. It’s all part of the cruise line’s roadmap to launching a net-zero ship by 2035.
Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean is expanding its land-based offerings too, with new beach destinations on the horizon. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is set to open in The Bahamas this December, followed by Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026, Perfect Day Mexico in fall 2027, and an exclusive island experience in Lelepa, South Pacific, in 2027.
For more information about Star of the Seas, click here.
