Royal Caribbean International is gearing up to launch its latest ship, Star of the Seas, in August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida. The new vessel is designed to deliver an all-encompassing vacation experience that blends the elements of a beach getaway, a luxury resort stay and a theme park adventure.
Clients familiar with the cruise lines’ Icon of the Seas can expect similar offerings and amenities aboard this new Icon Class cruise ship able to carry over 5,000 passengers.
“Star of the Seas is the second bold act of this exciting, new era of vacations first introduced with Icon of the Seas, and it’s putting the world’s best vacation on the map at yet another top travel destination,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, in a press statement. “Between Miami and Port Canaveral, more adventurers than ever can set their sights on the only vacation that combines the best of all vacations—from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure—with experiences that have and will continue to make headlines and memories for years to come.”
The Ultimate Vacation at Sea
Cruise travelers aboard the Star of the Seas will have access to a variety of attractions first introduced on Icon of the Seas such as the Category 6 waterpark with six waterslides and seven pools. Guests can also enjoy diverse dining and beverage options at over 40 different venues. The ship will also include the family-oriented Surfside neighborhood and the adults-only Hideaway, which features one of the only two suspended infinity pools at sea.
The upcoming Star of the Seas will also expand Royal Caribbean’s innovative Icon Class experience by offering eight distinct areas on the ship, each designed as a unique destination with a mix of dining, bars, entertainment and activities. The themed “neighborhoods” feature entertainment zones and hotspots that cater to a range of guest preferences, ensuring an immersive experience at sea for travelers.
Thrill Island: Features Category 6, the waterpark at sea with a selection of different slides; Crown’s Edge, the skywalk and thrill ride 154 feet above the ocean; FlowRider surf simulator and mini golf, as well as spots to grab a bite and drinks like Basecamp and Desserted.
Chill Island: Home to four of seven pools including the swim-up bar Swim & Tonic and the impressive Royal Bay pool. Chill Island also features live bands and DJs and areas offering food and drink options.
Surfside: The family-friendly neighborhood offers Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay for children and the Water’s Edge pool for adults. Surfside also includes dining spots like Surfside Eatery and The Lemon Post bar.
AquaDome: The AquaDome “neighborhood” features exciting shows with high divers, aerialists, robots and dancers at the marquee AquaTheater. Guests can also enjoy the AquaDome Market food hall, the Rye & Bean bar and Overlook Pods for ocean views.
The Hideaway: The adults-only spot features a suspended infinity pool, live DJ, a bar and a terrace with whirlpools and ocean views.
Star of the Seas is also joining the newly debuted Oasis Class vacation, Utopia of the Seas when it arrives in Port Canaveral next summer offering itineraries that include 7-night Caribbean vacations, a 3-night weekend or a 4-night weekday getaway to The Bahamas.
For more information, visit royalcaribbean.com.
