Royal Caribbean International has officially welcomed its next-generation vacation experience, Star of the Seas, into its fleet. After nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the revolutionary Icon Class cruise ship has been delivered and is set to debut this August 2025 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.

The handover was celebrated in grand fashion with a ceremony attended by over 1,250 crew members and partners, including Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm, and Chairman Jaakko Eskola.

“The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reimagine the future of vacations,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “This ship is a symbol of what’s possible when innovation and imagination come together.”

Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s second Icon Class ship, following Icon of the Seas, and brings with it numerous innovations for family vacations. Key highlights include:

• Thrill Island, featuring Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking waterslides, and Crown’s Edge, a skywalk-meets-thrill-ride 154 feet above the ocean.
  

• Chill Island, with four pools, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, and lively swim-up bars like Swim & Tonic.
  

• Surfside, a neighborhood built for young families with splash zones and kid-friendly dining.
  

• AquaDome, a panoramic day-to-night space with high-dive shows at the AquaTheater, a market-style food hall, and the scenic Overlook Bar.
  

• The Hideaway, an adults-only escape with a suspended infinity pool and DJ-fueled vibes.
  

• Fleet favorites, including the open-air Central Park, the dynamic Royal Promenade featuring the Pearl kinetic sculpture, and new dining spots like the Lincoln Park Supper Club.
  

With eight neighborhoods and over 40 dining and entertainment venues, Star is built to cater to multigenerational travelers seeking fun, relaxation, and adventure.

The ship also highlights Royal Caribbean’s commitment to sustainability. Star of the Seas is the brand’s third ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and features eco-friendly systems like waste heat recovery and shore power connection, contributing to Royal Caribbean Group’s goal of launching a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

Star will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, including visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, and is now available for bookings on Royal Caribbean’s website.

The brand also has more in store with upcoming destinations like Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (Dec 2025), Royal Beach Club Cozumel (2026), and Perfect Day Mexico (2027), ensuring Royal Caribbean continues to redefine vacation possibilities.