Star of the Seas Officially Joins Royal Caribbean as the Newest Icon Class Ship

Caribbean News…
13 July 2025 5:07pm
Cruises
Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International has officially welcomed Star of the Seas, its newest Icon Class ship, after completing nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. Set to debut this August in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Star of the Seas is being hailed as the ultimate family vacation, bringing record-breaking features and cutting-edge innovation to the seas.

The handover ceremony included more than 1,250 crew members and partners and featured remarks from Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, alongside Meyer Turku leadership. The celebration took place in the ship’s showstopping AquaTheater.

“Star and the Icon Class are a symbol of what’s possible when innovation, imagination and exceptional experiences come together,” said Liberty. “This is a bold step in reimagining the future of vacations.”

A Floating City of Thrills, Relaxation, and Innovation

When Star of the Seas sets sail on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, guests will enjoy stops at destinations like the brand’s beloved Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. The ship offers an unparalleled vacation experience with eight themed neighborhoods, more than 40 dining and entertainment venues, and several record-setting attractions, including:

  • Thrill Island: Featuring Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides, plus Crown’s Edge, a skywalk thrill ride 154 feet above the ocean.

  • Chill Island: Three decks of tropical pools and party vibes, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, and Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar at sea.

  • Surfside: A dedicated space for young families, complete with water play areas, casual dining, and kid-friendly fun.

  • AquaDome: An ocean-view oasis by day and show-stopping venue by night, with acrobats, high divers, and robots in a one-of-a-kind AquaTheater.

  • The Hideaway: An adults-only retreat 135 feet above the sea, with an infinity pool, whirlpools, a bar, and live DJ sets.

Additional highlights include the reimagined Royal Promenade with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, Central Park with over 30,500 real plants, the Lincoln Park Supper Club, and expanded suite neighborhoods across four decks.

A New Era of Sustainable Cruising

Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s third ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), featuring shore power connectivity, waste heat recovery, and other eco-forward innovations that support the cruise line’s goal to launch a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

The momentum continues beyond Star, with Legend of the Seas, the third Icon Class ship, launching in 2026, and new destination experiences including:

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

  • Royal Beach Club Cozumel – Opening 2026

  • Perfect Day Mexico – Opening fall 2027

  • Lelepa, South Pacific – Opening 2027

As Star of the Seas prepares to make its way from Finland to Cadiz, Spain for final touches, anticipation builds for a new chapter in the cruise industry's evolution—one where innovation, family fun, and sustainability converge on the high seas.

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