Royal Caribbean International has announced the upcoming debut of its newest ship, the Star of the Seas, scheduled to set sail in August 2025 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. This ship is part of the Icon Class, offering a wide range of experiences designed to cater to various vacation preferences. The Star of the Seas aims to combine elements of beach retreats, resort escapes, and theme park adventures, providing an all-encompassing vacation experience.
The Star of the Seas will feature eight distinct neighborhoods, each offering a variety of dining, entertainment, and recreational options. Among these neighborhoods are Thrill Island, which includes the first waterpark at sea introduced by Royal Caribbean, and Chill Island, a multi-deck area featuring four pools with ocean views. Another neighborhood, Surfside, is designed specifically for families with young children, offering water activities, dining options, and other family-friendly amenities.
In addition to these areas, the ship will also include the AquaDome, a space that transforms from a tranquil area during the day to a lively entertainment venue at night. The AquaDome will feature the AquaTheater, known for its shows with high divers, aerialists, and dancers, along with dining and drinking options that take advantage of the ocean views. Another key feature is The Hideaway, an adults-only area located 135 feet above the ocean, which includes a suspended infinity pool, whirlpools, and a bar with uninterrupted ocean views.
The Star of the Seas will offer a variety of dining and drinking options, with over 40 different venues across the ship. The Royal Promenade will provide floor-to-ceiling ocean views and include the Pearl, the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture. Additionally, the open-air Central Park will feature more than 30,500 real plants and offer live music, dining, and convenient pick-up windows for sushi and champagne. The ship will also include the ultra-luxe Suite Neighborhood, offering exclusive amenities for suite guests.
As part of Royal Caribbean’s broader offerings, the Star of the Seas will join the newly launched Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas, in providing a range of vacation options from Port Canaveral. These include weeklong Caribbean vacations, shorter 3- and 4-night getaways to The Bahamas, and the opportunity to experience the upcoming Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas, set to open in late 2025.