It’s a proud day for Royal Caribbean and for the hardworking crew who helped bring Star of the Seas to life. Today, July 10, Star of the Seas officially joins the Royal Caribbean family in a moment of celebration, innovation, and next-level cruising. The grand handover ceremony took place at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, where Royal Caribbean International proudly took delivery of its newest Icon-class vessel.
Executives from both Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku gathered to commemorate the ship’s completion. The ceremony featured remarks from Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, the ship’s commanding officer Captain Sindre Borsheim, and Meyer Turku CEO.
Star of the Seas is the second vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class, following Icon of the Seas, which debuted in early 2024. The ship weighs in at 250,800 gross tons and can accommodate more than 5,600 guests. It boasts eight distinct “neighborhoods” onboard, a design approach aimed at tailoring the cruise experience to diverse age groups and vacation styles.
Features include a sprawling waterpark dubbed Category 6 — the largest of its kind at sea — seven swimming pools, a suspended infinity pool, and more than 40 dining and beverage venues. An enclosed AquaDome houses the AquaTheater, which will stage diving and acrobatic performances.
Maiden Voyages Set for August
While officially joining the fleet in July, Star of the Seas won’t carry paying passengers until August. The rollout includes several preview cruises:
• August 20, 2025: A 3-night “sneak peek” cruise to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• August 23 & 27: Two 4-night showcase sailings aimed at media and industry guests.
• August 31: The ship’s official inaugural cruise — a 7-night Western Caribbean voyage departing from Port Canaveral, Florida.
The ship will continue to sail alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean routes through 2026.
Diana Ross Named Godmother
In a nod to entertainment royalty, Royal Caribbean has named legendary singer Diana Ross as Star of the Seas’ godmother. Ross, 81, is set to christen the ship during a formal ceremony in August.
The tradition of naming a godmother is symbolic in the cruise world, often reserved for prominent women believed to bring luck and protection to the vessel.
