Star of the Seas Officially Joins the Royal Caribbean Fleet

Royal Caribbean has added a new ground-breaking ship to its fleet, as Star of the Seas has been delivered to the cruise line, in an official “handing-over-of-the-keys” ceremony. 

Built in Meyer Turku in Finland, this is the second Icon-class ship to be ordered by Royal Caribbean, with at least three more coming in the next few years.   

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley formally accepted Star of the Seas at the delivery ceremony in the Finnish shipyard.

The ship is scheduled for departure from the yard in mid-July. It will then begin year-round cruises from its Port Canaveral, Florida, homeport in August 2025, with Diana Ross set to christen the vessel later that month.

“The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reimagine the future of vacations,” stated Jason Liberty. “We’re proud to bring this next-generation vacation experience to life with our valued partners at Meyer Turku.”

Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, pointed out the success of the build and the great relationship the two companies have shared:

“Star of the Seas is already the second cruise ship of the world’s most advanced Icon class to be built at our shipyard. In good cooperation with the customer and our network companies, we were able to draw on the lessons learned during the prototype ship building process, and Star was completed in record time and with high quality.”

(See full list of Royal Caribbean cruise ships from newest to oldest)

The ship is about 250,800 gross tons and with a capacity for 5,610 passengers (and a maximum of 7,600 guests).  And interestingly enough, according to the Meyer Turku CEO, “Star of the Seas is the largest single industrial product ever built in Finland”.

Like its sister ship, Icon of the Seas, the Star of the Seas is primarily powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), a cleaner-burning fuel.  The ship has onboard waste-to-energy systems, and AI tools to minimize food waste, all helping the company to reach the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

A Few Highlights of Star of the Seas

• Category 6 Waterpark: The largest waterpark at sea, featuring six record-breaking slides including the Frightening Bolt (tallest waterslide at sea) and the Pressure Drop (first open free-fall slide).
• Surfside Neighborhood: A dedicated stay-all-day neighborhood for families, offering a sprawling aquapark, a pool for adults, and a variety of family-friendly dining options.
• Seven Pools: From the largest pool at sea, Royal Bay, to the adults-only Cloud 17 and Swim & Tonic swim-up bar, there’s a pool for every mood and preference.
• Crown’s Edge: A unique fusion of a skywalk, ropes course, and thrill ride that dangles guests high above the ocean.
• AquaDome: A stunning architectural marvel housing a vibrant entertainment venue with awe-inspiring shows.
• Over 40 Dining and Beverage Options: A diverse culinary landscape catering to every palate, from casual bites to elevated specialty restaurants.
• Innovative Staterooms: Offering spacious accommodations, including Surfside family suites and panoramic ocean-view balconies, providing comfort and stunning views.
• The Star of the Seas also incorporates popular Royal Caribbean attractions like the FlowRider surf simulator.

The third ship in the Icon class, Legend of the Seas, is already under construction and expected to be floated out later this summer.

Read more: 10 Biggest Differences Between Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas