Star of the Seas Debuts at Port Canaveral, Launching Caribbean Sailings

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, officially arrived at Port Canaveral on August 9, 2025, marking a milestone for the global cruise industry and the bustling Florida port. Tied with its sister vessel Icon of the Seas as the largest cruise ship ever constructed, Star of the Seas boasts 20 decks, spans eight themed neighborhoods, and offers a passenger capacity of over 7,600 at full occupancy. The vessel is set to redefine vacationing with a mix of groundbreaking amenities, sustainable innovations, and carefully curated Caribbean itineraries.

A Grand Debut at Port Canaveral

Star of the Seas docked at the recently upgraded Cruise Terminal 1 after its transatlantic journey from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. To celebrate the arrival, a water-cannon escort welcomed the megaship. This event kicked off a series of preview sailings, leading up to its official naming ceremony on August 20, presided over by legendary singer Diana Ross. The festivities will culminate with the ship’s inaugural seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries that begin later in the month.

Anticipation surrounding the ship’s arrival was underscored by a free public celebration titled the “Star-Studded Sailabration” at Jetty Park on August 16. Food trucks, themed giveaways, and a DJ contributed to the festive send-off, attracting hundreds of visitors eager to witness Star of the Seas become a key part of Port Canaveral’s growing cruise portfolio.

Revolutionary Features and Design

Billed as “the world’s best family vacation,” Star of the Seas integrates cutting-edge design into its expansive offerings. Its eight distinct neighborhoods distribute activities efficiently, ensuring a more seamless flow of passengers. Notable highlights include:

• Thrill Island: Home to the Category 6 Waterpark a record-making at-sea attraction featuring six slides, alongside an adventure course named Crown’s Edge.
• Chill Island: Designed for leisurely days, this neighborhood features the largest pool ever built on a cruise ship and the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar.
• Central Park: An open-air retreat with over 30,000 live plants, resembling green spaces on its Oasis-class predecessors.
• AquaDome: A glass-encased venue complete with a 220-degree ocean view, waterfall, and the Torque aquatic show.
• Suites Neighborhood: Exclusive amenities including a private pool, whirlpool, and dining for suite guests.

Other exceptional attractions include a FlowRider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, miniature golf, an ice-skating rink, laser tag, and live entertainment like Back to the Future: The Musical and the Sol ice skating performance. These features are complemented by 40 dining venues encompassing complimentary offerings and specialty restaurants such as the Lincoln Park Supper Club and Izumi Hibachi & Sushi.

Setting New Industry Standards

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Star’s design. The ship runs on liquefied natural gas (LNG), integrates shore power capability, and employs a waste-heat recovery system. Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, remarked, “The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in our journey to reimagine vacations.” Enhanced propulsion systems and fuel cells further ensure energy efficiency in day-to-day operations.

The ship’s impressive engineering also includes a parabolic bow for better stability and smooth sailing, enhancing the overall guest experience, even on longer itineraries.

Economic Benefits for Port Canaveral

Star of the Seas is expected to have a significant economic impact on Florida’s Space Coast. As one of the world’s largest cruise ports by passenger volume, Port Canaveral is poised to benefit from increased tourism spending, higher hotel occupancy rates, and robust demand for local services like transportation and dining.

Port Canaveral CEO John Murray highlighted the port’s efforts to accommodate megaships like the Star, saying, “When you have ships like this, more people want to come down and have a great experience. This deployment will solidify our reputation as a global hub for cruising.”

Exciting Seven-Night Itineraries

The ship will operate year-round alternating seven-night itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with signature stops including Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Additional Eastern Caribbean ports of call may include St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and San Juan, while the Western itinerary features Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatán.

Future Plans and Industry Trends

Star of the Seas is the second in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, with two additional sister ships already in the pipeline, Legend of the Seas is set to debut in 2026, with another unnamed vessel scheduled for 2027. This expansion confirms the cruise line’s commitment to pushing innovation and creating vessels that serve as destinations in themselves.

“This ship is a floating theme park,” remarked Stewart Chiron, a noted cruise industry expert. “The Star will blow people away with the sheer magnitude of what it has to offer, from its water attractions to its entertainment lineup.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the standout features of Star of the Seas?

The ship features an expansive onboard waterpark, seven pools, eight neighborhoods, over 40 dining venues, and Broadway-class entertainment such as Back to the Future: The Musical. It offers unparalleled activities for the whole family, ranging from ice skating to rock climbing.

What are its environmental benefits?

Star of the Seas is powered by LNG, integrates waste-heat recovery and shore power compatibility, and uses advanced propulsion for greater energy efficiency, aligning with Royal Caribbean's sustainability goals.

How large is the ship?

The vessel measures nearly 250,000 gross tons and spans 20 decks, with capacity for over 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew.

What economic impact is expected for Port Canaveral?

The ship’s homeporting is projected to boost local tourism economies, enhance demand for hotels and transportation, and support longshore jobs and port revenue.

When and where does Star of the Seas sail?

The ship offers alternating seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, all including a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Sailings are available through 2027.