Star of the Seas Debuts MotoGlobe Motorcycle Stunt Show
Cruise lines are turning ship theaters into engineered thrill venues as competition for onboard wow moments intensifies, blurring the line between cruising and theme parks.
Royal Caribbean International has introduced a new headline stunt on its Icon-class ship Star of the Seas: the MotoGlobe, a spherical steel cage built for high-speed motorcycle performances as the centerpiece of the onboard production show Torque.
A motorcycle “globe of death” adapted for a cruise-ship stage
Developed and fabricated by engineering and production company EPS, the MotoGlobe was designed specifically for a cruise environment, where a theater’s backstage footprint is limited and the performance platform can move with sea conditions. The apparatus is a 5-metre spherical mesh cage made from precision-welded steel, built to support repeated, show-after-show use at sea.
During the act, four professional riders accelerate to speeds above 40 km/h inside the globe, circling the enclosure and riding inverted as part of the choreography. Reports also said the sequence can include an additional performer inside the sphere at the same time, increasing the need for consistent clearances and reliable operating conditions.
Design priorities: quick changeovers, compact storage, and integration with ship systems
EPS engineered the MotoGlobe to function within the operational realities of a large cruise-ship theater, where equipment must be handled frequently and stage resets may be needed for other programming.
- Segmented construction: The sphere uses a segmented design intended to make assembly and disassembly more efficient for crew members working with limited shipboard storage volume.
- Retractable staging: When not in use, the MotoGlobe is designed to retract into the stage floor, supporting quicker transitions in a multi-use venue.
- Ship-aware safety engineering: The build includes stabilization and other safety-focused systems designed around operation on a moving vessel, including sea conditions where turbulence can introduce variables not present in land-based venues.
- Entrance and control integration: EPS developed a customized entrance configuration for performers and engineered the apparatus to interface with the ship’s motion-control and show systems.
Torque positions the MotoGlobe as the main “wow” moment
Torque is structured around the MotoGlobe stunt, using the steel sphere as the visual focal point of the production. Royal Caribbean has positioned the show as a high-energy, stunt-driven entertainment option built around multiple motorcycles operating simultaneously within the confined cage, including upside-down sequences.
While the MotoGlobe has been described as a first-of-its-kind spherical steel cage for high-speed stunts in a cruise setting, available reports did not include an official statement from a named Royal Caribbean or EPS executive.
Star of the Seas begins service from Port Canaveral
Star of the Seas entered service in August 2025 as Royal Caribbean International’s second ship in the Icon Class. Built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the vessel is 364 metres long and has a gross tonnage nearing 250,000 GT.
The ship has capacity for 5,600 passengers across 2,805 staterooms and carries 2,350 crew members. It is organized into eight themed guest “neighbourhoods,” and it sailed from Port Canaveral, Florida, for its first cruise.
How the project fits a wider push for new onboard attractions
The MotoGlobe project reflects a broader push across cruising to develop new spectacle-driven attractions while solving the practical constraints of shipboard production, including frequent use, rapid backstage transitions, and operation on a platform that can move.
Other developments cited in recent industry coverage include Disney Cruise Line’s restarted fleet expansion, with Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure slated for delivery in late 2025, and Four Seasons Yachts preparing to launch its first all-suite yacht, Four Seasons I, in January 2026, emphasizing comfort and ocean conservation technologies. Princess Cruises’ LNG-powered Star Princess was also highlighted as part of the sector’s continuing focus on newbuilds that combine engineering updates with guest-facing features.
With Star of the Seas now sailing from Port Canaveral, the MotoGlobe-equipped Torque production is set to run as part of the ship’s regular entertainment lineup, putting EPS’ retractable, segmented design to work under daily operating demands at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the MotoGlobe on Star of the Seas?
The MotoGlobe is a 5-metre spherical steel stunt cage used for motorcycle performances in the onboard production show Torque. Riders circle inside the mesh sphere and perform inverted sequences as part of the act.
How many riders perform inside the MotoGlobe, and how fast do they go?
Reports said four riders perform inside the globe and exceed 40 km/h during the routine. The act can also include an additional performer inside the sphere at the same time.
How is the MotoGlobe stored when it is not being used?
The structure is designed to retract into the stage floor, and its segmented construction supports faster assembly and disassembly in a shipboard theater with limited storage space.
What safety considerations were built into the ship-ready design?
The MotoGlobe was engineered with safety systems tailored to a maritime environment, including stabilization features and integration with the ship’s motion-control and show systems. EPS also developed a customized entrance configuration to manage performer entry and exit during live operation.
