Royal Caribbean International has revealed the full lineup of experiences to be found aboard 2025-debuting Star of the Seas, the sister ship to Icon of the Seas, which made a spectacular splash when it launched as the world’s largest cruise ship this year.
Beginning in August, 2025, Star of the Seas will double the Icon class excitement, setting sail with the fastest and tallest waterslides at sea and 40-plus ways to dine and drink, combined with adventures in destinations like the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Royal Caribbean's CEO, Michael Bayley, speaks at a press briefing aboard Utopia of the Seas on July 16, 2024. (Photo Credit: Northstar Travel Group/Laurie Baratti)
“Star of the Seas is the second bold act of this exciting, new era of vacations first introduced with Icon of the Seas, and it’s putting the world’s best vacation on the map at yet another top travel destination,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
“Between Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando), more adventurers than ever can set their sights on the only vacation that combines the best of all vacations – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure – with experiences that have and will continue to make headlines and memories for years to come.”
Like the newly debuted Oasis Class Utopia of the Seas, Star will operate out of Port Canaveral. By next summer, vacationers can head to Central Florida and have their pick of the best of both worlds – a weeklong Caribbean vacation on Star or a 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday getaway to The Bahamas on Utopia -- or both.
The product will also be enhanced in late 2025 with the opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas – the first of the Royal Beach Club Collection.
Like Icon, Star will feature eight neighbourhoods that are destinations in themselves, with everything from restaurants and bars to live entertainment and more.
The highlights include five neighbourhoods unique to Icon and Star:
Thrill Island – There are thrills of all kinds with Category 6, the first waterpark at sea when introduced on Icon, and its six record-breaking waterslides; Crown’s Edge, the part skywalk and thrill ride 154 feet above the ocean; plus long-time favourites, the FlowRider surf simulator and mini golf.
Chill Island – This three-deck slice of paradise is home to four of seven pools, each with different vibes and prime ocean views, including swim-up bar Swim & Tonic and Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea. With live bands and DJs, and places for drinks and quick, casual food just steps away, like The Lime & Coconut, vacationers can chill day and night.
Icon of the Seas' Surfside neighborhood. (photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International)
Surfside – The neighbourhood designed for young families is where they can stay and play all day together. There’s everything from ways to splash, with kids and tots at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay and grown-ups nearby at Water’s Edge pool, to spots to grab a bite like Surfside Eatery and The Lemon Post bar – all with options for adults and kids.
AquaDome – The tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night atop of Star is back with wraparound ocean views, deck-defying shows with high divers, aerialists, robots, dancers and more at the marquee AquaTheater; and food and drinks to take it all in at the AquaDome Marketfood hall, the Rye & Bean bar, Hooked and The Overlook bar and Overlook Pods for jaw-dropping views.
The Hideaway – Tucked away 135 feet above the ocean, this adults-only spot combines all the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world with a suspended infinity pool – joining the only other pool of its kind on Icon – a DJ, dedicated bar, a terrace with whirlpools and uninterrupted ocean views.
The Pearl on Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
The tried-and-true Royal Caribbean favourites reimagined on Icon round out the offerings on Star, from the Royal Promenade with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, the jaw-dropping Pearl – the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture – and 15-plus restaurants, bars and lounges to the open-air Central Park lined with more than 30,500 real plants.
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