Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated Star of the Seas has officially joined the fleet, marking a major milestone as the next generation of cruise vacations prepares to set sail. After nearly two years under construction at Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard, the cruise line has taken possession of its second Icon Class vessel, just weeks ahead of its August launch from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
The ship’s delivery ceremony took place in its own AquaTheater, with more than 1,250 crew members, company leaders and partners in attendance to celebrate the handoff. Key figures included Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm, who all acknowledged the teamwork and innovation that made the new vessel possible. The ship’s construction involved feats of engineering, such as the installation of the massive AquaDome structure, six record-breaking waterslides and more.
“The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reimagine the future of vacations. Star and the Icon Class are a symbol of what’s possible when innovation, imagination and our relentless focus on delivering exceptional experiences come together, ultimately creating unforgettable memories for millions of families and vacationers,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We’re proud to bring this next-generation vacation experience to life with our valued partners at Meyer Turku.”
Next, Star of the Seas will sail to Cádiz, Spain, for final outfitting before officially launching its weeklong itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including stops at fan-favorite destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Star of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family as we continue to revolutionize how families and adventurers vacation,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. “It’s a true team effort with so many talented individuals coming together to make the new Icon Class vacation a reality, and we’re excited to debut this incredible achievement with a star-studded celebration this August.”
Royal Caribbean executives officially welcome Star of the Seas to the fleet in Turku, Finland. (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International)
Set to be a floating destination in its own right, the ship will offer more than 40 different restaurants, bars and entertainment venues spread across eight themed “neighborhoods.”
Highlights include:
- Thrill Island, featuring Category 6—the biggest waterpark at sea—with six record-setting waterslides, including a drop slide, racing slide and raft slide; part of the 154-foot-high skywalk called Crown’s Edge; and adventure staples like the FlowRider surf simulator and rock-climbing wall.
- Chill Island, where guests can unwind across three decks of pools, including Royal Bay—the largest pool on a cruise ship—and enjoy tropical cocktails from swim-up and nearby bars.
- Surfside, a family-centric zone tailored to parents with young kids, with multiple age-appropriate water play areas, dining options for all ages and plenty of space to relax.
- AquaDome, an immersive venue with panoramic ocean views, high-diving stunt shows in the AquaTheater, and a vibrant nightlife scene with several unique bars and eateries.
- The Hideaway, an adults-only enclave perched 135 feet above the sea, complete with the Icon Class’s signature suspended infinity pool, whirlpools, bars and a DJ-led party vibe.
Classic Royal Caribbean favorites have also been reimagined for the Icon Class ship. Guests can stroll the Royal Promenade, featuring stunning floor-to-ceiling ocean views and The Pearl—the largest kinetic art sculpture at sea. The lush, open-air Central Park returns, boasting over 30,500 living plants, while the Lincoln Park Supper Club channels 1930s Chicago glamour. Grab-and-go windows make it easy to pick up sushi, champagne, sparkling wine and more. For those seeking elevated accommodations, the expansive Suite Neighborhood spans four decks and includes exclusive access to the Grove Suite Sun Deck and the two-level Coastal Kitchen.
Environmentally speaking, Star of the Seas is ahead of the curve. It’s Royal Caribbean’s third ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cleaner-burning fuel. It’s also equipped with systems to recover waste heat and connect to shore power, aligning with the company’s ambition to launch a net-zero cruise ship by 2035. Another LNG-powered Icon Class vessel, Legend of the Seas, is already slated for debut in 2026.
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