Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, has officially embarked on her maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, marking a new chapter in the evolution of modern cruising. The vessel, which tips the scales at 250,800 tonnes and stretches nearly 365 metres in length, is the sister ship of Icon of the Seas and has been billed by the company as “the boldest family holiday ever.”
A floating city on 20 decks
With capacity for more than 5,600 guests at double occupancy and over 7,000 when fully booked, supported by a crew of 2,350, Star of the Seas is effectively a floating city. Spanning 20 decks, it is not only the heaviest cruise ship in history, but also one of the most ambitious in terms of design, amenities and entertainment.
Her inaugural sailing, launched on 31 August 2025, is a seven-night voyage through the Western Caribbean, with scheduled stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, as well as Roatán in Honduras. From her home port in Florida, the ship will continue to operate alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, including visits to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Eight neighbourhoods, endless options
One of the defining features of the vessel is its division into eight themed neighbourhoods, a concept introduced with Icon of the Seas. Each is designed to offer a distinct experience. Surfside caters to families with younger children, while Central Park offers fine dining, live music and lush greenery. At the heart of the ship stands the AquaDome, a 25-metre-high and 50-metre-wide glass structure that houses aquatic performances and aerial acrobatics.
Other neighbourhoods include the Royal Promenade, lined with bars, shops and restaurants, and The Hideaway, an adults-only retreat complete with the first suspended infinity pool at sea. This neighbourhood concept is intended to make navigating the ship more intuitive, while also offering guests the possibility of tailoring their cruise experience according to mood or interest.
Your favorite creators 🤝 your favorite ship. The internet’s biggest stars vacationed on the world’s largest ship: Star of the Seas. Who’s next? pic.twitter.com/hGAnS3RKq6
— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) August 9, 2025
Entertainment at scale
The entertainment line-up is another striking element of Star of the Seas. Passengers can watch a specially adapted version of Back to the Future: The Musical at the Royal Theatre, complete with effects that bring the famous DeLorean to life on stage. At the AquaTheater, the show Torque blends dance, diving and aerial stunts, while Sol, an original ice production, takes audiences on a journey following the path of the sun across the United States. Theatrical experiences extend further with Ocean Odyssey, a parade-style production themed around the mythical King Atlantis.
Beyond stage and ice, thrill-seekers can tackle the Category 6 waterpark, featuring six record-breaking waterslides, or step onto the Crown’s Edge aerial adventure course, which dangles participants more than 45 metres above the ocean. Additional activities include a surf simulator, laser tag, an escape room, and even an ice rink.
Dining and innovation
Culinary variety has also been expanded. Guests can choose from more than 40 restaurants, cafés and lounges, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. Among the new concepts is the Lincoln Park Supper Club, a Chicago-inspired venue designed for an immersive dining and entertainment experience. This range aims to reflect Royal Caribbean’s ambition to cater for global tastes, including European travellers increasingly drawn to long-haul cruises in the Caribbean.
The ship has also been designed with sustainability in mind. Although still powered primarily by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Star of the Seas incorporates systems intended to reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency. Royal Caribbean has committed to advancing environmentally responsible cruising as it expands its fleet.
Prepare for liftoff – it's all systems go on your biggest family vacation ever. Star of the Seas is now sailing from Port Canaveral, FL. pic.twitter.com/kc6zsT0jLC
— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) August 21, 2025
Naming ceremony
The official naming ceremony was held on 20 August in Port Canaveral. The godmother of the ship, Kellie Gerardi, a research astronaut and payload specialist, dedicated the vessel to both the crew and future guests. Gerardi spoke of the importance of exploration and family bonding, themes Royal Caribbean has sought to embed in the design of the ship.
Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, described the launch as a landmark moment: “With Star, we are not just introducing another ship. We are redefining family holidays and raising the bar for what is possible at sea.” Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, added: “This vessel offers everything families want in a holiday, with more adventure and more ways to create lasting memories together.”
Competing giants on the horizon
Star of the Seas is not the only major new arrival to global fleets in 2025. Disney Cruise Line will introduce Adventure in December, its largest vessel yet, at 208,000 tonnes and the first to be permanently based in Asia. Operating out of Singapore, the ship will focus on three to five-night sailings designed as “parties at sea”, complete with a rollercoaster, seven themed zones and a Marvel-inspired studio.
Meanwhile, MSC Cruises will launch World America from Miami, a 205,700-tonne vessel spanning 22 decks with attractions such as a waterpark, a family adventure park and the cruise industry’s first over-water swings. Both Disney and MSC aim to expand their share of the global cruise market, while Royal Caribbean continues to dominate with its Icon-class ships.
From The Bahamas to Perfect Day Mexico
Royal Caribbean’s expansion does not end with Star of the Seas. The company has announced the opening of new private destinations, including the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas in December 2025, Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026, and Perfect Day Mexico in 2027. These developments are part of a strategy to integrate bespoke shore experiences with its largest and most advanced vessels.
For those already booking their cabins, fares for Star of the Seas currently start at around $1,046 per person, based on double occupancy, covering accommodation, meals, entertainment, and select drinks.
As the vessel makes her way across the Caribbean, Star of the Seas is already setting new standards in what cruise holidays can offer. Combining scale, spectacle and variety, she represents not just the world’s largest cruise ship, but also a symbol of how the cruise industry is evolving to meet growing demand from international markets, including Europe.
