When Royal Caribbean introduced Icon of the Seas, it didn’t just launch a ship, it launched a new era in cruise design.
The cruise line continues to build on that momentum with Star of the Seas, the second vessel in the Icon Class and one of the most ambitious cruise ships ever constructed.
Sailing year-round from Port Canaveral, Star of the Seas is designed as a destination in itself. With expanded neighborhoods, a record-setting waterpark, innovative stateroom layouts, and immersive entertainment venues, this ship offers one of the most comprehensive vacation experiences at sea.
If you're planning your next Caribbean escape, or simply curious about what's coming, here’s everything you need to know about Star of the Seas before it sets sail.
What Is Icon Class?
Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class is the newest and largest class of ships in the fleet, introduced with Icon of the Seas in 2024. The class is defined by a focus on variety — not just in size, but in experience. These ships are built around eight neighborhoods, each with its own personality, pacing, and purpose.
Star of the Seas follows this blueprint but introduces several updates and refinements, from reimagined family accommodations to new culinary concepts and refreshed entertainment venues. The goal isn’t just scale — it’s flexibility. The ship is designed to adapt to how guests want to travel, whether that means adventure, relaxation, family time, or all three at once.
A Closer Look at the Ship’s Layout and Design
Star of the Seas will be one of the largest cruise ships in the world, carrying more than 7,000 guests at full capacity. But what distinguishes her isn’t just her size, it’s her functionality. The ship’s neighborhoods are organized to create natural transitions between high-energy and low-energy zones. Guests can start their morning with a coffee in the quiet greenery of Central Park, spend their afternoon on the waterslides, and unwind in the AquaDome by evening, all without feeling disoriented or overwhelmed.
The ship's design places a strong emphasis on:
- Open sightlines and walkable promenades
- Indoor-outdoor connectivity in public spaces
- Family-first accessibility in key neighborhoods like Surfside
Everything from signage to sound design has been engineered to help guests move intuitively through the space which is essential when you're operating on this scale.
Signature Neighborhoods Onboard
Each of the ship’s eight neighborhoods serves a different type of guest experience, and several have been enhanced or expanded specifically for Star of the Seas.
1. AquaDome
This is one of the most visually striking spaces on the ship: a glass-covered dome housing panoramic lounges, restaurants, bars, and a transforming AquaTheater that features aerialists, high diving, and multimedia shows.
2. Surfside
A dedicated family neighborhood for guests with young children, Surfside features water play areas, casual dining, a carousel, and easy access to family suites. It's one of the most accessible parts of the ship, offering convenience without sacrificing atmosphere.
3. Central Park
An open-air neighborhood filled with live greenery, walking paths, and upscale restaurants. Central Park continues to be one of Royal Caribbean’s most distinctive concepts and a welcome contrast to the more high-energy decks above.
4. The Hideaway
Located at the aft of the ship, this tiered pool deck is adults-only and includes an infinity pool with 180-degree ocean views. It’s designed to feel more like a beach club than a cruise ship venue.
Other returning neighborhoods include the Royal Promenade, Chill Island, Thrill Island, and the Suite Neighborhood, which offers elevated amenities for guests staying in higher-tier accommodations.
New Features on Star of the Seas
While Star shares much of its DNA with Icon of the Seas, it introduces several firsts and updated features of its own.
- The Pearl: A sculptural centerpiece and architectural anchor within the Royal Promenade. It’s part art, part engineering, and part orientation point, setting the tone the moment you step onboard.
- Category 6 Waterpark: The largest waterpark at sea, with six high-thrill slides including Pressure Drop (the first open free-fall slide at sea) and Frightening Bolt (one of the tallest cruise ship slides ever built).
- Crown’s Edge: A skywalk-meets-ropes-course-meets-drop-ride, suspended more than 150 feet above sea level. It’s part thrill, part spectacle, and fully unique to Icon Class ships.
- AquaDome Market: The fleet’s first food hall concept, featuring multiple globally inspired vendors with quick, high-quality options. It’s designed for flexible, casual dining without sacrificing variety.
- Empire Supper Club: An elegant dinner-and-jazz experience inspired by New York’s 1930s supper clubs. It offers a multicourse tasting menu and live music, one of the most immersive dining venues ever added to the fleet.
Staterooms and Suites Aboard Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas introduces a broader range of staterooms than previous Royal Caribbean ships, including both updated classics and entirely new categories.
- Ultimate Family Townhouse: A three-story suite with a slide, cinema room, direct access to Surfside, and its own outdoor patio.
- Surfside Family Suites: Multi-room layouts designed with families in mind, located within the Surfside neighborhood for maximum convenience.
- Infinite Balcony Staterooms: Featuring floor-to-ceiling glass that converts from enclosed window to open-air balcony, merging indoor comfort with outdoor access.
- Studio Staterooms for Solo Travelers: A first for Icon Class, these are designed to offer privacy and value without requiring a single supplement.
The range of options reflects the broader design philosophy behind the ship: give guests more choices, not just more space.
Entertainment and Live Performances
Star of the Seas will carry forward the entertainment ambitions of Icon Class with multiple high-concept venues and rotating shows.
At the top of the bill is Back to the Future: The Musical, a full Broadway-scale production that brings the cult classic to the main theater stage. The Absolute Zero ice arena will host skating performances with stunt elements and cutting-edge visuals, while the AquaTheater inside the AquaDome presents diving and aerial choreography in a fully immersive environment.
Beyond the headline shows, guests can expect pop-up performances, live music, game shows, comedy acts, and family-focused programming throughout each sailing.
Inaugural Itineraries and Sailing Schedule
Star of the Seas will homeport in Port Canaveral and begin sailing in August 2025. The maiden voyage is scheduled for August 31, with a 7-night Caribbean itinerary that includes stops at:
- Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island experience
- Costa Maya, Mexico
- Roatán, Honduras
- Cozumel, Mexico
In the weeks leading up to the maiden voyage, Royal Caribbean will offer preview cruises, shorter showcase sailings that provide early access to the ship. These itineraries are limited and typically reserved for media, loyalty members, and early-booking guests.
Following launch, Star of the Seas will operate year-round, alternating between Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries through 2026 and beyond.
To commemorate the launch, Royal Caribbean has named Diana Ross as the official godmother of Star of the Seas. Known for her stage presence and trailblazing legacy, Ross will preside over the naming ceremony and perform during the ship’s inaugural celebrations. It’s a high-profile start for a ship designed to take center stage in the cruise industry.
Book a Cruise Aboard Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas isn’t just another large ship; it’s a reflection of how cruise vacations are evolving. With more options for families, better-integrated spaces, immersive entertainment, and thoughtful design, it’s built to deliver more than just a traditional itinerary.
For travelers who want flexibility, energy, and an all-in-one resort feel without sacrificing comfort or style, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship delivers on every front. The only question is how soon you can get on board.
