Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ship Has Arrived and it Sets Sail This August

Star of the Seas has officially joined the Royal Caribbean fleet, and while it won’t welcome passengers until August, the countdown has begun. Delivered in early July after nearly two years of construction, this brand-new Icon Class ship promises to raise the bar on what a family cruise can be.

With a suspended infinity pool, six record-breaking waterslides, and more than 40 bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, Star is being billed as the “ultimate family vacation” – and it’s not hard to see why.

Royal Caribbean's massive "Star of the Seas" cruise ship is shown arriving with the help of a tugboat, surrounded by calm waters and a forested shoreline in the background. The ship's aft features bold blue and white detailing, yellow lifeboats, and a vibrant waterpark structure on the upper deck.

What Makes Star of the Seas Special?

Like its sister ship Icon of the Seas, Star is more than just a cruise ship – it’s a floating destination packed with features you won’t find anywhere else at sea. At the heart of the experience are eight neighbourhoods, each with its own unique vibe and purpose, designed to offer something for every type of traveller.

Thrill Island is a paradise for adrenaline junkies. It’s home to Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, featuring six record-breaking waterslides, including family raft rides, a near-vertical drop slide, and duelling mat racers. You’ll also find the Crown’s Edge, a part-skywalk, part-thrill ride suspended 154 feet above the ocean, along with favourites like the FlowRider surf simulator and a rock-climbing wall.

For those looking to unwind, Chill Island spans three decks and features four pools, including Royal Bay – the largest pool at sea. There’s a swim-up bar called Swim & Tonic, live bands, DJs, and the tropical vibes of The Lime & Coconut bar just steps away.

Families will gravitate to Surfside, a dedicated space where parents and kids can play together all day. There’s Splashaway Bay for older kids, Baby Bay for little ones, and Water’s Edge for adults who want to relax nearby. When hunger strikes, Surfside Eatery and Pier 7 offer casual, family-friendly dining.

The AquaDome is a showstopper, offering panoramic ocean views by day and transforming into an entertainment venue by night. Expect high-diving stunts, aerial acrobatics, and even robots at the AquaTheater, along with food and drink spots like AquaDome Market, Rye & Bean, Hooked Seafood, and The Overlook bar.

Meanwhile, The Hideaway is an adults-only escape featuring the first suspended infinity pool at sea (outside of Icon), whirlpools, a terrace, DJ sets, and sweeping ocean views – 135 feet above the water.

Other standout features include the Royal Promenade, now with floor-to-ceiling sea views and The Pearl, the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture. There’s also an open-air Central Park with over 30,500 real plants, and new venues like the Lincoln Park Supper Club, inspired by 1930s Chicago.

For suite guests, the Suite Neighborhood spans four decks and includes private areas like the Grove Suite Sun Deck and two-level Coastal Kitchen.

Sustainability and Innovation at Sea

Star of the Seas isn’t just big on thrills, it’s also a major step forward in Royal Caribbean’s sustainability journey. As the line’s third ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Star is designed with a strong focus on reducing emissions and increasing energy efficiency. LNG is one of the cleanest-burning marine fuels currently available, helping to significantly cut down on air pollution compared to traditional fuels.

The ship is also equipped with waste heat recovery systems, which capture and reuse energy that would otherwise be lost. Additionally, Star supports shore power connectivity, allowing it to plug into a port’s electrical grid and reduce engine use while docked.

All of these features contribute to Royal Caribbean Group’s goal of launching a net-zero cruise ship by 2035, and Star is playing a key role in making that vision a reality. The next step in this effort will come in 2026, when the line welcomes Legend of the Seas – the third Icon Class ship and the fourth in the fleet to run on LNG.

What’s Next for Star of the Seas?

Now that Star of the Seas has officially joined the Royal Caribbean fleet, the ship is making its way from Turku, Finland, to Cadiz, Spain, where it will receive its final finishing touches. From there, it will head across the Atlantic to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, ready to welcome its first guests this August.

Star will sail a series of 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, offering guests the chance to explore tropical destinations while enjoying all the ship’s groundbreaking amenities. One of the major highlights on these sailings is a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island in The Bahamas, known for its massive waterpark, beach clubs, and overwater cabanas.

Star of the Seas decked out with colorful water slides, pools, and lounging areas is docked at a lush tropical island. A winding pier connects the ship to the island labeled "Perfect Day at CocoCay," featuring palm trees, beach cabanas, and a red-and-yellow water tower in the distance, with a tethered helium balloon floating above. — Credit: Royal Caribbean

With its blend of record-breaking attractions, family-friendly features, and cutting-edge sustainability, Star of the Seas is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cruise launches of 2025.

The Future of Icon Class and Beyond

A whimsical golden ice cream cone sculpture appears upside-down in a pool of faux melting cream, set inside a futuristic, neon-lit atrium on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas. In the background, a wide stairway leads up through a tunnel of illuminated tiles under a curved ceiling, giving the space a playful and high-tech vibe.

Star of the Seas may be the newest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, but it’s far from the last. The cruise line is already looking ahead to 2026, when it will debut Legend of the Seas, the third ship in the Icon Class and the fourth in the fleet to be powered by LNG. If Star and Icon are anything to go by, Legend is likely to push boundaries even further.

Royal Caribbean is also expanding its portfolio of private destinations. This December, it will open the Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, promising a premium beach day experience just across from Nassau. In 2026, Royal Beach Club Cozumel will follow, along with Perfect Day at Lelepa in the South Pacific and Perfect Day Mexico in 2027.

Between its next-gen ships and growing collection of exclusive destinations, Royal Caribbean is doubling down on its mission to deliver unforgettable, all-in-one holiday experiences at sea. And Star of the Seas is leading the way.

Final Thoughts

With its record-breaking attractions, innovative design, and a clear eye on the future, Star of the Seas isn’t just another new ship – it’s a bold statement about where cruising is headed. Whether you’re travelling with kids, chasing thrills, or simply looking for a relaxing break with ocean views and a cocktail in hand, this Icon Class ship promises something for everyone.

Star sets sail this August, and demand is already high. Will you be onboard for its first season?