Star of the Seas is a new cruise ship under construction for the US-based cruise line, Royal Caribbean International. It is the second of three Icon Class ships ordered by the cruise line, distinguished by its LNG [liquefied natural gas]power source.
The ship is being built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and is the sister ship to the Icon of the Seas, which was launched in January 2024.
Star of the Seas is scheduled for delivery in 2025, with its maiden voyage planned in August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida. The third ship will follow in 2026.
Star of the Seas cruise ship design and features
Star of the Seas measures 365m long and has a gross tonnage of 250,800 gross tonnes (GT). It has 20 decks capable of accommodating up to 5,610 passengers.
The ship offers diverse experiences from beach getaways and resort escapes to theme park adventures.
It encompasses eight distinct neighbourhoods, each a destination in its own right. These include Thrill Island, Chill Island, Surfside, AquaDome, a serene daytime oasis that transforms into a vibrant hotspot at night, and the expansive open-air Central Park.
Accommodation on Star of the Seas
The Star of the Seas will offer 2,805 guest rooms, including suite staterooms, balcony staterooms, ocean-view staterooms and interior staterooms.
With ten suite categories, guests can choose from spacious Infinite balcony rooms, Panoramic ocean view rooms, Panoramic suites and Sunset corner suites.
Family Infinite ocean-view balcony rooms are designed with a separate hideaway bunk space for kids, complete with beds, TVs and a relaxation area.
Surfside family suites provide enhanced convenience with a spacious split bathroom and a separate room designed for children.
This ultimate family townhouse spans three levels and includes amenities such as an in-suite slide, a wrap-around terrace with a hot tub, and direct access to Surfside from the private patio.
The spacious Infinite balcony rooms offers an expanded living area that doubles as an oceanfront balcony with extra space and superior views. Panoramic ocean-view rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views from the AquaDome, while Sunset corner suites offer wrap-around balconies with panoramic ocean vistas.
The ship also offers three royal suite classes, Star Class, Sky Class and Sea Class. Star Class includes benefits such as Royal Genie, which is a service to provide a personalised VIP experience to the guests, complimentary speciality restaurants, Coastal Kitchen access, a deluxe beverage package, and VOOM internet, powered by Starlink.
Guests also enjoy early access to select entertainment venues, a suite sun deck and a complimentary minibar.
Entertainment and dining facilities
With more than 40 dining and beverage options, the cruise line will provide entertainment across four signature stages: air, ice, water and theatre. A wide range of activities will be available for adults, kids, teens and the entire family.
The cruise line features an unprecedented private island destination. With 13 waterslides and claiming the title of the Caribbean and the Bahamas’ largest freshwater pool, the island offers a range of amenities. Among them is Hideaway Beach, an adults-only oasis that opened in January 2024.
The exclusive enclave features a private beach, pools, designated areas for refreshments, exclusive cabanas and live music. The Hideaway’s unique infinity pool is suspended 135ft above the ocean, strategically located at the centre of the Hideaway neighbourhood. It features a resident DJ and full-sized daybeds.
The Icon Class ships will introduce exciting attractions such as the Category 6 waterpark with six record-breaking waterslides and Crown’s Edge, a fusion of a skywalk, a ropes course and a thrill ride. Additionally, the ship offers various relaxation options across seven pools, catering to different moods and preferences.
Notable features include the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar, and Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat. Cloud 17 is an open-air sanctuary with ocean views, an adults-only secluded pool, a cantilevered whirlpool and private access to The Lime and Coconut Bar.
Families exploring Star of the Seas will find diverse activities, with Surfside being a dedicated neighbourhood for young families where they can engage in shared experiences or pursue individual adventures.
The area includes splash zones suitable for all ages, designated family-friendly restaurants and a bar called The Lemon Post, offering separate menus for adults and children.
Propulsion system
All the ships of the Icon Class will be powered by a new propulsion technology. The eco-friendly LNG drive system guarantees a substantial decrease in emissions, marking a significant step forward in eco-friendly transportation.