Two-and-a-half years after the first steel was cut for Star of the Seas’ hull construction, Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship has officially left the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and will soon enter service.
The 248,663-gross-ton vessel, sister to Icon of the Seas, was delivered to the cruise line on July 10, 2025 during a ceremony in Turku. The ship, which will accommodate 5,600 guests in double occupancy, remained at the shipyard until July 17, 2025, when she set sail for another shipyard in Spain.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls! Star of the Seas says goodbye to Turku, Finland and all the amazing people who built this beautiful Royal Caribbean ship! We salute you all,” Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean, posted on social media.
Congratulations streamed in from supporters and cruise line fans, with many commenting they are booked to sail on the new ship’s upcoming itineraries and looking forward to getting an early look at her spaces and amenities.
“Can’t wait to sail on Star in 30 days!!!!,” wrote one enthusiastic cruiser.
“So excited for my preview sailing! She’s gorgeous!,” posted another.
Construction of the mega-ship got under way in February 2023, and her float-out — when the ship’s hull touches water for the first time, was in early October 2024.
Fast-forward to June 2025, when the ship aced her sea trials with successful testing of major onboard systems such as navigation, propulsion, and safety.
After leaving the shipyard in Spain, Star of the Seas will sail her maiden transatlantic voyage.
However, before that, cruise ship tracking data shows Star of the Seas is heading to Cadiz, despite earlier reports that the vessel would avoid heading there. Star of the Seas is set to arrive at the Spanish port on July 24.
Once she arrives at Port Canaveral, the ship will operate four preview, or showcase, cruises for travel partners, media, and VIPs. The first, departing on August 16, 2025, will be a 4-night Star Showcase Cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas.
The ship’s first regular sailing is set to depart on August 31, 2025 and is a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary with calls at CocoCay, Roatan, Honduras, and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. The ship will sail alternating 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises.
Eastern Caribbean sailings will call at Perfect Day at CocoCay, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
Read Also: What is Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society?
Royal Caribbean has not yet disclosed the date of her naming ceremony but has confirmed that Motown superstar Diana Ross, formerly the lead singer of the iconic band The Supremes, will serve as godmother.
The event will be held in the ship’s AquaTheater, in the AquaDome neighborhood, a popular space featuring restaurants and dining venues that debuted aboard Icon of the Seas when that ship entered service in 2024.
New Elements, Icon-Class Favorites Featured on New-Build
In the run-up to the launch of Star of the Seas cruise watchers are learning about new elements as well as Icon-class favorites that guests will enjoy onboard the ship.
Just days ago it was revealed that the new-build will sport an updated crown-and-anchor logo on the ship’s exterior, featuring animated lighting that can illuminate colorful patterns such as the US flag, among other iconic designs.
Star of the Seas will have the same eight neighborhoods and amenities as Icon of the Seas, including the Lincoln Park Supper Club, a venue inspired by a 1930s-era Chicago supper club offering multi-course gourmet dinners and live music.
For thrill seekers, six waterslides and the FlowRider surf simulator will keep guests busy at the ship’s Category 6 water park. The ship will feature seven swimming pools, including one for young families in the Surfside neighborhood and an infinity pool at the adult-only Hideaway area.
