Second Royal Caribbean mega ship Star of the Seas to homeport in Port Canaveral

Royal Caribbean International has released the inaugural cruise itineraries for its upcoming Icon-class vessel Star of the Seas.

The LNG-powered vessel is the second in the class after Icon of the Seas, and is scheduled to enter service in August ,2025.

During her first cruise season, she will be sailing a series of 7-night cruises departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, joining the new Utopia of the Seas, which enters the short cruise market out of Port Canaveral in summer 2024.

Star of the Seas will feature ports of call in the Caribbean, as well as visits to Royal Caribbean’s private island – Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas.

The newly opened cruises feature different destinations in both Western and Eastern Caribbean, such as Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roatan, Honduras; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a one-of-a-kind private island destination that features 13 waterslides, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, the Hideaway Beach adults-only oasis, and more.

The decision to homeport Star of the Seas in Port Canaveral represents a doubling down on the Miami itineraries first revealed on Icon of the Seas in October 2022, which continue to see unprecedented consumer demand.

Star of the Seas is a sister ship to Icon of the Seas and will offer the same enhanced level of amenities and features, from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure, across eight neighbourhoods that are each a destination in themselves.

These neighbourhoods include Thrill Island, Chill Island, AquaDome (the tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night), and the open-air Central Park. 

The ship will offer more than 40 restaurants, bars and cafes, and cutting-edge entertainment across the cruise line’s four signature stages – air, ice, water, and theatre.

There will also be a line-up of activities for adults, teens and kids, such as adrenaline-pumping thrills like six record-breaking waterslides in Category 6 Waterpark, and Crown’s Edge, a skywalk, ropes course and thrill ride – as well as seven pools, each with its own vibe and mood, including swim-up bar Swim & Tonic; Cloud 17, the adults-only retreat; and The Hideaway’s infinity pool suspended 135 feet above the ocean. 

Surfside is a new neighbourhood designed specifically for young families and has its own dedicated restaurants and even a bar – The Lemon Post – with a menu for the grownups and one for the kids.