Royal Caribbean delays delivery date for new Icon class ship Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International has delayed the maiden cruise of its second Icon-class ship Star of the Seas by almost two weeks, cancelling her first two passenger voyages.

Previously scheduled to depart Port Canaveral in mid-August, Star of the Seas will instead sail her first passenger-carrying cruise on August 31st, with departures on August 17th and 24th cancelled.

Royal Caribbean did not provide a reason for the delay, but said in a statement that a review of construction thus far at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland had shown her scheduled delivery date was no longer feasible.

“While we’re working hard on completing our newest Icon Class ship, the Star of the Seas, and after a review of the work that remains to be done, we’re unfortunately forced to delay the ship’s delivery date,” Royal Caribbean said.

“We’re terribly sorry for the impact that this delay has on your vacation plans,” the statement to booked passengers added, informing them that they can contact Royal Caribbean or their travel agents to discuss alternate options.

Passengers will reportedly have the option of transferring their booking to the new inaugural cruise on August 31st, 2025, or moving their booking to other ships under different conditions. 

Guests may also choose to cancel their reservation and receive a full monetary refund.

The cancellation of Star of the Seas’ maiden cruise follows a widespread trend in the cruise industry with all new cruise ships built since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic suffering delays due to global supply chain and manpower constraints.

Star of the Seas, a sister ship to the recently launched Icon of the Seas, will homeport in Port Canaveral on a year-round basis.

The LNG-powered ship will offer 7-night cruises to the Western and Eastern Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas.

Star of the Seas’ maiden voyage from Port Canaveral will be a week-long itinerary to the Western Caribbeanvisiting Cozumel and Costa Maya, in Mexico, in addition to Roatán, in Honduras, and Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

A third Icon class ship that is yet to be named is also under construction at Meyer Turku, with a tentative delivery date set for the Spring of 2026.