Royal Caribbean reveals first experiences aboard Icon-class Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International has revealed the first details about its new Icon-class cruise ship Star of the Seas, which is due for delivery in August, 2025, and will homeport in Port Canaveral.

Star of the Seas will feature attractions such as the fastest and tallest waterslides, more than 40 dining and drinking options, and unique adventures at destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. 

Highlights about the ship include the Lincoln Park Supper Club, a 1930s Chicago-inspired dining experience, the Category 6 waterpark, seven pools, and the adults-only Hideaway with a suspended infinity pool.

Star of the Seas

“Star of the Seas is the second bold act of this exciting, new era of vacations first introduced with Icon of the Seas, and it’s putting the world’s best vacation on the map at yet another top travel destination,” said Michael Bayley, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International. 

“Between Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando), more adventurers than ever can set their sights on the only vacation that combines the best of all vacations – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure – with experiences that have and will continue to make headlines and memories for years to come,” he added.

Like her sister ship, Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas will have eight unique neighborhoods. Royal Caribbean confirmed the first five neighbourhoods as Thrill Island, Chill Island, Surfside, AquaDome, and The Hideaway.

The remaining three are yet to be announced and will likely be unique to Star of the Seas, whereas these first six share many elements with Icon of the Seas.

Royal Promenade – Deck 5/6 Midship Icon of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International

6 of 8 neighbourhoods aboard Star of the Seas

Thrill Island: Features the Category 6 waterpark with six waterslides, the Crown’s Edge skywalk and thrill ride, the FlowRider surf simulator and mini golf.

Chill Island: A three-deck area with four pools, including the largest pool at sea, Royal Bay, and the swim-up bar Swim & Tonic.

Surfside: A family-friendly neighborhood with water play areas for kids along with dining options like Surfside Eatery and The Lemon Post bar.

AquaDome: Featuring ocean views, the AquaTheater brings shows with high divers, aerialists, robots, dancers and more, as well as dining options at the AquaDome Market and The Overlook bar.

The Hideaway: An adults-only beach club scene 135 feet above the ocean, with a suspended infinity pool, DJ, bar and whirlpools.

Suite Neighbourhood: An exclusive luxury enclave with high-end suites, two restaurants, a pool area and lounge.

Star of the Seas will also feature reimagined favorites, including the Royal Promenade, the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture with more than 15 dining and entertainment options. 

The ship will join the newly-launched Utopia of the Seas in Port Canaveral, offering guests week-long roundtrip Caribbean cruises and shorter 3- or 4-night Bahamas getaways. 

When Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas debuts in late 2025, it will be added as a destination on Star of the Seas’ itineraries.

Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com.

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