New Royal Caribbean ship Star of the Seas to enter service ahead of schedule in August 

Star of the Seas, the new Icon class mega-ship from Royal Caribbean International, will enter service for Royal Caribbean International earlier than initially planned, with two ‘showcase sailings’ on offer.

While most newbuild vessels were delayed due to supply chain constrains following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the industry seems to have fully recovered now, with Star of the Seas’ construction having progressed faster than anticipated.

The second Icon class vessel will now be delivered in August instead of September, and as such will offer two 4-night ‘showcase’ voyages before her official inaugural cruise season.

“Constructing such a large and amazing ship is challenging, and while delivery can be delayed, there are other times when we get to sail our new ship earlier,” the company said in a statement.

The new ‘showcase sailings’ will depart from Port Canaveral on August 23rd and 27th, 2025, and will include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The original seven-night inaugural cruise will still take place as scheduled on August 31st, but guests booked on the voyage have the opportunity to change their bookings to the showcase sailings.

“As you may have booked your Star of the Seas sailing to be the first onboard, you’ll have the opportunity to book either (or both) the showcase sailings or to move your existing booking to one of the inaugural four-night cruises,” the company said.

For guests willing to book one of the new sailings, Royal Caribbean is offering like-for-like staterooms to choose from.

Suite passengers will have their same suites held for them until February 6th, 2025, as a courtesy, the company added.

Guests who opt to change their bookings to one of the new 4-night cruises will be able to do so at no additional cost, and the cruise fare will be prorated for the change in sailing nights, meaning the cost of the cruise will be adjusted to reflect four nights instead of seven.

The complimentary transfer covers only the cruise fare for the new date and does not include taxes, fees, gratuities and other non-cruise fare items.

Star of the Seas is a sister ship to the 2023-built Icon of the Seas, the largest passenger ship ever built, at 248,663 gross tons and carrying upwards of 7,600 passengers.