Royal Caribbean’s mega-ship Star of the Seas begins sea trials ahead of August debut

Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas, the second vessel in its Icon Class, has commenced sea trials in the Baltic Sea, marking a major milestone ahead of its scheduled debut from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, in August 2025.

The 250,800-gross-tonne ship departed the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland this week for an 11-day programme of technical evaluations. 

More than 2,000 specialists in naval architecture, engineering, and design are involved in assessing the ship’s systems, propulsion, navigation, and manoeuvrability across hundreds of nautical miles.

Sea trials are a standard phase in the final stages of cruise ship construction and allow shipbuilders and cruise lines to verify the vessel’s performance before delivery.

Star of the Seas follows Icon of the Seas, which launched in January 2024 and became the world’s largest cruise ship. Like her sister ship, Star of the Seas will feature Royal Caribbean’s “neighbourhood” concept, with eight distinct zones designed to cater to a wide range of passenger interests and demographics.

Key features will include seven pools, high-capacity entertainment venues, and a wide range of dining outlets designed to cater to diverse tastes and travel styles. 

Among the standout experiences are large-scale waterslides, Royal Caribbean’s unique neighbourhood layout, and a robust lineup of live entertainment across multiple venues. 

The ship will debut Back to the Future: The Musical at sea, alongside original productions like Create and SOL, as well as cutting-edge aqua and ice shows.

On the culinary side, Star of the Seas will offer more than 40 bars and restaurants, including new additions such as the Lincoln Park Supper Club—an immersive, jazz-era dining experience in Central Park—and expanded options at AquaDome Market, featuring Southeast Asian, South American, and smokehouse-inspired food stands. 

These experiences reflect Royal Caribbean’s continued investment in delivering all-in-one, multi-generational vacations that combine adventure, variety, and convenience.

Star of the Seas will offer round-trip seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including stops at Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The vessel will homeport at Port Canaveral, one of the busiest cruise hubs in the United States. The ship reflects Royal Caribbean’s continued investment in the Icon Class platform, with a third vessel already on order for 2026.

The Icon Class represents a shift toward larger, multi-generational vessels with a broad mix of leisure, family, and adventure-based experiences. 

Its design has attracted strong booking interest, particularly among North American travellers seeking cruise holidays that combine onboard variety with calls at marquee Caribbean ports.