Royal Caribbean refines Icon-class design as it prepares to launch Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is preparing to welcome Star of the Seas, the second ship in its Icon class, which is set to debut in summer 2025. 

The vessel will build on lessons learned from the launch of Icon of the Seas, described by the company as its most successful new ship to date.

According to Royal Caribbean, Star of the Seas will feature a number of enhancements based on guest feedback and operational experience from the first Icon-class ship, including updates to public spaces, family areas, and entertainment venues.

“We’ve learned a lot,” said Jennifer Goswami, Senior Director, Product Development, Royal Caribbean International, in a video outlining the design evolution. “We’ve made some changes based on what our guests have told us, working with futurist firms, analysing guest trends, and conducting focus groups.”

Among the ship’s features will be Category 6, billed as the largest water park at sea, including six waterslides: two family raft slides, a drop slide, two body slides, and two mat racers. 

The open deck areas—such as Chill Island, Thrill Island, and the Hideaway—will remain, while new refinements will aim to improve the overall experience.

Family facilities have been redesigned, including Surfside, which has been adjusted to better suit children around the age of 10. Changes to Splashaway Bay, Playscape, and the Adventure Ocean kids’ programme are also being introduced, based on direct feedback from families and children. 

New teen spaces will offer more organic social environments, with less emphasis on screen-based interaction.

Dining and entertainment will also see changes. While Icon of the Seas debuted the Empire Supper Club, Star of the Seas will launch with the Lincoln Park Supper Club, a Chicago-themed dining and music experience with a new menu and format.

Additional design updates include a more colourful and vibrant aesthetic for the Pearl, the large central structure that forms part of the ship’s arrival area.

Royal Caribbean described the development process for Star of the Seas as a continuation of its “50 years of innovation,” with an emphasis on iterative improvement across the Icon class.

While Star of the Seas is the second of a planned six vessels for the Icon class, Royal Caribbean has hinted that more may be ordered in future, based on the market response to the class leader, Icon of the Seas.

“Icon has been the most succesful new ship we’ve ever launched,” said Michael Bayley, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We see many Icons coming in the future.”

Star of the Seas departed the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on July 12th, 2025, following the completion of construction and successful sea trials. The handover marks the final stage of shipyard work ahead of her repositioning to Port Canaveral, Florida, where she will begin year-round service in the Caribbean.

As the second ship in the Icon class, Star of the Seas is among the largest cruise ships in the world, measuring approximately 250,800 gross tonnes with capacity for 5,610 guests at double occupancy. Key features include the AquaDome entertainment venue, the Surfside family neighbourhood, Chill Island’s multi-pool layout, and the Category 6 water park.

Royal Caribbean has confirmed that Star of the Seas will begin operations with a series of preview sailings before launching regular 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean starting August 31st, 2025. All voyages will include a stop at the line’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.