MIAMI, United States — Royal Caribbean International has given travelers a first look at Star of the Seas, its newest “Icon Class” vessel and the cruise line’s latest attempt to redefine the family vacation, according to a press release by Royal Caribbean.
The “Icon Class” Expands
Star of the Seas becomes the third announced ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, joining sister vessels Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. While Royal Caribbean has not yet released the ship’s tonnage, passenger capacity, or launch date, the cruise line stated that Star of the Seas will continue the class’s focus on all-ages thrill zones, neighborhood-style deck planning, and industry-leading environmental technology.
Why Miami Matters
Miami, the world’s busiest cruise port and Royal Caribbean’s hometown, will serve as Star of the Seas’ year-round homeport once the ship debuts. Positioning the vessel here allows quick access to private destinations in the Bahamas and fast, popular circuits that maximize vacation time for U.S. travelers. The press materials emphasize short flights and one-stop connections into Miami International Airport as core advantages for families planning multi-generational reunions.
Design Priorities: Families First
Royal Caribbean says the new ship’s layout revolves around “neighborhoods,” each crafted for a specific mood or time of day:
- An adrenaline-packed top deck zone with multiple water attractions [Specific ride names not specified in release].
- A tranquil adults-only space designed for quiet lounging and craft cocktails.
- An expansive central promenade featuring walk-up eateries, live music stages, and pop-up entertainment.
- A re-imagined youth complex that merges digital gaming with active play zones.
Although exact square footage and the number of stateroom categories were not disclosed, Royal Caribbean confirmed that family cabin options will include suites sleeping up to [Not specified in release] guests and new connecting layouts that allow large families to book blocks of rooms under one reservation.
Energy Efficiency at Sea
Consistency with Royal Caribbean’s sustainability roadmap is another of Star of the Seas’ selling points. The cruise line notes that the vessel will be enabled to run on alternative fuels where available and outfitted with advanced waste-heat recovery systems similar to those on Icon of the Seas. Detailed efficiency metrics were not included, yet the company pledged that the ship will help move the brand closer to its stated goal of net-zero cruising by 2050.
Entertainment Overload
Star of the Seas is designed as an entertainment hub more than a traditional ocean liner. Royal Caribbean hinted at:
- High-dive aqua shows set against a backdrop of wraparound LED screens [Show titles not specified in release].
- Original Broadway-style productions exclusive to the vessel.
- An expanded live-music program featuring Latin, reggae, and pop cover bands to amplify the Caribbean vibe.
“From sunrise surfing to late-night street festivals at sea, our goal is to pack every hour with possibility,” Royal Caribbean said.
Dining Designed for Today’s Palate
The cruise line plans to expand its complimentary quick-service fare while still offering signature specialty venues. A fresh-pressed juice bar, a dedicated allergy-friendly galley, and a walk-up Mexican-inspired eatery will make their debut on Star of the Seas, along with fleet favorites such as Izumi Sushi and Chops Grille. Exact restaurant counts and deck locations were not listed in the initial announcement.
Caribbean-Centric Itineraries
While broader deployment could follow, Star of the Seas will first focus on roundtrips from Miami to the Bahamas, Cozumel, and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Sample sailing lengths include:
- 3-night weekend getaways for quick celebrations.
- 4-night Monday-to-Friday school-holiday escapes.
- 7-night voyages combining eastern and western Caribbean hotspots.
Sailing dates, exact port rotations, and shore-excursion details remain “to be announced,” the release noted.
Tips for Travelers
- Monitor the cruise line’s official website and social media channels for the opening date of Star of the Seas’ inaugural season. Space sells out quickly for new mega-ships.
- If you need multiple staterooms, work with a travel advisor certified by Royal Caribbean to secure interconnecting layouts before they disappear.
- Plan to arrive in Miami at least a day early; South Florida traffic and frequent summer thunderstorms can complicate same-day flight connections.
- When Star of the Seas’ entertainment reservations go live, book headline shows and specialty dining as soon as your online cruise planner allows. Popular time slots vanish within minutes on newer vessels.
What Comes Next
Royal Caribbean indicated that additional renderings, deck plans, and first-look videos will roll out over the next several months, culminating in a formal steel-cutting ceremony at the shipyard in [Not specified in release]. At that point travelers can expect a more detailed reveal of cabin categories and inaugural voyage dates.
FAQ
When will bookings open?
Royal Caribbean expects to open the inaugural season for sale “later this year,” but an exact date was not included in the release.
How big is the ship?
The cruise line has not yet provided gross-tonnage figures or passenger capacity.
Where will the ship sail?
Initial itineraries center on Miami-based Caribbean cruises, with longer routes possible after the first year.
What makes Star of the Seas different?
The vessel continues the Icon Class’ focus on neighborhoods, next-generation water attractions, and alternative-fuel readiness.
Can loyalty points be earned and redeemed?
Yes, Star of the Seas will participate fully in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program.
The Bottom Line
With Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean extends its quest to dominate the family-mega-ship niche by blending nonstop entertainment, neighborhood-style design, and greener technology into one Caribbean-focused package. Precise numbers may still be under wraps, but travelers can expect more thrills, more choice, and more room for every generation to play together at sea. — Source: Royal Caribbean press release
