Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas – all you need to know

Exciting Early Arrival: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

For cruise enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the launch of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, there’s fantastic news—the highly anticipated sister ship to the Icon of the Seas will arrive earlier than expected. Initially set for a later debut, Royal Caribbean has announced an updated timeline that brings forward the ship’s inaugural sailings. This means passengers now have the opportunity to set sail sooner, experiencing everything this state-of-the-art vessel has to offer.

Star of the Seas to Launch Sooner Than Expected

Originally, plans for Star of the Seas faced delays, leading to the cancellation of its first two planned voyages. However, in an exciting turn of events, the ship’s construction is progressing ahead of schedule, allowing for an earlier delivery. This update has resulted in two additional showcase sailings before the official maiden voyage.

New Maiden Voyage Date

• The ship’s official maiden voyage is now scheduled for 31 August 2025.
• The departure point remains Port Canaveral, Florida.
• This voyage will feature a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, packed with special events, onboard celebrations, and exclusive gifts for guests.

Added Showcase Sailings

Beyond the inaugural cruise, two additional showcase sailings have been introduced:

• 23 August 2025 – A 4-night cruise, including a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• 27 August 2025 – A second 4-night sailing with similar highlights.

These introductory cruises allow guests to experience Star of the Seas before its official launch while enjoying the perks of an exclusive pre-inaugural trip.

What to Expect Onboard

Despite being a preview, these showcase sailings promise an unforgettable experience. Most of the ship’s key attractions and services will be fully operational, making for a fantastic yet slightly different journey compared to traditional inaugural cruises.

Special First-Cruise Celebrations

• The crew will welcome guests with a festive atmosphere.
• Star of the Seas’ official mascot, Sailor (the Ship’s Dog Officer), is expected to be part of early voyages.
• Exclusive early-access perks and surprises.

Entertainment & Amenities

Though entertainment schedules might not be fully finalized during these early cruises, guests can still enjoy many world-class attractions:

• Thrill Island – A high-adrenaline water park featuring rides for all ages.
• Crown’s Edge – A ropes course that challenges even the bravest guests.
• Exquisite Dining – A diverse selection of top-tier restaurants offering exceptional cuisine.
• Interior Promenade – A breathtaking indoor space designed for relaxation and leisurely strolls.

Some major entertainment productions may not be available just yet, but visitors on these early sailings will still find plenty to enjoy.

Booking Details & Options for Guests

Royal Caribbean is offering exclusive opportunities for guests already booked on the inaugural voyage. These passengers will have the first chance to move their reservation to an earlier sailing or book additional showcase voyages.

Important Booking Dates

• 30 January 2025 – Exclusive booking opens for guests previously scheduled on the maiden voyage.
• 6 February 2025 – Suite bookings held until this date, allowing guests time to modify plans.
• Other stateroom categories will become available but may not be guaranteed as the same room.

An important note: There will be no extra charges for switching to an earlier sailing. Additionally, if guests choose the shorter 4-night voyage, their cruise fare will be proportionally adjusted.

Star of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas

As the sister ship to Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas shares many similarities yet offers its own unique enhancements. Below is a comparison highlighting key differences between the two groundbreaking vessels.

Construction Progress & Next Steps

Currently, Star of the Seas is being built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in southern Finland. Although the earlier delivery announcement is promising, the ship still has several important milestones to reach before its first official voyage.

Key Milestones Ahead

• Sea Trials – Essential tests to ensure the ship’s performance and safety.
• Final Outfitting – All interior work, technology installations, and finishing touches.
• Transatlantic Crossing – The ship must journey from Europe to its homeport in Florida.

Once fully operational, Star of the Seas will run year-round from Port Canaveral, offering exciting Caribbean itineraries, including stops at Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes the showcase sailings different from the maiden voyage?

Showcase sailings provide an exclusive early opportunity to experience the ship before its official debut. While most amenities will be available, some entertainment and services may be limited.

How do I book one of the new showcase cruises?

Guests already booked on the 31 August 2025 maiden voyage will have priority access starting 30 January 2025. Other travelers will need to wait for open bookings.

Will my booked cabin be the same if I switch to an earlier sailing?

Suite bookings will be held until 6 February 2025, but other stateroom categories are subject to availability and may not be the exact same as originally reserved.

Does switching to a showcase sailing cost extra?

No, guests moving to a shorter showcase sailing will have their cruise fare prorated according to the updated itinerary.

What destinations will Star of the Seas visit?

The ship will primarily sail to Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations, with all itineraries including a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Stay tuned for more updates as Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas prepares to take its first guests on an unforgettable ocean adventure!