Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is gearing up for its debut in August 2025 from Port Canaveral (Orlando) and the ship is starting to take shape at the shipyard, especially now that the jaw-dropping AquaDome, a massive glass and steel structure, has been installed on the front of the ship. Picture this: the AquaDome stands at 82 feet tall and 164 feet wide, and it’s composed of 673 glass panels along with 712 aluminum panels—an architectural marvel that not only looks incredible but also required some of the most advanced engineering in cruise ship history.
The process of installing this giant structure wasn’t easy. It took over 80 hours of careful lifting and positioning using a 155-ton rig that was specially designed for this job. Over at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the team meticulously assembled the dome in 12 modules over the course of eight months. When it was time to lift it onto the ship, they had to wait for just the right conditions—wind speeds couldn’t exceed 10 miles per hour. Once everything lined up, the dome was lifted 1,200 feet into the air and placed delicately on the ship. Precision welding sealed the deal over the next six hours, marking a huge milestone in the construction process.
But what really makes the AquaDome special isn’t just its size—it’s what it’ll bring to the Star of the Seas. This one-of-a-kind space will serve as one of the ship’s eight unique neighborhoods, offering passengers a mix of entertainment, dining, and leisure. The AquaDome will be home to the AquaTheater, known for its stunning acrobatic performances, along with bars and restaurants, making it a central hub for passengers. One of its standout features is the 55-foot waterfall, which will make it not only a marvel of engineering but also a visual and sensory experience. Plus, with its 220-degree panoramic ocean views, the dome is set to offer some of the best vistas at sea.
As part of Royal Caribbean’s revolutionary Icon-class, the Star of the Seas will push the boundaries of what a cruise vacation can offer. The ship is set to accommodate up to 10,000 passengers and crew, making it the largest cruise ship in the world when it launches. But despite its size, it’s designed to offer a personalized, neighborhood-like experience. The AquaDome, with its futuristic design and multi-functional space, plays a huge role in this by serving as a gathering spot where relaxation meets adventure.
VIDEO: Watch the AquaDome Installation Process
Get an insider’s look at the installation of this massive dome, set to house the AquaTheater and provide breathtaking 220-degree ocean views. Star of the Seas debuts in August 2025 from Port Canaveral.