The countdown is officially on! Royal Caribbean has taken delivery of their second Icon Class cruise ship, Star of the Seas, and she’s one step closer to making her debut in Port Canaveral this August.
After nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the keys (cruise ships really don’t have keys) to Star of the Seas have been handed over to Royal Caribbean. But before she begins welcoming guests onboard for her inaugural sailings, Star will head to Cadiz, Spain, for a few final touches before her official debut in the Sunshine State.
Star of the Seas will be calling Port Canaveral home, offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises with many making a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas which is home to the tallest waterslide in North America.
Star of the Seas Neighborhoods
Like her sister Icon, Star of the Seas has eight distinct neighborhoods:
- Thrill Island: This is what makes so many people call this class of ship a floating theme park! Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, features six record-breaking waterslides. If that’s not enough, there’s also Crown’s Edge—a skywalk and ropes course hybrid hanging 154 feet above the ocean—and favorites like the FlowRider surf simulator and rock-climbing wall.
- Chill Island: This three-deck oasis is where you’ll find four pools, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea. There’s also the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar and The Lime & Coconut.
- Surfside: Created just for young families, Surfside has splash zones for kids, relaxing spots for parents, and family-friendly dining at Surfside Eatery and Pier 7.
- AquaDome: This creative space features wraparound ocean views that transforms from a daytime hangout into a nightlife hotspot. It’s home to the AquaTheater, where divers, aerialists, and even robots perform. Hungry? The AquaDome Market food hall, Rye & Bean café, and Hooked Seafood are all right here.
- The Hideaway: If you’re sailing without kids or just need a grown-up escape, this adults-only retreat 135 feet above sea level comes with a suspended infinity pool, whirlpools, a bar, and DJ.
- Royal Promenade & Central Park: These returning favorites have been made better than ever for the Icon Class. The Royal Promenade now features floor-to-ceiling ocean views and The Pearl, the largest kinetic art sculpture at sea. Central Park has over 30,500 real plants and new venues like the Lincoln Park Supper Club.
- Suite Neighborhood: A four-deck Suite Neighborhood complete with exclusive access to The Grove Suite Sun Deck and a two-level Coastal Kitchen restaurant.
But wait, there’s more! A third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, is set to arrive in 2026 bringing the total to three!
Time-Lapse Video: Steel Cutting to Delivery of Star of the Seas
Check out this time-lapse video that documents the construction of Icon of the Seas from the time steel was cut in February 2023, to when the massive Aqua Dome was installed in September 2024, to the official handover ceremony in July.