Royal Caribbean just brought its newest Icon Class ship online—Star of the Seas. This mega-vessel launched in August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida. It’s now sailing Caribbean cruises with jaw-dropping features. The ship holds 9,950 passengers in style and revolutionary comfort.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- 248,663 gross tons — tied as world’s largest cruise ship
- Sails from Port Canaveral with 7-night Caribbean itineraries
- Features 6 record-breaking water slides on Category 6 waterpark
- Homes Broadway-style “Back to the Future: The Musical” production
- Pricing starts at $1,038 per person for Caribbean adventures
What Royal Caribbean Just Unleashed
Star of the Seas broke into service in summer 2025 as the second Icon-class vessel. The ship dwarfs nearly every cruise liner at sea. Royal Caribbean designed it specifically for families craving adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
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This isn’t just another ship. The Category 6 Waterpark reigns as the largest waterpark ever built at sea. It includes 6 gravity-defying slides, water cannons, and a massive 55-foot shapeshifting waterfall. Thrill-seekers can plummet down Pressure Drop—the first true free-fall slide on any cruise ship.
“The newest Icon Class super-sequel Star of the Seas has it all — mindblowing thrills, next-level chill, bolder bonding, and epic celebrations.”
The ship’s entertainment lineup matches its scale. Back to the Future: The Musical takes center stage nightly in the Royal Theater. This marks the first time a Broadway production debuted on a cruise vessel. Two AquaTheater shows—“Torque” and an updated show in the brand-new Absolute Zero ice arena—deliver acrobatic spectacles.
Why This Changes Vacation Planning
Families now have unprecedented options for week-long getaways. Star of the Seas sails Eastern and Western Caribbean routes, hitting San Juan, St. Kitts, Cozumel, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Every cruise stops at the private island—a game-changer for families.
The pricing sits well below ultra-luxury market rates. 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises begin at $1,038 per person with taxes included. Competitors charge double that for comparable experiences. The ship delivers luxury amenities without breaking the bank for middle-income families.
Beyond thrills, Star of the Seas prioritizes connection. The Ultimate Family Townhouse suite sleeps 8 people with interconnected cabins. Kids get dedicated spaces through Splashaway Bay—a water neighborhood designed exclusively for families. Adults escape to The Hideaway, featuring the ship’s only suspended infinity pool at sea.
Dining represents another major draw. 17 complimentary restaurants come included with your cruise ticket. The AquaDome Market food hall serves global fare. Basecamp mixes casual bites with entertainment vibes. This eliminates hidden costs many travelers dread.
Ship Specs and Entertainment Lineup
Here’s what makes Star of the Seas tick:
| Feature | Details |
| Gross Tonnage | 248,663 GT (tied for world’s largest) |
| Passenger Capacity | 9,950 guests maximum |
| Homeport | Port Canaveral, Florida |
| Debut Date | August 2025 (currently sailing) |
| Construction Cost | ~$2 billion (record for cruise ships) |
| Sister Ship | Icon of the Seas (launched January 2024) |
Entertainment spans all ages. Daytime activities include FlowRider, laser tag, mini golf, and rock climbing. Evening shows rotate between Broadway-quality productions, ice skating spectacles, and live music venues. The Attic Comedy Club caters to adults seeking late-night laughs.
What Travelers Should Expect Next
- Booking surge — Icon Class ships fill 2-4 months faster than traditional Sonesta-class vessels
- Expansion plans — Royal Caribbean orders 5th Icon-class ship arriving in 2028
- Perfect Day Mexico — New private destination launching 2027 with world’s longest lazy river
- Price adjustments — As ship-wide demand stabilizes, rates may normalize by Q2 2026
- Tech upgrades — App-based room service and AI itinerary planning debuts Q1 2026
Is Star of the Seas Really Worth It?
The math works for families seeking bang for their buck. 7-night cruises cost roughly $7,266 for four people at base pricing. That breaks down to roughly $260 per person nightly—less than mid-range hotels in major cities.
What you’re actually paying for exceeds accommodations. Meals, entertainment, and unlimited pool access come standard. Kids get supervised activity programs. Adults enjoy stress-free vacations without constant add-on charges.
The drawback? Lines happen. With nearly 10,000 people aboard, dining reservations fill fast. Popular shows require early booking. Waterpark slides feature queues during peak hours. This ship isn’t ideal for travelers seeking intimate cruise experiences.
Yet for families wanting non-stop action, reasonable pricing, and Broadway-quality entertainment? Star of the Seas delivers. Will you book this vessel, or does the massive crowd-factor push you toward smaller Icon-class alternatives?
Sources
- Royal Caribbean — Official Star of the Seas specifications, itineraries, and amenity details
- CruiseMail — Reported pricing, capacity, and Icon-class comparisons
- USA Today Travel — Analysis of included dining and Icon-class value proposition
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.