When Star of the Seas, the second Icon-class ship from Royal Caribbean, launches in August 2025, it will be nearly identical to its sister ship, Icon of the Seas.
However, what’s distinctly different is Star’s initial homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla., which is conveniently located near Orlando. From there, the ship will embark on weeklong vacations to the Caribbean, with stops at the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Bookings are now open for its maiden voyages to Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roatan, Honduras; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. All itineraries will include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Here's what cruisers can expect.
Editor’s note: This story was last updated on May 8, 2025.
Star of the Seas will stop at Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island, CocoCay.
Credit: 2023 Royal Caribbean InternationalOnboard Neighborhoods
Similar to Icon, Star will showcase eight individual “neighborhoods” that will divide up the latest world’s-largest-cruise-ship series. Neighborhoods include Thrill Island, Chill Island, AquaDome and Central Park.
Overall, there will be more than 40 ways to dine and drink onboard, and entertainment will encompass four venues and styles: air, ice, water and theater.
The idea of combining the best of every type of vacation into one ultimate adventure has created more excitement than ever anticipated, and Star of the Seas will be the next bold answer to the record-breaking consumer demand we’ve seen for nearly a year and counting with Icon of the Seas.
Pools and Other Fun for Cruisers of All Ages
Particularly attractive for all ages will be six total waterslides at the full-blown Category 6 waterpark, perched on the upper decks.
Meanwhile, for families, will be the separate Surfside neighborhood complete with The Lemon Post bar and other new experiences to be announced soon.
Just for adults will be the Cloud 17 retreat, and rounding out other poolside opportunities will be a unique swim-up Swim & Tonic bar as well as an infinity pool itself at The Hideaway.
And further thrills will be featured at the Crown's Edge combined skywalk, ropes course and thrill ride.
The ship’s waterpark, Category 6, will have slides of all sorts to thrill guests.
Credit: 2023 Royal Caribbean International“The idea of combining the best of every type of vacation into one ultimate adventure has created more excitement than ever anticipated, and Star of the Seas will be the next bold answer to the record-breaking consumer demand we’ve seen for nearly a year and counting with Icon of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
Similar to Icon’s Empire Supper Club, Star of the Seas will be home to Lincoln Park Supper Club; guests can expect a 1930s Chicago-style, multi-course experience complete with live entertainment. Other repeating dining options onboard will include AquaDome Market, Surfside Eatery, Basecamp, Desserted and more.
"Back to the Future: The Musical"
Star's headlining entertainment set for the Royal Theater will be a remounting of the new "Back to the Future: The Musical." The timeless film recently took Broadway by storm, and in collaboration with its original creative team – including screenwriter and co-creator of the film, Bob Gale; director of the musical, John Rolando; and choreographer of the musical, Chris Bailey – will next head to the high seas. Following several successful weeks of auditions in London and New York City, rehearsals are scheduled to begin next year. A new video further teases the upcoming production.
More Entertainment
Entertainment on Star will further extend to “Create,” also in the Royal Theater. This second production will follow the dreams of a curious robot named KRE-8 through song and dance numbers. The unique AquaTheater, meanwhile, will stage “Pirates & Mermaids,” a watery action-comedy pitting the two sets of characters against each other while showcasing synchronized swimming and dramatic diving. “Torque,” in the same theater, will engage audiences with even more kinetic skills, such as slacklining and other stunts. And “SOL” will be housed in Absolute Zero, as ice skaters follow the “sun’s path” in a visual spectacular featuring the brand’s largest-ever ice cast, according to the line.
Returning entertainment will include the line's Dueling Pianos, the New Orleans-style Lou’s, The Attic for comedy and karaoke and its classic Casino Royale.
Dining
As for dining, the AquaDome Market will offer three new food hall stalls serving pulled pork and beef brisket; Southeast Asian dishes, such as pad Thai and beef panang; and South American favorites, including empanadas and arepas. Elsewhere, Chops Grille, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Celebration Table and the Surfside Eatery will be reprised, while the Lincoln Park Supper Club, inspired by 1930s Chicago, will mark a new addition.
