By Boluwatife Akinuli 

Royal Caribbean International’s latest mega ship, Star of the Seas, officially launched in August 2025. Built by Meyer Turku Oy in Finland, the ship now calls Port Canaveral, Florida, its home port. Measuring 1,196 feet in length and 219 feet in width, with a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600 and a gross tonnage of 248,663, Star of the Seas shares the title of the world’s largest cruise ship with her sister vessel, Icon of the Seas.

The ship boasts 20 decks, with distinct zones also known as neighbourhoods spanning across 18 decks. These neighbourhoods include:

1. Thrill Island – Designed for adrenaline lovers, featuring the largest waterpark at sea and the exhilarating Crown’s Edge, where guests dangle high above the ocean.
2. Chill Island – Offering pools, whirlpools, and Swim & Tonic, Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar at sea.
3. Surfside – A family-friendly neighbourhood with activities for all ages.
4. The Hideaway – An adults-only retreat featuring a stunning suspended infinity pool.
5. Central Park – A serene green space with over 33,000 live plants, offering an authentic city-park feel.
6. Royal Promenade – The bustling heart of the ship, filled with shops, dining, and entertainment.
7. AquaDome – By day, it provides 220-degree views of the ocean with a tranquil waterfall; by night, it transforms into a venue for breathtaking aqua shows.
8. Suite Neighbourhood – An exclusive space for suite guests, featuring private pools, whirlpools, and fine dining.

One of the ship’s most unique highlights is Sailor, the golden retriever who serves as Star of the Seas’ official Chief Dog Officer. Alongside her handler, Sailor spreads joy among crew members and passengers alike, making her an endearing part of the cruise experience.

The ship’s official maiden voyage took place on 31 August 2025, following a series of short preview cruises made possible by ahead-of-schedule construction. The inaugural 7-night Caribbean itinerary set sail from Port Canaveral and included stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island), Costa Maya, Roatán, and Cozumel.

The Star of the Seas has already received significant acclaim.

1. Parents magazine praised its family-friendly design, highlighting neighbourhoods like Thrill Island and Chill Island, as well as innovative kid-safe technology such as “Find My Kid” wristbands.
2. A travel writer for The Independent commended the ship’s perfect balance of thrills and tranquillity, spotlighting the record-breaking waterpark, the hidden infinity pool, and the serene glass-enclosed Overlook.
3. The New York Post emphasised standout features, including a 55-foot indoor waterfall, more than 40 restaurants and bars, Broadway-style productions, and excellent value for guests, with fares starting at approximately US$951 per person. 

The introduction of Star of the Seas represents Royal Caribbean’s effort to redefine itself as more than just a cruise line, but a “vacation company” that seamlessly merges luxury, technology, entertainment, and scale. Its debut comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with record-breaking demand for cruise travel, with an estimated 19 million Americans expected to cruise in 2025. 

The launch of Star of the Seas marks a defining moment not just for Royal Caribbean, but for the cruise industry as a whole. With its remarkable scale, innovative design, and endless attractions, the ship reimagines what modern vacations at sea can be as it blends luxury, adventure, and family-friendly experiences into a floating city on the ocean. More than just a vessel, it symbolises the future of travel: immersive, all-encompassing, and designed for every type of traveller. Whether you’re drawn by its record-breaking waterparks, diverse dining, or world-class entertainment, Star of the Seas sets a new global benchmark in maritime hospitality and leisure.