Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas To Launch Ahead of Schedule!
Royal Caribbean enthusiasts and cruise aficionados are in for a delightful surprise as the highly anticipated Star of the Seas is set to grace the oceans sooner than initially planned.
This comes as a breath of fresh air especially after the prolonged wait for her sister ship, the Icon of the Seas, which made its debut back in January 2024.
The Star of the Seas will make its maiden voyage earlier than expected, setting sail from Port Canaveral on August 31, 2025.
This update follows last year’s disappointing news of a delay which led to the cancellation of her initial two cruises scheduled for August 17 and August 24.

However, with the latest announcement, the cruise line is not only back on track but also adding excitement with two additional “showcase sailings.”
These showcase sailings, occurring on August 23 and August 27, are curated to offer guests a taste of what the Star of the Seas has to offer. Each 4-night journey will feature stops at the Perfect Day at CocoCay—Royal Caribbean’s exclusive island retreat in the Bahamas.
Though these voyages won’t include all the features of the official inaugural cruise, they promise an array of special events and a celebratory vibe as the crew welcomes passengers aboard for the first time.
For travelers who had already booked the August 31 voyage, they now have the unique chance to either stick with their original plan or opt for one of the new showcase sailings.
Should they choose to change their bookings, Royal Caribbean assures that suite guests can retain their selected staterooms on the earlier sailings until February 6, 2025, as a courtesy.
Those in interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins will have similar category options available, although specific stateroom numbers may vary.

Importantly, there will be no additional charges for guests who decide to shift their booking to the earlier date. Instead, their cruise fare will be adjusted to reflect the shorter 4-night journey if they do not remain on the originally scheduled first full sailing.
Despite the change in schedule, the Star of the Seas promises to deliver an exceptional experience. Travelers can look forward to enjoying the ship’s many amenities, from its thrilling waterpark and challenging ropes course to its exquisite dining venues and vibrant entertainment options.
The ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and is progressing well enough to promise an early delivery, though it still needs to complete sea trials and its transatlantic voyage before officially welcoming passengers.
Set to be homeported year-round at Port Canaveral, the Star of the Seas will alternate between Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, each including a visit to the enchanting Perfect Day at CocoCay.
This early debut marks an exciting chapter for Royal Caribbean and its passengers, promising new adventures and memorable experiences on the high seas.