Star of the Seas Has Officially Been Delivered to Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has officially taken delivery of its latest gem, Star of the Seas, marking a significant milestone in the cruise line’s innovative Icon Class. The ship, Royal Caribbean’s second in this cutting-edge class, was handed over by Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on July 10, 2025.
The vessel, a massive 248,663-gross-ton marvel, is now set to make waves as it prepares to debut in Port Canaveral, Florida, offering Caribbean itineraries starting in late summer.
Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, highlighted the delivery as a crucial moment in their mission to offer a completely new vacation experience. “The completion of Star of the Seas is another significant step in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey,” he stated.
The vessel’s journey began in February 2023 with the steel cutting at Meyer Turku, followed by a series of key milestones that captured the attention of cruise enthusiasts around the world. In October 2024, Star of the Seas successfully floated out of the shipyard, and by June 2025, the ship had undergone rigorous sea trials in the open waters near Turku.
These multi-day tests were designed to assess the ship’s propulsion systems, maneuverability, safety features, and overall performance, ensuring it meets the highest standards.
Meyer Turku’s CEO, Casimir Lindholm, praised the swift progress of the ship’s construction. “Star of the Seas is already the second world’s most advanced Icon Class cruise ship built on our dock,” he remarked.
The fast-paced construction was made possible through valuable lessons learned from building Icon of the Seas, the first Icon Class vessel, which was delivered just a year earlier in January 2024.
With the delivery complete, Royal Caribbean’s team has begun preparations for the ship’s final outfitting. Crew members are boarding to set up everything from culinary and housekeeping to entertainment and engineering departments. The ship will undergo final outfitting in Turku until July 17, 2025, before moving to Cadiz, Spain, for additional work from July 24 to 26.
Following this, Star of the Seas will sail across the Atlantic to Port Canaveral, where it will undergo final inspections and host a series of preview cruises for media and travel agents. These will include four scheduled sailings between August 7 and August 27, 2025. The ship’s highly anticipated inaugural passenger voyage is set to depart on August 31, 2025, a 7-night cruise to the Caribbean.
At full capacity, Star of the Seas can accommodate up to 7,600 guests, with 2,350 crew members on board to ensure a seamless experience. The ship will alternate between Eastern and Western Caribbean routes, both of which feature a visit to Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s exclusive private island in the Bahamas.
Royal Caribbean has high expectations for this new vessel, which promises to take vacationers on an unforgettable journey. As Liberty put it, “We are proud to bring this new generation vacation experience to life at Meyer Turku shipyard together with our esteemed partners.”
Meanwhile, the construction of Legend of the Seas, the third Icon Class ship, is also underway at Meyer Turku. Once Star of the Seas departs, Legend of the Seas will move into the outfitting dock, further enhancing Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
