ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTRODUCES STAR OF THE SEAS, THE ULTIMATE FAMILY VACATION

Rhea-AI Summary

Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) celebrated the naming ceremony of its newest Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, at Port Canaveral, Florida. Research astronaut Kellie Gerardi was named the ship's godmother, marking a significant milestone for the cruise line's expansion.

The ship features eight distinct neighborhoods offering various attractions including the Category 6 waterpark, Crown's Edge experience at 154 feet above the ocean, seven pools including a suspended infinity pool, and the family-focused Surfside neighborhood. The vessel offers over 40 dining and drinking venues and entertainment options including "Back to the Future: The Musical".

Star of the Seas will operate 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, including stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. This launch aligns with Royal Caribbean's expansion plans, which include upcoming Royal Beach Clubs in Paradise Island (December 2025) and Cozumel (2026), and Perfect Day Mexico in fall 2027.

Positive

• Introduction of new Icon Class ship expanding Royal Caribbean's fleet capacity
• Extensive amenities including 8 neighborhoods, 7 pools, and 40+ dining venues
• Strategic expansion with new destinations planned through 2027
• Port Canaveral home port provides access to growing Florida cruise market

Negative

• None.

The vacation brand and Star's godmother celebrated the newest Icon Class ship from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, with an iconic naming ceremony

MIAMI, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With a godmother from the stars and a ship ready to shine, Royal Caribbean celebrated the family vacation of a lifetime, Star of the Seas, with an iconic naming celebration* in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. To kick off the next chapter in a bold era of family vacations, Royal Caribbean crew members, executives, loyal guests and more gathered together in Star's iconic AquaTheater, as research astronaut and payload specialist Kellie Gerardi bestowed safekeeping onto the ship, the dedicated crew and the millions of vacationers who will make memories together on Star for years to come.

"I'm honored to celebrate Royal Caribbean's new Star of the Seas in such a beautiful naming ceremony as godmother – a tradition that is close to my heart and a spirit that spans both sea and space," said Kellie Gerardi, godmother of Star of the Seas. "A vacation on Star is the perfect combination of two of my biggest passions in life, a spirit of exploration and quality time with family, and I can't wait for this journey to begin."

The naming ceremony marked a celebratory milestone in which Royal Caribbean officially named the ship and honored the achievements of thousands who brought Star to life. The ultimate family vacation will now set sail with its first vacationers, who will experience the record-setting Icon Class lineup that combines the best of every vacation and create their ideal vacation day at Royal Caribbean's top-rated exclusive destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

"Star of the Seas represents the next bold step in our journey to reimagine vacations," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "It brings together the best of our innovation, signature experiences, and the most sought-after destinations into one unforgettable vacation. With Star, we're not just launching a ship, we're advancing our mission to create the world's best vacations responsibly for guests of all ages."

Across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in and of themselves, adventurers can find next-level experiences for everyone day and night, including adrenaline-pumping thrills at Category 6 waterpark and the Crown's Edge experience at 154 feet above the ocean, and unrivaled ways to chill with seven pools, including a suspended infinity pool at sea. The game-changing experiences also include the stay-and-play-all-day Surfside neighborhood designed for families with young kids, more than 40 ways to dine and drink, jaw-dropping entertainment – including the cult classic hit "Back to the Future: The Musical" and marquee performances across air, ice, water and theater – and more.

"Here we are introducing the boldest family vacation ever! Star of the Seas delivers everything families want in a vacation with more adventure and more ways to make unforgettable memories together," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. "We've created the world's best vacation for all ages yet again, and it's truly a magical moment to celebrate that with our Royal Caribbean family who made it all possible."

Building on the new era of vacations introduced by Icon of the Seas in Miami, Star will deliver bold 7-night adventures from its home in Port Canaveral (Orlando), visiting bucket-list destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including Perfect Day at CocoCay. The vacation brand has even more standout experiences in store over the next three years across an expanding lineup of destinations, including the ultimate beach day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opening in December 2025 and Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026, along with the next game-changing adventure in vacations, Perfect Day Mexico in fall 2027.

For more details on Star, vacationers can visit Royal Caribbean's website.

*NOTE TO EDITOR:

Media can find assets on Star and the naming ceremony at www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com/Star.

About Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line's game-changing ships and exclusive destinations revolutionize vacations with innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 22 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including the line's top-rated exclusive destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. 

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com, call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor. 

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SOURCE Royal Caribbean International

FAQ

When will Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas begin sailing from Port Canaveral?

Star of the Seas will begin sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando) following its August 21, 2025 naming ceremony.

What are the main attractions on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas?

Key attractions include the Category 6 waterpark, Crown's Edge experience at 154 feet above ocean, seven pools including a suspended infinity pool, Surfside neighborhood for families, and entertainment like 'Back to the Future: The Musical'.

What new destinations is Royal Caribbean planning to open after Star of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean plans to open Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025, Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026, and Perfect Day Mexico in fall 2027.

Who is the godmother of Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas?

Kellie Gerardi, a research astronaut and payload specialist, was named godmother of Star of the Seas.

What Caribbean destinations will Star of the Seas visit?

Star of the Seas will offer 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, including visits to Royal Caribbean's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.