The construction of the second ship in the Icon series for RCI-Royal Caribbean International, named Star of the Seas, has commenced with the initiation of its hull assembly phase. The keel-laying ceremony, a venerable maritime tradition, took place at the Meyer Turku shipyard on Friday, December 15, marking the formal beginning of the ship's construction.
During the ceremony, a substantial steel block was lowered into the construction pool, supported by trestles, symbolizing the initiation of the hull assembly. Beneath this block, special coins, placed by the ship's customer and builder's representatives just moments before, were left. This tradition, dating back to ancient Roman times, signifies the beginning of the ship's construction and is believed to bring protection and luck to the vessel throughout its journeys.
Star of the Seas holds great significance for the shipyard and its partner network, contributing to employment and business in Finland and its broader supply chains.
CEO Tim Meyer highlighted the impact, stating:
"Star of the Seas is very important for both the shipyard and the partner network: the 13,000 man-years spent on building the ship create employment and business in Finland proper and, with the supply chains, significantly wider. After completion, Star of the Seas will strengthen a completely new kind of cruise experience with the standards set by its sister ship Icon."
Scheduled to begin operations in the Caribbean from its home port of Port Canaveral/Orlando Florida, in August 2025, Star of the Seas will offer a unique cruise experience in line with the standards set by her predecessor, Icon of the Seas.