RCI-Royal Caribbean International is set to enhance its presence in the Caribbean with the upcoming launch of the Star of the Seas, promising an expanded lineup of experiences from August 2025. The new vessel, homeporting in Port Canaveral, Florida, will offer a range of innovative features designed to appeal to diverse vacationers, building on the success of the Icon of the Seas.
Star of the Seas will feature 8 distinct neighborhoods, each offering a variety of dining, entertainment, and leisure options. Highlights include:
- Thrill Island: Home to Category 6, the first waterpark at sea, with 6 record-breaking waterslides, including raft slides and a drop slide. Thrill Island also features the Crown’s Edge skywalk and thrill ride, the FlowRider surf simulator, and mini golf.
- Chill Island: A 3-deck area with 4 pools, each with ocean views, including the swim-up bar Swim & Tonic and Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea. This area also features live music and casual dining options.
- Surfside: A neighborhood designed for families with young children, offering activities for all ages, including Splashaway Bay, Baby Bay, and the Water’s Edge pool. Dining options include Surfside Eatery and The Lemon Post bar.
- AquaDome: A tranquil space by day and entertainment hub by night, featuring wraparound ocean views, high-diving shows at the AquaTheater, and dining options like the AquaDome Market and The Overlook bar.
- The Hideaway: An adults-only area 135 feet above the ocean, featuring a suspended infinity pool, a DJ, whirlpools, and a dedicated bar with panoramic ocean views.
Star OTS will also introduce new culinary experiences, such as the Lincoln Park Supper Club, a 1930s Chicago-inspired venue offering multi-course meals with live entertainment. The ship will also feature the Royal Promenade, Central Park with 30,500+ real plants, and the exclusive Suite Neighborhood.
In addition to weeklong Caribbean itineraries, Star OTS will offer shorter 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas. These itineraries will include a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay. The ship will also join the recently launched Utopia of the Seas, offering vacationers a choice between longer and shorter voyages from Central Florida.
Royal Caribbean’s expansion will also include the debut of the Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, set to open in 2025-Q4 as part of the new Royal Beach Club Collection.