Meyer Turku has floated out the next largest cruise ship in the world, Star of the Seas, from its construction dock at the yard in Turku (Finland).
This major milestone, marked by a traditional ceremony on Wednesday, September 25th, saw the vessel transferred to the outfitting pier with the assistance of tugboats. The ship will remain there for final construction stages until her scheduled delivery in 2025.
after days of weather-related delays due to strong winds, conditions finally allowed for the successful movement of the vessel from the building dock. This undocking marks a critical phase in the ship’s overall development, following its formal launch event earlier the same day.
Star OTS is set to begin 7-day Caribbean cruises leaving roundtrip from Port Canaveral/Orlando (Florida USA) in August 2025.
With the hull completed, the next steps involve outfitting with its attractions and key features.
Star OTS' construction started on February 15th, 2023, with the keel laid in December of the same year.
Significant progress has been made, including the installation of a striking glass and steel structure over the bridge that will serve as the roof of the AquaDome, one of the signature onboard attractions.
Just before undocking, the ship's 3 Azipods (rotating azimuthing thrusters/propeller systems) essential for maneuvering were fitted to the hull.
With Star of the Seas now out of dock, Meyer Turku will shift focus to the construction of the next vessel in RCI-Royal Caribbean's Icon Class. The keel for the 3rd, as yet unnamed, ship is expected to be laid soon, with delivery anticipated in 2026. A 4th Icon Class vessel is also in the pipeline, slated for delivery in 2027, with options for 2 additional ships in the series.