Royal Caribbean Welcomes the World’s Largest Cruise Ship: A New Era of Ocean Travel

Royal Caribbean’s "Star of the Seas," the world’s largest cruise ship, is set to make its debut at Port Canaveral next month. The ship, which is the second in the Icon-class lineup, was officially handed over to the cruise line at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The handoff comes after over two years of construction, culminating in a vessel that weighs 248,663 gross tons and can accommodate up to 7,000 passengers plus 2,350 crew members.

The delivery ceremony was attended by over 1,250 crew members and partners of Royal Caribbean. Jason Liberty, President and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, remarked that this delivery signifies a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to innovate the vacation experience, stating that the ship symbolizes a blend of creativity and focus aimed at creating unforgettable adventures for families.

Construction of the Star of the Seas began in February 2023, featuring extensive plans including the creation of the largest waterpark at sea, called Category 6, which houses six waterslides. The ship also boasts Chill Island, a three-deck area with four pools, including the largest pool at sea, named Royal Bay, and over 40 dining and entertainment venues.

Royal Caribbean has started booking special "Star Showcase" cruises, which will allow guests to be among the first to experience the ship. The initial four-night cruises will sail to Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas starting August 16, along with three-night cruises shortly thereafter. The Star of the Seas will operate seven-night itineraries through the Eastern and Western Caribbean, working in tandem with the Utopia of the Seas, which began sailing from Port Canaveral in 2024.

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