Royal Caribbean Unveils World's Largest Cruise Ship for U.S. Debut

The Arrival of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship in Florida

Royal Caribbean has long been known for its ambitious fleet expansions, and now it's set to unveil what is expected to be its most impressive creation yet: the Star of the Seas. This massive vessel is anticipated to become the largest cruise ship in the world and will soon make its way to Florida, where it will be homeported at Port Canaveral. As the second Icon-class ship following the Icon of the Seas, the Star of the Seas is set to arrive in August 2025, marking a major milestone for the cruise line.

The ship was constructed by Meyer Turku in Finland and is scheduled to enter service on August 31, 2025. Its arrival comes at an important time for Royal Caribbean, which recently faced challenges with a gastrointestinal outbreak on one of its ships. The excitement surrounding the Star of the Seas is expected to bring renewed attention and positive momentum to the company.

A Grand Farewell from Finland

As the ship made its final journey from Finland to the United States, Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook. He announced that the Star of the Seas would say goodbye to Turku, Finland, and all the dedicated workers who helped build the ship. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls! Star of the Seas says goodbye to Turku, Finland and all the amazing people who built this beautiful Royal Caribbean ship! We salute you all.”

A special ceremony was held to welcome the ship into the Royal Caribbean fleet. Attendees included 1,250-plus crew members, as well as key executives such as Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm. Liberty emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reimagine the future of vacations.”

Itineraries and Destinations

Once in service, the Star of the Seas will embark on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, making stops in the eastern and western ends of the Caribbean. These destinations include San Juan, St. Kitts, Cozumel, and access to Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. The ship is designed to provide a family-friendly vacation experience, featuring eight themed areas, multiple pools, and 40 dining and drinking venues.

Construction Timeline

Construction of the Star of the Seas began in February 2023, with the steel cutting taking place on February 15, 2023. The name was officially announced on October 5, 2023, followed by the keel-laying ceremony on December 15, 2023. The ship was floated out on September 25, 2024, and underwent sea trials in spring 2025 before being delivered in July.

Pricing and Comparisons

While the Star of the Seas and its sister ship, the Icon of the Seas, offer similar experiences, the Star of the Seas is generally priced lower for comparable itineraries, making it a more budget-friendly option. One user on Reddit noted, “Most cruises out of Miami are more expensive than FLL or Port Canaveral, in our experience.” The cheapest ticket for the Star of the Seas starts at $951 per person, and the ship offers a range of free activities, including access to the largest waterpark at sea and rotating performances of “Back to the Future: The Musical.”

For example, a 7-day cruise on the Star of the Seas from Port Canaveral costs approximately $475 per day, while a similar itinerary on the Icon of the Seas from Miami costs around $502 per day. Another user shared their personal experience, stating, “I booked Star for a spring break cruise next year. It was significantly cheaper than a similar itinerary on Icon for the same week.”

Family-Friendly Amenities

The Star of the Seas offers a variety of accommodations, including Interior Staterooms, Oceanview Staterooms, Balcony Staterooms, and several Suite categories designed for comfort and style. The ship is a multi-level retreat with dedicated family-friendly amenities, making it ideal for travelers of all ages.

With its arrival in Florida, the Star of the Seas is set to redefine the cruising experience, offering a blend of luxury, affordability, and adventure. The ship is expected to arrive at Port Canaveral on August 15, 2025, and will begin its maiden voyage on August 31.