Cruising Gets a New “Star:” Royal Caribbean’s Latest Icon Class Ship Debuts

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas has launched in a glittering ceremony. The line’s latest Icon-class ship’s christening event lit up Port Canaveral, Florida. You might say it was ‘written in the stars,’ as the mega-ship’s godmother, research astronaut Kellie Gerardi named the ship and set it on its inaugural voyage.

The ages-old tradition of bestowing safekeeping on a ship, its crew and guests “is close to my heart and a spirit that spans both sea and space,” says Kellie Gerardi, godmother of Star of the Seas. “A vacation on Star is the perfect combination of two of my biggest passions in life, a spirit of exploration and quality time with family.”

Following the naming ceremony, the newly-blessed Icon-class ship embarked on its first sailing with vacationing guests. Along with the record-setting experiences of the new ship, cruise travelers also get to experience Royal Caribbean’s exclusive private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Star of the Seas "Hyperlapse Tour" of top onboard experiences and destinations!

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group; Kellie Gerardi, godmother of Star of the Seas; Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean; and Captain Rob Hempstead of Star of the Seas, hosting Star of the Seas’ naming celebration. 

Image Credit: sbw-photo

“Boldest Family Vacation Ever!” 

That’s what Royal Caribbean President and CEO, Michael Bayley calls the cruise line’s latest ship, with its 8 neighborhoods of next-level adventure both day and night: 

• adrenaline-pumping thrills at Category 6 waterpark and the
• Crown’s Edge experience at 154 feet above the ocean;
• chill with seven pools, including a suspended infinity pool at sea;
• stay-and-play-all-day Surfside neighborhood designed for families with young kids;
• more than 40 ways to dine and drink,
• jaw-dropping entertainment – including the cult classic hit “Back to the Future: The Musical” and
• marquee performances across air, ice, water and theater – and more.

The Caribbean’s New Star

Similarly to the pattern set by Icon of the Seas homeporting in Miami, Star will sail 7-night adventures from her homeport in Port Canaveral (Orlando), visiting bucket-list destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

On the Royal Caribbean Horizon

Standby for even more standout experiences over the next three years as the cruise line unveils an expanding lineup of destinations, including the ultimate beach day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opening in December 2025 and Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026, along with the next game-changing adventure in vacations, Perfect Day Mexico in fall 2027.

START YOUR TRIP!

Video courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Image credit as indicated

All rights reserved. You are welcome to share this material from this page, but it may not be copied, re-published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.