Royal Caribbean has launched its new cruise ship, Star of the Seas, from Port Canaveral in Florida, marking a significant milestone for the company and the industry. The 1,196-foot-long vessel is identical in size and capacity to its sister ship, Icon of the Seas, which began sailing in January 2024 from PortMiami.
The Star of the Seas can accommodate up to 5,610 guests at double occupancy rooms and features 17 dining venues on board that don’t charge extra, including a popular pizza joint called Sorrento’s. The ship has six water slides, an ice rink, and a surfing simulator, as well as 7 pools and 10 hot tubs.
The new ship is designed to appeal to families, with over 80% of its guest cabins able to accommodate three or more people. It also features a range of entertainment options, including the headliner show “Back to the Future: the Musical.”
However, the launch comes amidst challenges for the cruise industry, which has seen slowing growth rates since 2024. The industry experienced a massive boost during the COVID-19 pandemic, with record numbers of ocean cruises taken worldwide in 2024.
Royal Caribbean is also facing recent mishaps, including a malfunction on its sister ship Icon of the Seas that left a guest injured, and a fatal stabbing incident involving a crew member. The company has described these incidents as personal disputes.
Despite these challenges, the Star of the Seas offers something new for Royal Caribbean to talk about, and it marks an exciting development in the company’s efforts to expand its offerings.
Source: https://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/article311724866.html