Royal Caribbean's Brand New Mega Ship Touches Water for First Time

Star of the SeasPhoto byRoyal Caribbean / Youtube

Royal Caribbean International celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of its newest ship, the Star of the Seas. The cruise line revealed the news in a press release today.

The vessel, which is set to debut in August 2025 at Port Canaveral, Florida, was successfully floated out of the dry dock at the Meyer Turku shipyard.

The floating ceremony, a maritime tradition marked by a celebratory cannon shot, marked the culmination of 19 months of construction efforts by thousands of workers.

The dry dock was gradually filled with 92 million gallons of water over a nine-hour period, allowing the Star of the Seas to be moved to the outfitting pier where the final stages of construction will take place.

Inspired by the success of its sister ship, the Icon of the Seas, the Star of the Seas will feature eight distinct neighborhoods, each offering unique attractions and activities.

The ship will also boast a wide range of dining and entertainment options, including 40-plus restaurants and bars.

In addition to its onboard amenities, the Star of the Seas will embark on seven-night itineraries to the Caribbean, including the cruise line's Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

This private island destination offers a variety of activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and lounging on pristine beaches.