First look as Royal Caribbean takes delivery of latest mega cruise ship Star of the Seas
The latest Icon class ship was handed over to the cruise line after almost two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.
Construction started in February 2023 and the ship completed sea trails in May 2025.
A ceremony was held at the shipyard last week with more than 1,250 crew members and partners to honour the team of engineers, designers and architects who built the ship and helped install key features such as the 327-ton glass-and-steel AquaDome and six record-breaking waterslides.
Star of the Seas will now make its way from Turku to Cadiz, Spain, where Royal Caribbean will add the finishing touches before its August debut in Port Canaveral, Florida, when new godmother Diana Ross will christen it.
With a gross tonnage of 248,633, Star of the Seas will be the same size as its sister ship, Icon of the Seas, making them the joint largest cruise ships in the world.
The vessel will have similar features to Icon of the Seas, such as an ice rink, rock climbing wall, and the surfside neighbourhood, plus giant waterparks and slides on board.
There are unique elements being introduced to Star of the Seas, including three new foodstands in its AquaDome Market, serving smoky pulled pork and beef brisket, Southeast Asian regional favourites such as pad thai and panang curry and South American staples including empañadas and arepas.
The brand's speciality Lincoln Park Supper Club is also being refreshed, serving intimate meals with live entertainment in a 1930s Chicago-inspired setting.
Michael Bayley, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean, said: 'We're incredibly proud to welcome Star of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family as we continue to revolutionise how families and adventurers vacation.
'It's a true team effort with so many talented individuals coming together to make the new Icon Class vacation a reality, and we're excited to debut this incredible achievement with a star-studded celebration this August.'
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