Latest news with #IconClass
The Independent
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
First look as Royal Caribbean takes delivery of latest mega cruise ship Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean is getting closer to welcoming passengers onto its newest cruise ship, Star of The Seas, after it was officially welcomed into the fleet last week. 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.'
Cision Canada
10-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
STAR OF THE SEAS OFFICIALLY JOINS ROYAL CARIBBEAN AS THE NEXT ICONIC VACATION
The ultimate family vacation has completed construction and is one step closer to its August debut in Port Canaveral ( Orlando ), Florida MIAMI , July 10, 2025 /CNW/ -- Royal Caribbean kicked off the countdown to a new era of family vacations, officially welcoming Star of the Seas* into the family. After nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland , the keys to the next revolutionary Icon Class ship were officially handed over to Royal Caribbean just a few weeks ahead of its August debut in Port Canaveral ( Orlando ), Florida . Continue Reading Royal Caribbean welcomed the ultimate family vacation, Star of the Seas, with a star-worthy celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. Alongside more than 1,250 crew members and partners, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm and Meyer Turku Chairman Jaakko Eskola marked the moment just a few weeks ahead of Star's August debut in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. Credit: sbw-photo Royal Caribbean welcomed the ultimate family vacation, Star of the Seas, with a star-worthy celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. Alongside more than 1,250 crew members and partners, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm and Meyer Turku Chairman Jaakko Eskola marked the moment just a few weeks ahead of Star's August debut in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. Credit: sbw-photo In a ceremony truly fit for a star, 1,250-plus crew members and partners gathered to mark the milestone in the ship's next-level AquaTheater. Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty and Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley , along with Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm , hosted the event, recognizing the hard work and innovation that brought Star to life and celebrating the team of engineers, designers and architects who made it all possible. From the first steel cut to the final delivery, the highlights of how it all came together can be seen here. "The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group's journey to reimagine the future of vacations. Star and the Icon Class are a symbol of what's possible when innovation, imagination and our relentless focus on delivering exceptional experiences come together, ultimately creating unforgettable memories for millions of families and vacationers," said Jason Liberty , president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "We're proud to bring this next-generation vacation experience to life with our valued partners at Meyer Turku." The delivery of the new ship marked the transfer of ownership between Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku and celebrated the incredible feats of engineering accomplished during construction, like the installation of the glass-and-steel AquaDome, the development of six record-breaking waterslides and more. Soon, Star will make its way from Turku to Cadiz, Spain , where Royal Caribbean will put the finishing touches before Star sets sail on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures to top-rated destinations, including the vacation brand's fan-favorite Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas . "We're incredibly proud to welcome Star of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family as we continue to revolutionize how families and adventurers vacation," said Michael Bayley , president and CEO, Royal Caribbean . "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." Star will double the world's best vacation count with record-breaking thrills, unrivalled ways to chill, and more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves, including: Thrill Island – Adrenaline lovers can find thrills of all kinds at Category 6 , the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking waterslides including family raft slides, a drop slide and dueling mat racers; Crown's Edge , the part skywalk, part thrill ride 154 feet above the ocean; and fan favorites, such as the FlowRider surf simulator and rock-climbing wall. – Adrenaline lovers can find thrills of all kinds at , the largest waterpark at sea with including family raft slides, a drop slide and dueling mat racers; , the and fan favorites, such as the FlowRider surf simulator and rock-climbing wall. Chill Island – The three-deck slice of paradise is the ultimate spot for vacationers to kick back at four pools, including Royal Bay , the largest pool at sea. Vacationers can enjoy live bands and DJs while they party poolside and sip on tropical drinks from the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar or at The Lime & Coconut just steps away. – The three-deck slice of paradise is the ultimate spot for vacationers to kick back at four pools, including , the largest pool at sea. Vacationers can enjoy live bands and DJs while they party poolside and sip on tropical drinks from the swim-up bar or at just steps away. Surfside – Designed for young families, Surfside is the place to stay and play all day together. Kids and tots have more ways to splash at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay , while adults relax at the nearby Water's Edge . When it's time for a bite, Surfside Eatery and Pier 7 have menu options for all ages. – Designed for young families, is the place to stay and play all day together. Kids and tots have more ways to splash at and while adults relax at the nearby . When it's time for a bite, and have menu options for all ages. AquaDome – With wraparound ocean views , the tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night features deck-defying shows at the marquee AquaTheater with high divers, aerialists, robots and more. AquaDome is also home to a variety of food and drink spots including the AquaDome Market food hall, the Rye & Bean bar, Hooked Seafood and The Overlook bar for unparalleled views. – With , the tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night features at the marquee with high divers, aerialists, robots and more. AquaDome is also home to a variety of food and drink spots including the food hall, the bar, and bar for unparalleled views. The Hideaway – Tucked away at 135 feet above the ocean, the adults-only spot features a suspended infinity pool – the only other pool of its kind having been first introduced on Icon – a DJ, bar, a terrace with whirlpools and vast ocean views. Fleet favorites reimagined for the Icon Class round out vacationers' experience, including the Royal Promenade complete with floor-to-ceiling ocean views and the Pearl, the world's largest kinetic art sculpture; the open-air Central Park with more than 30,500 real plants; the new 1930's Chicago -inspired Lincoln Park Supper Club; convenient pick-up windows for sushi, champagne, sparkling wine and more. Plus, vacationers have more ways to stay across four decks at the Suite Neighborhood and amenities at the Grove Suite Sun Deck and two-level Coastal Kitchen. Star will also be the vacation company's third ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and feature a proven lineup of industry-leading environmental programs. With applications ranging from waste heat recovery systems to shore power connection, Star will advance Royal Caribbean Group's journey toward introducing a net-zero cruise ship by 2035. The vacation brand is also set to deliver their fourth ship powered by LNG with Legend of the Seas, the third Icon Class vacation set to debut in 2026. In addition to Star, Royal Caribbean continues to expand upon its lineup of vacation experiences across the ultimate destinations with the December 2025 debut of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas , delivering the ultimate beach day. The adventures continue with Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026, Perfect Day Mexico in fall 2027 and an exclusive beach destination in Lelepa in the South Pacific in 2027. Vacations on Star are available to book on Royal Caribbean's website. *NOTE TO EDITOR: Media can find assets and more information on Star at About Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line's game-changing ships and exclusive destinations revolutionize vacations with innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 22 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including the line's top-rated exclusive destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release relating to, among other things, expectations on onboard offerings on Star of the Seas, the Company's progress on LNG and net-zero initiatives, and future development of private destinations, constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "will," and similar expressions are intended to help identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, are based on judgments, are inherently uncertain and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Examples of these risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those included under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as well as our other filings with the SEC, copies of which may be obtained by visiting our Investor Relations website at or the SEC's website at Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Royal Caribbean International Lyan Sierra-Caro, [email protected]; Brittney Smith, [email protected]
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Princess Cruises making big casino change passengers demanded
Princess Cruises making big casino change passengers demanded originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. Although smoking indoors is banned in most restaurants and bars, as well as many hotels and other businesses these days, most cruise lines continue to make one indoor smoking exception. That's because most major cruise lines' ships have onboard casinos (besides Disney's).Although some land-based casinos have gone smoke-free, the majority of casino operators still believe that prohibiting smoking would be bad for business. And most cruise lines seem to agree. Opinions seem to be shifting, however, as cruise lines work to increase their appeal to younger generations, who are smoking cigarettes less and less. In general, Millennials and Gen Z travelers tend to be more averse to being around secondhand smoke, too. But although non-smoking casinos are becoming easier to find on cruise ships, not all lines have embraced the changing times. Offering both a traditional smoking casino and separate non-smoking one has been a solution for some cruise lines, but the limited space on most cruise ships makes it difficult to offer that on smaller ships. Most cruise lines are hesitant to go entirely smoke-free in the main casino due to concerns that non-smoking casinos would generate less revenue. If a passenger has to leave the casino to go smoke outside, they may not come back. But a few cruise lines are already propelling a change in the Cruises stands out in the cruise industry for maintaining fully smoke-free casinos on all of its ships. Smoking is also prohibited in Virgin Voyages' cruise ship casinos, though smoking is permitted in a designated smoking room nearby that includes a few slot machines. A few Norwegian Cruise Line ships also have a designated casino smoking room that's separate from the rest of the casino. On select ships, Royal Caribbean and Carnival now offer smaller designated non-smoking casinos in addition to smoking ones. Royal Caribbean has acknowledged the popularity of these separate smoke-free casinos since adding them on its newer Oasis and Icon Class ships, and has now started adding them as it refurbishes older ships, Royal Caribbean cruisers would like to see the cruise line take the non-smoking casino a step further and swap the casino spaces, making the larger main casino smoke-free and limiting smoking to a smaller, separate space. In general, most cruisers hope the smoke-free casino trend will continue to grow and spread to more cruise lines like Princess Cruises. Some Princess cruise passengers say that smoke drifting from the smoking section of the casino can be unbearable on some ships.'I would love to play the tables, but the cigarette smoke is awful. Why allow smoking in the casino? Seems counterproductive as myself and other non-smokers simply will not use the casinos,' codspeace recently wrote in the Princess Cruises Reddit community. Many passengers agreed, although several expressed doubts that a fleetwide casino smoking ban would happen anytime soon. To be clear, Princess cruise ship casinos are intended to be non-smoking areas, with one key exception. Each casino has a section of designated slot machines where guests are permitted to smoke only while playing at those machines. All table games are non-smoking, Princess passengers think that should change, because the smoking area isn't fully isolated from the main casino and smoke travels easily. As the cruise line builds new ships, it does appear to be paying attention to passenger demands for smoke-free cruise casinos. The cruise line has emphasized that a key highlight of its upcoming ship Star Princess, which debuts in the fall, is expanded non-smoking casino areas. This will include 68 additional slot machines in newly designated non-smoking sections of the casino. Although it's not a full non-smoking Princess cruise ship casino just yet, it's a step in the smoke-free direction. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Travel Daily News
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Daily News
Diana Ross Godmother of the Star od the Sea
Royal Caribbean names Diana Ross godmother of Star of the Seas, launching August 2025, offering family cruises from Orlando to the Caribbean. MIAMI – The ultimate family vacation is getting ready to set sail, and a star-studded godmother is leading the way. Royal Caribbean has announced musical icon Diana Ross as the official godmother of Star of the Seas when the revolutionary Icon Class ship debuts August 2025. With her music inspiring generations of families, Ms. Ross will take the stage to welcome the newest family vacation sailing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, and visiting the top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. As godmother, Ms. Ross will join a longstanding maritime tradition of bestowing safekeeping onto the ship, its crew and the millions who will make memories on the ultimate family vacation for years to come. To celebrate the unveiling of Star, Ms. Ross will take part in an iconic naming ceremony in the ship's AquaTheater, located in the transformational AquaDome neighborhood surrounded by wraparound ocean views. Fans can stay tuned to learn more on how they can join the celebration on Royal Caribbean's Instagram page. 'I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family,' said Diana Ross. 'Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.' The celebration will set the tone for what's in store on Star, welcoming families and vacationers of all ages to experience the record-setting Icon Class lineup. Star combines the best of beach retreats, resort escapes and theme park adventures across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves to deliver the world's best family vacation. With adrenaline-pumping thrills at Category 6 waterpark, unrivaled ways to chill at seven pools, jaw-dropping entertainment – including the cult-classic movie turned instant-hit musical 'Back to the Future: The Musical' – and more than 40 ways to dine and drink including Lincoln Park Supper Club and so much more, Star is where every type of family and vacationer can make memories together and on their own without compromise. 'We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, the next bold vacation in our revolutionary Icon Class designed to encompass the best a vacation experience can offer,' said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. 'We couldn't imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together. We can't wait to welcome Ms. Ross, our guests and crew to celebrate the arrival of Star this August.' As the next world's best family vacation from Orlando, Star will deliver 7-night vacations to the most sought-after destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including the vacation brand's top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Royal Caribbean has more standout experiences in store across its expanding lineup of destinations from the ultimate beach day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025 to incredible destinations in Mexico at Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in fall 2027.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
INTRODUCING THE STAR OF STAR OF THE SEAS: ROYAL CARIBBEAN NAMES DIANA ROSS GODMOTHER
Diana Ross will take center stage as the godmother of the ultimate family vacation coming August 2025 MIAMI, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The ultimate family vacation is getting ready to set sail, and a star-studded godmother is leading the way. Royal Caribbean has announced musical icon Diana Ross as the official godmother of Star of the Seas when the revolutionary Icon Class ship debuts August 2025. With her music inspiring generations of families, Ms. Ross will take the stage to welcome the newest family vacation sailing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, and visiting the top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. As godmother, Ms. Ross will join a longstanding maritime tradition of bestowing safekeeping onto the ship, its crew and the millions who will make memories on the ultimate family vacation for years to come. To celebrate the unveiling of Star, Ms. Ross will take part in an iconic naming ceremony in the ship's AquaTheater, located in the transformational AquaDome neighborhood surrounded by wraparound ocean views. Fans can stay tuned to learn more on how they can join the celebration on Royal Caribbean's Instagram page. "I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family," said Diana Ross. "Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas." The celebration will set the tone for what's in store on Star, welcoming families and vacationers of all ages to experience the record-setting Icon Class lineup. Star combines the best of beach retreats, resort escapes and theme park adventures across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves to deliver the world's best family vacation. With adrenaline-pumping thrills at Category 6 waterpark, unrivaled ways to chill at seven pools, jaw-dropping entertainment – including the cult-classic movie turned instant-hit musical "Back to the Future: The Musical" – and more than 40 ways to dine and drink including Lincoln Park Supper Club and so much more, Star is where every type of family and vacationer can make memories together and on their own without compromise. "We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, the next bold vacation in our revolutionary Icon Class designed to encompass the best a vacation experience can offer," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. "We couldn't imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together. We can't wait to welcome Ms. Ross, our guests and crew to celebrate the arrival of Star this August." As the next world's best family vacation from Orlando, Star will deliver 7-night vacations to the most sought-after destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including the vacation brand's top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Royal Caribbean has more standout experiences in store across its expanding lineup of destinations from the ultimate beach day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025 to incredible destinations in Mexico at Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in fall 2027. Media can find assets and more information on About Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line's game-changing ships and exclusive destinations revolutionize vacations with innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 22 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including the line's top-rated private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor. SOURCE Royal Caribbean International Sign in to access your portfolio
