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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Inside new record-breaking mega cruise ship with ice rink and huge waterpark
A brand new cruise ship is set to sail this August as it becomes one of the biggest in the world. The Star of the Seas will be the same size as it's sister shop - the Icon of the Seas, making them the joint largest ships to date. With a gross tonnage of 248,633, the new Royal Caribbean ship contains many popular features and attractions such as an ice rink, a rock climbing wall, giant waterparks with six record-breaking slides and a surfside neighbourhood. There will also be some brand new food stations available, including the 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. Royal Caribbean'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.' The ship has space for 5,610 passengers in regular rooms and up to 7,600 when fully booked and there are 20 decks, and around 2,350 crew members are expected to work onboard. After almost two years of construction costing two $2billion, the Icon class ship was handed over to Royal Caribbean at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. It started construction in February 2023 and completed sea trails in May 2025. A ceremony was held at the Finnish shipyard 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 the six unique waterslides. Star of the Seas will now make its way from Turku to Cadiz, Spain, where Royal Caribbean will add some finishing touches before its August debut in Port Canaveral, Florida, when new godmother Diana Ross will christen it.


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]


Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Huge new island waterpark to open with 30 slides and the world's longest lazy river
ROYAL Caribbean is launching an entire new island in 2027 and it will be home to seven neighborhoods - including a huge Waterpark. Perfect Day Mexico is expected to launch in autumn 2027 as the cruise company's newest private island and at the heart of the island will be Loco Waterpark. 4 Perfect Day Mexico is expected to launch in autumn 2027 Credit: Loco Waterpark 4 At the heart of the island will be Loco Waterpark Credit: Loco Waterpark The waterpark will have over 30 waterslides, a wave pool and waterslide tower measuring more than 170ft tall called Jaguar's Peak. There will also be hydrolaunch slides that shoot riders into the air and the world's first sombrero slide, modeled after Mexico's iconic sombrero. The park will feature adventure pools and slides for younger kids too. At Splash Cove, another central neighborhood on the island, there will be the longest lazy river in the world. Along the hour-long float there are multiple entry and exit points and there will be a number of float up bars. Each tube will even have a cupholder for beverages. And for those who feel a little more daring, there is the option of venturing through a crazy section of the river that has twists and turns with waves, rapids and spins. In the centre of all of this is a 100,000sqft pool - which is one of 10 across the island. Smaller children will be able to enjoy Royal Caribbean's largest Splashaway Bay with the first-ever Splashaway Cabanas nearby. The cruise line has partnered with Legacy Entertainment - a US-based design firm responsible for theme parks and attractions - to create the waterpark. Dubai hotel with world's largest waterpark The destination spans over 200 acres on Mexico's Caribbean Coast and in total will have seven neighbourhoods, with 12 dining options and 24 bars. Other neighbourhoods include El Hideaway - an adults-only neighbourhood. The neighbourhood will be the party zone with a party pool, swim-up bar and in-pool DJ. There will also be a new Ultimate Party Cabana for 20 guests, with its own pool and bar. In the Costa Beach Club neighbourhood, guests can make the most of the white sand beaches, heated infinity pool and Costa Beach Club restaurant. At Chill Beach North and South will be two miles of white sand beaches. Then at Fiesta Plaza, guests can make the most of live music and dance inspired by Mexico with live music and dance. Plus, the world's largest sombrero will be found on top of the Tipsy Sombrero bar which will serve classic Mexican drinks such as margaritas and cervezas. 4 The waterpark will have the world's longest lazy river Credit: Royal Caribbean Free-to-use loungers, umbrellas and towels will be at all of the beaches and pools at Perfect Day Mexico. Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean said: "We have spent the last 50 years shattering perceptions around cruising to transform into a global vacation brand for all generations. "Now, we're bringing our demonstrated history of unparalleled service and revolutionary innovation – everything our vacationers know and love – into our collection of destinations that offer more locally inspired perfect days and beachfront getaways." He added: "Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date. "This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers from around the world to Mexico for an experience only Royal Caribbean can provide." Royal Caribbean is also due to launch the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025. The first-of-its-kind Royal Beach Club in The Bahamas will combine the stunning beaches of Nassau's Paradise Island with Royal Caribbean's signature experiences. Visitors can purchase an all-inclusive day pass and enjoy unlimited dining, drinks and amenities, from The Floating Flamingo – the world's largest swim-up bar. Also opening, in 2026, is the Royal Beach Club Cozumel – which features stunning beaches, pools with swim-up bars, cabanas, snorkeling, kayaking and more. A closed UK waterpark will also finally reopen after shutting 17 months ago. Plus, a massive European waterpark with 14 themed lands opens new outdoor pool and 150-seat swim up bar.


The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Huge new island waterpark to open with 30 slides and the world's longest lazy river
ROYAL Caribbean is launching an entire new island in 2027 and it will be home to seven neighborhoods - including a huge Waterpark. Perfect Day autumn 2027 as the cruise company's newest private island and at the heart of the island will be Loco Waterpark. Advertisement 4 Perfect Day Mexico is expected to launch in autumn 2027 Credit: Loco Waterpark 4 At the heart of the island will be Loco Waterpark Credit: Loco Waterpark The pool and waterslide tower measuring more than 170ft tall called Jaguar 's Peak. There will also be hydrolaunch slides that shoot riders into the air and the world's first sombrero slide, modeled after Mexico's iconic sombrero. The park will feature At Splash Cove, another central neighborhood on the island, there will be the longest Advertisement Read more on islands Along the hour-long float there are multiple entry and exit points and there will be a number of float up bars. Each tube will even have a cupholder for beverages. And for those who feel a little more daring, there is the option of venturing through a crazy section of the river that has twists and turns with waves, In the centre of all of this is a 100,000sqft pool - which is one of 10 across the island. Advertisement Most read in Beach holidays Smaller children will be able to enjoy The cruise line has partnered with Legacy Entertainment - a US-based design firm responsible for theme parks and attractions - to create the waterpark. Dubai hotel with world's largest waterpark The destination spans over 200 acres on Mexico 's Caribbean Coast and in total will have seven neighbourhoods, with 12 dining options and 24 bars. Other neighbourhoods include El Hideaway - an adults-only neighbourhood. Advertisement The neighbourhood will be the party zone with a There will also be a new Ultimate Party Cabana for 20 guests, with its own pool and bar. In the Costa Beach Club neighbourhood, guests can make the most of the white sand beaches, heated At Chill Beach North and South will be two miles of Advertisement Then at Fiesta Plaza, guests can make the most of live music and dance inspired by Plus, the world's largest sombrero will be found on top of the Tipsy Sombrero bar which will serve classic Mexican drinks such as margaritas and cervezas. 4 The waterpark will have the world's longest lazy river Credit: Royal Caribbean Free-to-use loungers, umbrellas and towels will be at all of the beaches and pools at Perfect Day Mexico. Advertisement Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean said: "We have spent the last 50 years shattering perceptions around cruising to transform into a global vacation brand for all generations. "Now, we're bringing our demonstrated history of unparalleled service and revolutionary innovation – everything our vacationers know and love – into our collection of destinations that offer more locally inspired perfect days and beachfront getaways." He added: "Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date. "This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers from around the world to Mexico for an experience only Royal Caribbean can provide." Advertisement Royal Caribbean is also due to launch the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025. The first-of-its-kind Royal Beach Club in Visitors can purchase an all-inclusive day pass and enjoy unlimited dining, drinks and amenities, from The Floating Flamingo – the world's largest Also opening, in 2026, is the Royal Beach Club Cozumel – which features stunning beaches, pools with swim-up bars, cabanas, snorkeling, kayaking and more. Advertisement Plus, a 4 Royal Caribbean is also opening Royal Beach Club in The Bahamas and Royal Beach Club Cozumel Credit: Loco Waterpark

Travel Weekly
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
She's coming out: Diana Ross named godmother of Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas
Do you know where you're going to? Star of the Seas will be Diana Ross' destination this August, as the legendary singer will serve as the Royal Caribbean ship's godmother. "I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family," Ross said. "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." Ross will attend the ship's naming ceremony, for which details have yet to be announced. Star of the Seas, sister ship of Icon of the Seas, will sail year-round from Port Canaveral. "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," said Royal Caribbean International president Michael Bayley. "We can't wait to welcome Ms. Ross, our guests and crew to celebrate the arrival of Star this August."