RCI’s Star of the Seas promises to deliver “ultimate family vacations” in August 2025

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is gearing up to debut Star of the Seas, which will headline Port Canaveral, Florida with a record-setting lineup of Icon Class experiences in August 2025.

From thrills like the fastest and tallest waterslides to 40-plus ways to dine and drink combined with adventures in Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, the ship promises an experience for every type of family and vacationer.

The ship will have features first introduced by Icon of the Seas and twists to favourites, like the new restaurant Lincoln Park Supper Club – a 1930s Chicago-inspired spin on the supper club experience that pairs multiple courses with live entertainment.

On deck is everything from the six adrenaline-pumping waterslides at Category 6 waterpark and seven pools – one for every day of the week – to the Surfside neighbourhood designed for young families and what will be one of only two suspended infinity pools at sea – the adults-only Hideaway.

“Star of the Seas is the second bold act of this exciting, new era of vacations first introduced with Icon of the Seas, and it’s putting the world’s best vacation on the map at yet another top travel destination,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, in a press release Tuesday (Aug. 20).

“Between Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando), more adventurers than ever can set their sights on the only vacation that combines the best of all vacations – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure – with experiences that have and will continue to make headlines and memories for years to come.”

Neighbourhood highlights

Star is set to bring more of the Icon Class combination across eight neighbourhoods that are destinations in themselves, with everything from restaurants and bars to live entertainment and more.

The highlights include five neighbourhoods unique to Icon and Star:

Thrill Island – There are thrills of all kinds with Category 6, with its six record-breaking waterslides – from family raft slides to a drop slide and mat-racing duos; Crown’s Edge, the part skywalk and thrill ride 154 feet above the ocean; plus favorites, the FlowRider surf simulator and mini golf, and spots to grab a bite and drinks like Basecamp and Desserted.

Chill Island – The three-deck sections I hoem to four of seven pools, each with different vibes and prime ocean views, including swim-up bar Swim & Tonic and Royal Bay. With live bands and DJs, and places for drinks and quick, casual food just steps away, like The Lime & Coconut, vacationers can chill day and night.

Surfside – The neighbourhood designed for young families is where they can stay and play all day. There’s everything from ways to splash, with kids and tots at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay and grown-ups nearby at Water’s Edge pool, to spots to grab a bite like Surfside Eatery and The Lemon Post bar – all with options for adults and kids.

AquaDome – The oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night atop of Star is back with wraparound ocean views, deck-defying shows with high divers, aerialists, robots, dancers and more at the marquee AquaTheater; and food and drinks to take it all in at the AquaDome Market food hall, the Rye & Bean bar, Hooked and The Overlook bar and Overlook Pods for jaw-dropping views.

The Hideaway – Hidden 135 feet above the ocean, the adults-only spot combines all the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world with a suspended infinity pool – joining the only other pool of its kind on Icon – a DJ, dedicated bar, a terrace with whirlpools and uninterrupted ocean views.

The tried-and-true favourites reimagined on Icon round out Icon Class vacations on Star, from the Royal Promenade with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, the Pearl – the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture – and 15-plus restaurants, bars and lounges to the open-air Central Park lined with more than 30,500 real plants and alive day to night with restaurants like the new Lincoln Park Supper Club, live music at Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues, convenient pick-up windows for sushi and champagne, and more. Plus, the ultra-luxe and exclusive Suite Neighbourhood.

Star is also joining the newly-debuted Oasis Class vacation, Utopia of the Seas – the ultimate short getaway – when it arrives in Port Canaveral (Orlando).

By next summer, vacationers can have their pick of the best of both worlds – a weeklong Caribbean vacation, a three-night weekend or four-night weekday getaway to The Bahamas, with weekend energy from beginning to end; or both.

Royal Caribbean will also be opening its Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas – the first of the Royal Beach Club Collection – in late 2025.

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