Royal Caribbean International has announced that Star of the Seas will enter service earlier than expected, adding two new “showcase sailings” before its previously scheduled inaugural voyage.
The second ship in the cruise line’s Icon Class will now begin welcoming guests on August 23, 2025—eight days earlier than originally planned.
Earlier Debut for Star of the Seas
The original plan was for Star of the Seas to debut with a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral on August 31, 2025.
However, in an email to booked guests, Royal Caribbean confirmed that construction is ahead of schedule, allowing the ship to begin sailing sooner.
“We have an updated timeline for the arrival of Star of the Seas at Port Canaveral!” the email stated. “Constructing such a large and amazing ship is challenging, and while delivery can sometimes be delayed, there are other times where we get to sail our new ship earlier.”
Read more: Icon of the Seas Joins Royal Caribbean Fleet
To accommodate this earlier completion date, Royal Caribbean has added two four-night cruises, both sailing roundtrip from Port Canaveral with a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. These newly added voyages will depart on August 23 and August 27, 2025.
Despite the addition of these sailings, the cruise line has clarified that the August 31, 2025, departure will remain the ship’s official inaugural voyage, featuring all of the customary events and celebrations.
Options for Booked Guests
Guests who were booked on the August 31 sailing now have a few choices. They can:
- Keep their current booking on the August 31 cruise.
- Move their reservation to one of the new four-night sailings.
- Book one (or both) of the showcase cruises in addition to their current sailing.
Those booked in suites on the August 31 sailing will have their suite held for them on the new voyages until February 6, 2025, to give them time to decide. Passengers booked in interior, oceanview, or balcony staterooms will have a comparable cabin available to choose from.
Guests who switch to one of the shorter cruises in the same stateroom category will pay a prorated fare reflecting the reduced number of nights. Those who have already paid in full will receive a refund for the difference.
Another Schedule Change for Star of the Seas
This is the second time Royal Caribbean has adjusted the inaugural schedule for Star of the Seas. The ship was originally set to debut on August 17, 2025, but that sailing was later canceled, pushing the first voyage to August 31.
With construction running ahead of schedule, Royal Caribbean is bringing the timeline forward again, giving guests two additional opportunities to sail before the official launch.
Adding pre-inaugural sailings isn’t new for Royal Caribbean or its sister brand, Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity Ascent also introduced early sailings before its official maiden voyage in 2023.
When Star of the Seas debuts, it will take the title of the world’s largest cruise ship, surpassing sister ship Icon of the Seas.
The 250,800-gross-ton vessel will continue Royal Caribbean’s focus on family-friendly cruising, featuring a mix of onboard thrills, entertainment, and signature experiences, including an expanded version of the popular “Category 6” waterpark first introduced on Icon.
Guests interested in the new showcase sailings can begin rebooking as of January 30, 2025.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Racks Up $3.7 million in earnings for Q4 2024
