World Newest Largest Cruise Ship: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas Debuts in Florida

Florida has once again solidified its title as the cruise capital of the world as Royal Caribbean officially launched its newest vessel, Star of the Seas, on its inaugural voyage this weekend. The colossal ship, a twin to its record-breaking sister, Icon of the Seas, departed from its new home at Port Canaveral, setting a course for the Caribbean and a new era of mega-ship tourism.

Measuring an astounding 1,196 feet long and weighing 250,800 gross tons, the Star of the Seas now shares the designation of the world’s largest cruise ship with the Icon, which began sailing from PortMiami in January 2024. The debut of Star means Florida is now the exclusive home to the two largest passenger vessels ever built, cementing the state’s dominance in the global cruise market.

The ship’s first trip is a short “showcase cruise” to CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. Following this debut, the vessel will begin its regular schedule of seven-night voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with Port Canaveral serving as its home port through at least April 2027.

An Orlando Competitor on the High Seas

With its strategic home base near Orlando, Royal Caribbean is positioning the Star of the Seas as “the ultimate family vacation,” aiming to compete directly with the region’s world-famous theme parks. The cruise line is betting that the ship’s sheer scale and onboard attractions can lure tourists away from land-based vacations.

Passengers aboard the new ship will find an overwhelming array of amenities designed for every age group. Highlights include:

• Category 6 Waterpark: A massive aquatic playground featuring six record-breaking water slides.

• Surfside & Thrill Island: Dedicated neighborhoods offering everything from a surf simulator to an ice-skating rink.

• Pools for Every Mood: The ship boasts seven pools and ten hot tubs, including the largest pool at sea and the largest swim-up bar at sea.

• Diverse Dining Options: Guests can choose from 17 complimentary dining venues, including the fan-favorite Sorrento’s pizza, alongside more than a dozen specialty restaurants and bars that carry an extra charge, such as Starbucks.

With a capacity for 5,610 guests in 2,805 staterooms and a crew of 2,350, the ship is a floating city built to deliver a non-stop entertainment experience.

Sailing in a Complex Climate

The launch of Star of the Seas comes at a pivotal moment for the cruise industry. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, a record 35 million people are expected to take an ocean cruise in 2024, a testament to the industry’s powerful rebound after the pandemic.

However, that explosive growth is projected to slow between now and 2028. Furthermore, the debut arrives as Royal Caribbean navigates the fallout from recent high-profile incidents aboard its sister ship, the Icon of the Seas:

• In early August, a water slide on the Icon malfunctioned while a guest was riding it, causing a piece of acrylic glass to break off and resulting in injuries.

• In July, a tragic murder-suicide occurred when a male crew member fatally stabbed a female colleague before taking his own life. The cruise line described the incident as a personal dispute.

The flawless debut of the Star of the Seas provides Royal Caribbean with a much-needed opportunity to shift the public narrative back to innovation and the guest experience.

A Transatlantic Journey to a Florida Welcome

Built at the renowned Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland—the same shipyard responsible for Icon—the Star of the Seas was officially delivered to Royal Caribbean on July 11. After its transatlantic crossing, the ship made its grand arrival at Port Canaveral on August 9, where it prepared for its first paying passengers.

As the Star of the Seas embarks on its journey, its success will be closely watched not just by cruise enthusiasts, but by the entire tourism industry as a barometer for shifting vacation trends and the enduring appeal of the mega-ship experience.