A Record-Breaking Debut
Royal Caribbean has officially launched the Star of the Seas, now the largest cruise ship in the world. The vessel set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, on August 31, 2025, edging out its sister ship, the Icon of the Seas, by just a few inches in length. Measuring 364.83 meters and weighing in at 248,663 gross tons, the Star of the Seas is a floating metropolis designed to push the boundaries of luxury travel.
A Floating City at Sea
The ship is equipped with 20 decks, nearly 40 bars and restaurants, and entertainment offerings that rival theme parks. Among the standout features are a Back to the Future musical complete with a flying DeLorean, a 55-foot indoor waterfall inside the Aquadome, and the largest waterpark at sea, featuring record-breaking slides. Passengers can also enjoy infinity-style pools, high-end dining, and immersive entertainment zones that cater to families and thrill-seekers alike.
Meeting Soaring Cruise Demand
The launch comes during a boom period for the cruise industry. 2025 marks the third straight year of record cruise passenger volumes, with mega-ships like Star of the Seas fueling much of that demand. Analysts say Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships are setting a new standard for ocean travel, combining spectacle with scale to capture an increasingly global audience.
Setting a New Standard for Cruising
With a maximum capacity of about 7,600 passengers, Star of the Seas is more than just a ship—it’s an economic and cultural powerhouse. Its innovative design, ambitious entertainment lineup, and sheer size reflect Royal Caribbean’s strategy of dominating the cruise market by offering guests an all-in-one, over-the-top vacation experience.
