Royal Caribbean International is preparing to welcome the next evolution of family cruising with the summer 2025 debut of Star of the Seas, the second vessel in its revolutionary Icon-class fleet. Following the record-breaking success of Icon of the Seas, this new ship is expected to redefine cruise vacations for families with its bold design, tech-forward features, and immersive entertainment—while maintaining the hallmark elements guests loved from the original Icon-class launch.
The Future of Family Cruising Sets Sail
Slated to sail from PortMiami, Star of the Seas is designed to blend high-adrenaline fun with relaxing luxury for multi-generational travel groups. The ship will feature eight unique neighborhoods, including returning favorites like Chill Island, Thrill Island, and The Hideaway, but with new enhancements that reflect feedback from families who cruised aboard Icon of the Seas.
World’s Largest Water Park at Sea
One of the most game-changing attractions on Star of the Seas will be its Category 6 water park, the largest ever built at sea. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike, it will include six state-of-the-art waterslides:
- High-speed mat racers
- A zero-gravity raft slide
- Body drop slides with heart-pounding vertical drops
- Family raft slides
Safety and accessibility are top priorities, with Royal Caribbean aiming to make the water park inclusive and fun for a broad range of age groups. These innovative features reinforce the brand’s vision of delivering unforgettable family adventures.
Tailored Spaces for Kids and Teens
Royal Caribbean is doubling down on its family-first focus with major upgrades to youth-centric areas:
- The Surfside neighborhood is being redesigned to better suit kids around age 10.
- Programs like Adventure Ocean, Splashaway Bay, and Playscape will be updated based on parent and child feedback from previous voyages.
- A newly conceptualized teen social zone will offer screen-free, organic gathering spaces where teenagers can interact naturally—away from devices, but still deeply engaged.
This emphasis on real-world connectivity and age-appropriate fun marks a significant evolution in cruise ship youth programming.
All-New Lincoln Park Supper Club
A signature addition on Star of the Seas is the Lincoln Park Supper Club, replacing the Empire Supper Club found on Icon of the Seas. Inspired by Chicago’s vibrant music and culinary scene, the venue will offer:
- An immersive dining experience with live jazz and soul performances
- A rotating chef-curated tasting menu
- Speakeasy-style design with rich, moody interiors
This exclusive restaurant promises to be a top-tier dining destination for adult guests, blending gastronomy with atmosphere.
AquaDome & High-Energy Entertainment
The ship’s AquaDome—a marvel of glass and engineering—will return with even more breathtaking acrobatic and aquatic performances. This indoor-outdoor venue will host original productions blending water stunts, aerial artistry, and digital effects, setting a new bar for at-sea entertainment.
Additional performance venues, live music stages, and pop-up experiences throughout the ship will cater to guests of all ages, ensuring there’s something for every type of traveler—from Broadway lovers to comedy fans and music enthusiasts.
Visual Redesign and Arrival Experience
The Star of the Seas will debut with a bold visual redesign. The ship’s central Pearl structure, which greets guests upon embarkation, will now feature vibrant colors and interactive elements, reflecting Royal Caribbean’s evolving design philosophy: fun meets luxury. Other spaces throughout the ship will incorporate modern décor with playful, family-friendly aesthetics, making every corner of the vessel feel welcoming and fresh.
Sustainability and Smart Technology
Royal Caribbean continues its commitment to sustainability by equipping Star of the Seas with LNG (liquefied natural gas) propulsion, energy-efficient technologies, and smart waste management systems. Guests can also expect upgraded digital interfaces onboard, including mobile check-in, facial recognition embarkation, and AI-powered concierge support through the Royal Caribbean app.
Itineraries and Caribbean Highlights
Star of the Seas will launch from Miami, Florida, offering seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries with stops at signature destinations like:
- Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island)
- Nassau, Bahamas
- Roatán, Honduras
- Cozumel, Mexico
Each itinerary will be designed with families in mind, offering shore excursions like snorkeling, cultural tours, zip-lining, and beach relaxation that appeal to all ages.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Icon-Class
Royal Caribbean has already hinted that more Icon-class ships are in development, building on the enormous success of Icon of the Seas, which broke pre-sale records when launched in 2024. Star of the Seas represents not just a continuation, but a leap forward in redefining what cruise vacations can be—especially for families.
The cruise line’s bold strategy has paid off, with increased demand across all age groups, according to industry reports and pre-booking data from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your first cruise or your tenth, Star of the Seas is shaping up to be a milestone in family travel. With cutting-edge amenities, immersive entertainment, and dynamic spaces that cater to children, teens, and adults alike, Royal Caribbean is ushering in a new era of ocean-bound vacations. As it sails into service in 2025, Star of the Seas won’t just be a cruise—it will be an all-encompassing experience that promises something extraordinary for every member of the family.
For families planning their summer 2025 cruise, Star of the Seas offers more than a getaway—it delivers a floating theme park, luxury hotel, and international adventure all in one unforgettable voyage.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
