Video: Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas clears sea trials
With Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean created a new standard for megaships.
It built a new class completely from scratch. The cruise line started with a blank piece of paper and considered every aspect of the design.In the end, Icon did bring back some features from earlier classes, like the redesigned Central Park and the Royal Promenade, but it was a very unique ship.
Now, its sister ship, Star of the Seas, is getting close to its first sailing.
"Sailing one step closer to its debut, Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated Star of the Seas has taken to the open ocean for the first time. This week, the next combination of the best of every vacation embarked on a series of sea trials, marking a key construction milestone before the new Icon Class ship makes its way to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, for its August 2025 debut," the cruise line shared on its webpage.
A sea trial is a very comprehensive test.
"Over 11 days, more than 2,000 experts from the naval architecture, engineering, navigation and design spaces are putting Star to the test across a wide range of technical examinations to ensure it's in ship shape," it added. "From testing how the ship moves through the open water to pushing its engine performance to the limits and more, Star's journey will cover hundreds of miles before the ship enters its final phase of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas clears sea trials (0:45)
Royal Caribbean has not shared who the godfather will be for Star of the Seas or when it will have its official naming ceremony. Because the ship is actually arriving early, it will sail three pre-inaugural sailings in August with paying passengers before its actual inaugural sailing.
The cruise line shared some hype on its upcoming ship.
"Doubling the world's best vacation count this summer, Star will deliver more of the revolutionary Icon Class combination introduced by Icon, with new twists and signature favorites. Across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves, there are ways for families and vacationers of all ages to make memories with a lineup of thrills — like the fastest and tallest waterslides, unrivaled chill at seven pools for every vibe and mood, and more than 40+ ways to dine, drink, and be entertained.
Plus, adventurers can island-hop on 7-night vacations visiting Eastern or Western Caribbean destinations, including the vacation brand's top-rated destination at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas."
Every Star of the Seas trip from Port Canaveral will stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean has made it clear that it will not call Star of the Seas "The World's Largest Cruise Ship," although it's technically the same size as Icon, which has made that claim.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
, or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on May 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
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