World's largest cruise ship is finally launching next month with biggest at-sea waterpark and rooftop bars
SAIL ON World's largest cruise ship is finally launching next month with biggest at-sea waterpark and rooftop bars
THE world's largest cruise ship is finally launching next month and it is set to have a whole array of amazing onboard facilities.
Royal Caribbean's mega ship - Star of the Seas - will debut in August at Port Canaveral in Florida, USA. cozy
11
The world's largest cruise ship is finally launching next month
Credit: Royal Caribbean
11
Royal Caribbean's mega ship - Star of the Seas - will debut in August at Port Canaveral in Florida
Credit: Royal Caribbean
11
The ship will be able to host up to 5,610 passengers on board
Credit: Royal Caribbean
The ship will be able to host up to 5,610 passengers on board and it is set to feature many world record holding features.
For those who love to splash about, the ship will be home to the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking slides.
For little splashers, there is also Splashaway Bay with water cannons, fountains, pools and whirlpools
Passengers can have a go at surfing too, on a 12metre surf simulator.
In total, the ship has seven pools - with a mix of family-friendly pools and more adult-orientated pools.
For example, for adults-only the Hideaway Pool is suspended in the air eight storeys up - complete with a DJ and a daybed in the middle of the water.
For those who prefer to stay dry, there is the Lost Dunes mini golf course to explore or the Adrenaline Peak climbing wall.
And for the brave, there is Crown's Edge - a part skywalk, part thrill ride, 154feet above the ocean.
For older kids, there are activities exclusively for them, including Social020 - where there is a hidden entrance to a gaming lounge, karaoke venue and movies.
When it comes to entertainment, there is also a wealth to choose from onboard.
The ultimate cruising experience - From Universal Studios to Florida's Everglades onboard the Icon of the Seas
There will be a park in the middle of the ship too, with over 30,500 plants and a 1930s Chicago-inspired restaurant.
Deck plans also reveal a music hall, conference centre, royal theatre, casino, expansive fitness centre, a Starbucks, an escape room, 'Central Park', a spa and dry slides.
There is an ice arena, aquadome and shows on the ship include Broadway's Back to the Future too.
There are more than 40 places to eat or drink onboard, including complimentary dining choices and more premium restaurant options.
11
There will be an array of amenities onboard, including a mini golf course, waterpark and theatres
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
11
There are more than 40 places to eat or drink onboard, including complimentary dining choices and more premium restaurant options
Credit: Royal Caribbean
11
There is also an adults-only hideaway pool
Credit: Royal Caribbean
The Star of the Seas will also be the first ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet to have a food hall - which is exclusive to Icon Class ships.
It will feature five different vendors with new spots for the ship including Pig Out BBQ.
The accommodation varies onboard from rooms to suites, but some even include an in-suite slide.
Sailings on the Star of the Seas will also go to Perfect Day at CocoCay - a private island destination in the Bahamas.
11
Sailings on the Star of the Seas will also go to Perfect Day at CocoCay - a private island destination in the Bahamas
Credit: Royal Caribbean
11
The island features 14 waterslides and seven beaches
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
The island has 14 waterslides, seven beaches, nine restaurants, five pools, daybeds and cabanas, a zipline and 20 bars.
A Star of the Seas cruise costs from £2,899 per person.
The first voyage will set off on August 31, 2025.
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is currently the world's largest cruise ship.
In total the ship is 365metres long and can carry 5,610 passengers.
11
The Star of the Seas will feature 20 decks, 18 of which are accessible to passengers
Credit: Royal Caribbean
11
The Icon of the Seas has had a maximum passenger number of 7,600 and therefore, Star of the Seas is likely to be the same
Credit: Royal Caribbean
The ship - like the Star of the Seas - has 20 decks, 18 of which are accessible to passengers.
The two ships will jointly share the title of the world's largest ship, both measuring 365metres and having a passenger capacity of 5,610.
This capacity is based on two people per cabin, but in reality the ship can hold more people.
The Icon of the Seas has had a maximum passenger number of 7,600 and therefore, Star of the Seas is likely to be the same.
Inside new 180-day cruise around the world to launch in 2026
A LUXURY cruise ship is already taking bookings for 2026 - after its most recent world cruise sold out in 30 minutes.
Oceania is set to sail from Miami to 101 ports in 43 countries in a 180-day mega trip, and they're looking for passengers to get on board.
The cruise liner is offering an experience like no other on board their new 1,200 passenger ship Vista, with prices starting at £47,377.
This premium cruise ship will leave Miami on January 6, and spend the first six weeks sailing along the coast of South America before heading around to Mexico, California, and Hawaii.
Yet, the journey of a lifetime hardly stops there - guests will then be treated to South Pacific dream islands like Bora Bora, before sailing to Singapore, Mumbai, and then to the Middle East.
Oceania even plans to send the boat through to Europe and, eventually, the British Isles.
And the long list of destinations is only heightened by all of the amenities on board the luxury cruise ship.
The brand-spanking-new cruise ship boasts comfortable cabins that start at an already large 240 square feet.
Passengers can make use of its spa, library, putting green, pickleball court, art classes, restaurants, lounges or pool.
There are 10 new cruises launching in 2025 including the world's biggest ship and terrifying rollercoasters.
Plus, inside an incredible plan for the world's tallest cruise ship with enormous 164ft sails that will hit the water by 2030.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
'I don't get jealous watching my husband have sex with other women - I find it attractive!' How a couple discovered a passion for polyamory after settling in the countryside
On a dull Tuesday afternoon in 2019, the businesswoman and author Evie Sage turned up at an ordinary shopping centre with an extraordinary mission: to meet the woman she and her husband had arranged to have a threesome with. It was the first time they'd organised such a thing, and Sage's state of mind was understandably anxious. In a Starbucks, they found the woman they'd been messaging online, and made small talk, avoiding the elephant in the room. 'Shall we do this?' the woman finally asked.
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
American in UK visits impressive service station that's 'like a theme park'
An American woman has said she's finally come to understand why Brits have a favourite service station after visiting a Welcome Break in the UK she compared to a theme park UK service stations are typically quite basic, offering a couple of eateries, a shop and toilets for travellers in need of a rest on the motorway. However, one Welcome Break UK services is drawing visitors from far and wide. An American woman was left astounded after her recent visit at the Yorkshire service station, describing it as "exquisite". Situated of the M1J33 near Rotherham, the service station boasts an array of popular chains such as Starbucks, Pret A Manger, Burger King, Chopstix, The Good Breakfast, KFC, Waitrose, and WHSmith. Not only does it offer top-notch facilities and a variety of dining options, but the service area - which opened its doors in January this year - also provides 458 parking spaces for various types of vehicles. Plus, it has resulted in the creation of around 230 new jobs. Iniki, an American woman who relocated from Florida - a state known for its large 'petrol stations' - hailed the Rotherham Welcome Break as "the nicest UK service station." In a recent TikTok post, Iniki said: "I think I finally understand when Brits say they have a favourite service station because this service station was exquisite. This is a brand new Welcome Break in Rotherham and I was thoroughly impressed." The woman, who is married to a British man, likened it to "kind of looks like a little town" and said it reminded her of Universal Studios. She described her experience as akin to "a walk in the park." The American was also impressed by the variety of dining choices, gaming section and children's play area. "So yeah, I never understood the hype about service stations until now," she added. One person remarked: "As someone who was born in Rotherham, it's strange hearing an American say it haha. Driven past this service station many times but never been in. Looks nice!". One declared it's "probably the best thing" in Rotherham. "Nicest place in Rotherham," chimed in another. "Wow, it's really nice," noted someone else. A further user commented: "I love a good service station. It's kind of like you're going on holiday, slight airport vibes without the planes or security."
Telegraph
8 hours ago
- Telegraph
Escape the hordes at Greece's last great off-the-radar glories
Tiers of whitewashed houses tumbling down to impossibly blue coves, charming tavernas serving the classics in sleepy villages, and greetings of 'opa' from exuberant locals… Our rose-tinted idea of the Greek island idyll is now all too often a nostalgic cliché which no longer truly exists. These days the most popular resorts on the Greek island big hitters – the likes of Crete, Corfu and Mykonos – seem more focussed on Instagram appeal, where Gen-Zedders and wannabe influencers think nothing of shelling out €150-plus for a beach lounger for a day. In the main streets you're never far away from a big chain, from Zara to Starbucks, and even the so-called 'hidden gems' are now on most tourists' checklists. But for those still seeking that archetypal authentic Greek island holiday – and perhaps looking to experience must-sees a little differently – help is at hand. Here's our selection of the loveliest off-the-radar spots which the tourist hordes haven't yet discovered, and where the hazy, dreamy Greece of yesteryear lives on. Skopelos Before hosting the Mamma Mia nuptials, this small island in the Cyclades was barely on the tourist trail. Now, however, you'll find more tours in its tiny hilltop Agios Ioannis church than olives in a Greek restaurant. Yes, it's pretty as a picture, but so are the other 360 or so chapels and churches dotted around the island. Go beyond this popular spot, however, and you'll soon find Skopelos – 80 per cent of which is covered by pine forest – retains much of its traditional charm. This is helped by the fact that the island has no airport (just frequent ferries from neighbouring Skiathos), meaning it gets a fraction of the tourists it otherwise might. The stunning Panormos beach, with its deep crystal clear waters, is 12km from Skopelos town and popular for divers keen to explore the wreck of the Greek cargo steamer Christoforos, which sank in 1983. It's a large beach with parasols and beds (some free, some around €5 a day), but it's also possible to hire a motorboat to seek out one of many deserted coves along the coastline that are inaccessible by road. For some authentic Skopelitan shopping, the Rodios pottery workshop and store in Skopelos Town is the place to to buy the island's patented black pottery. Since 1900, four generations of the Rodios family have continued their tradition of creating unique black ceramics, and you can even watch Nikos Rodios at work at their original foot-operated wheel. Just don't ask him to reveal how the pottery achieves its celebrated colour – it's a closely guarded secret. Portaria and Makrinitsa The third largest port in Greece (after Athens and Thessaloniki) and an important industrial hub, Volos is about as far from textbook Hellenic paradise as you can get. But there's more to it than meets the eye. For those seeking something rather special, it's also the gateway to the lush hills of Mount Pelion, where the ancient Centaurs (half-man, half-horse) are said to have brought up the young hero Jason, who went on to lead his Argonauts in the quest to find the Golden Fleece. Pelion was also believed to be the summer residence of the Olympian Gods, who enjoyed its abundance of figs, olives and pomegranates under the pine and cypress trees. Half an hour's drive up the winding hillside, the twin villages of Portaria and Makrinitsa appear like an illustrated pop-up book. Plane trees with maple-shaped leaves grow close to the abundant natural springs dotted all around Makrinitsa, offering soothing shade for those keen to take a dip. The town square, meanwhile, is the heart of the village, filled with tiny shops selling bunches of mountain herbs to cure all ills. Even the local cats are on a go-slow; you simply can't help but relax here. Skyros The fishing village of Linaria is the port stop for Skyros, from where a €15 taxi will take you to the main town (or Chora – the name for most Greek island capitals). Here, the medina-like streets and white-cubed buildings seem to cling to the hillside, which is topped by the Byzantine Castle and Monastery of Skyros. Not being much of a shopper myself, it was refreshing to see something different being offered in the quirky stores along the marbled walkways: miniature boats made of driftwood and sailors twine; traditional Trochadia sandals made of leather with rubber soles from car tyres (certainly more unusual than the ubiquitous Birkenstock); and Skyrian macarons topped with a clove and stuffed with walnuts and thyme-scented honey. The island's network of old footpaths appeals to both hikers and those keen to seek out isolated beaches, the walk made all the lovelier by the wild Skyros' ponies, one of the rarest equines in the world, who roam the mountains. Patmos Known variously as the Jerusalem of the Aegean, the Holy Island or the Island of the Apocalypse, Patmos is famous for its religious legacy. A day trip here will likely include a visit to the Monastery of St John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where you will see such treasures as the skull of doubting apostle St Thomas. The museum houses the late 5th century Gospel According to Mark, one of the sources for the text of the New Testament, and in the Cave of Revelations you can touch the crevices in the wall where St John steadied himself while receiving the heavenly revelations. Perhaps not a huge draw for everyone, but of special importance for many. Less likely to be on everyone's radar is Patmian House, a living museum which not only reflects a typical wealthy family home, but also depicts the way in which wealth is passed down through the daughters, rather than the sons, of each family. Perhaps the Greeks were on to something from the start… How to do it Most major cruise lines offer itineraries covering various Greek isles – but bear in mind that companies with smaller vessels can reach a wider range of islands, and – better still – have the flexibility to adapt itineraries depending on the sailing conditions, opening up more opportunities to get off the typical tourist trail. A good option is SeaDream, a line whose catchphrase is 'It's yachting, not cruising': you're technically on a cruise, but with a yachting mindset, allowing for a flexible route which often leads to bonus destinations not on the original itinerary (such as Kusadasi in Turkey to see the ancient city of Ephesus by night). Choosing to sail with a company like SeaDream also often means additional comforts (nightly turndown gifts such as monogrammed pyjamas and personalised water bottles, for example), and experiential highlights such as sleeping under the stars on the top deck or zooming down a huge inflatable slide straight into the Aegean. What to book SeaDream Yacht Club (020 7399 7670) has an 11-day Greek Odyssey round-trip from Athens. Prices from £12,465 per person, including return flights from London Heathrow, overseas transfers and all meals and drinks, use of waterspouts equipment, gratuities and port fees. Departs September 19 2026. If you'd like to tack on a few days in Athens pre-cruise, the five-star Xenodocheio Milos hotel has rooms from £259 (including breakfast), as well as a fabulous spa, superb fish restaurant, and great location close to Athens's most famous sites and buzzy areas such as Psyri, Kolonaki and Pangrati.
