Latest news with #IconClass
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Video: Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas clears sea trials
Video: Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas clears sea trials originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. 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 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, 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.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean makes controversial change, again
Royal Caribbean makes controversial change, again originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. Many 'loyal to Royal' cruisers have learned over the years that careful planning and early booking are a must if you want to secure the itinerary, stateroom type, and add-on amenities you want for your vacation. These days, most experienced cruisers know that booking early will usually help you secure the lowest price for your cruise, days of scoring a last-minute cruise deal are mostly gone, with only a few exceptions this year like some of this summer's Mediterranean and Alaska cruises. Despite the higher prices that usually come with last-minute cruise bookings, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty revealed during the company's Q1 earnings call that the cruise line has noticed more last-minute booking behavior recently. So rather than discount last-minute cruises, Royal Caribbean has been raising prices on near-departure cruises to drive higher profits. This trend in last-minute bookings could also be a factor in the cruise line's controversial decision to continue to make changes to this summer's launch schedule for its next Icon Class ship. These launch schedule changes have opened up some enticing opportunities for cruisers to add somewhat last-minute summer cruises on board Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated Star of the Seas, which will debut in August from Port Canaveral, loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers who are diligent about planning their vacations far in advance were quick to book this summer's inaugural sailing for Star of the Seas when it opened for booking back in December 2023. Most of those cruisers wanted to be the first to sail on the new megaship, which will offer seven-night Caribbean cruises designed to compete with Orlando's theme park vacations. Originally, Star of the Seas' first cruise was scheduled for Aug. 17, 2025, but Royal Caribbean later pushed the inaugural sailing back to Aug. 31, citing a delay in the ship's expected delivery. But early this year, it became clear that Star of the Seas would be ready to sail earlier in August after than change the date of the inaugural voyage again, Royal Caribbean decided to add two shorter 'showcase sailings' before it. For some Royal Caribbean cruisers who didn't plan early enough to secure the ship's inaugural sailing, this was great news. But at the same time, it frustrated some of the careful planners who booked the inaugural cruise to be the first to sail on the new ship on its full seven-night maiden voyage. Some of those cruisers took the opportunity Royal Caribbean offered to switch their booking to the first showcase sailing so they could still be the first on board, but then, a few weeks later, the cruise line changed the launch schedule March, the cruise line announced that Star of the Seas would be ready to sail even earlier, and added another short showcase sailing on the ship departing on Aug. 20, 2025. And now, they've done it again. It turns out Star of the Seas will be delivered according to its original timeline after all, and now it will even debut one day earlier than the previously planned Aug. 17 inaugural voyage.'To officially kick off our inaugural season, we have added in an additional 4-Night Star Showcase Cruise to Perfect Day [at CocoCay] on August 16, 2025, because we simply can't wait to debut the world's best family vacation,' the cruise line wrote in an email to travel partners. So now, while the Aug. 31 Star of the Seas cruise is the first full-length sailing and still considered the inaugural voyage, there are a total of four short showcase sailings happening before it. Although that may be a bit disappointing for some passengers who chose to stay on the original inaugural sailing, it's sure to bring higher revenue for Royal Caribbean as it capitalizes on this year's last-minute cruise booking trend with new sailings on a brand-new ship. (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 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas to finally sail in August — destination, departure date, and bookings nearly full
It takes time to plan the ultimate vacation, particularly for Royal Caribbean enthusiasts who circle their calendars the minute a new ship is available for reservation. But for those willing to wait to be the first to board the Star of the Seas , the cruise company's highly anticipated new Icon Class vessel , things haven't exactly gone according to plan, as per a report. While, Royal Caribbean has continually rescheduled the ship's launch schedule, it now added multiple short showcase sailings before the inaugural cruise , according to The Street. A rocky ride to break in In December 2023, when reservations became available for the Star of the Seas, enthusiasts did not hesitate to reserve places on what was then advertised as the inaugural official sailing, a seven-night voyage that would depart on August 17, 2025, as per the report. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Riobamba: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo But Royal Caribbean subsequently postponed the maiden voyage for two weeks, attributing it to a delay in the delivery of the ship and moving the inaugural cruise to August 31, according to The Street. ALSO READ: Donald Trump's policies are bad—then good? Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang flip-flops within minutes after Q1 results Live Events Showcase Sailings Stir Mixed Emotions Instead of cancelling the original August 17 departure, Royal Caribbean introduced two shorter "showcase sailings" to precede it, as per The Street. For cruisers who had missed out on the initial booking, the news was a pleasant surprise, but for those who had carefully planned their holidays around being the first on board, it left them scrambling, according to the report. A few of the guests opted to transfer their reservations to the new earlier departures, hoping to still be aboard first, as per The Street. Royal Caribbean even added another short showcase sailing on the ship departing on August 20, according to the report. The cruise line said, 'To officially kick off our inaugural season, we have added in an additional 4-Night Star Showcase Cruise to Perfect Day [at CocoCay] on August 16, 2025, because we simply can't wait to debut the world's best family vacation ,' quoted The Street. August 31 Remains the Official Maiden Voyage According to the report, the August 31 Star of the Seas cruise will still be the first full-length sailing and will be considered the inaugural voyage, there will be a total of four short showcase sailings happening before it. FAQs What are 'showcase sailings'? They're shorter preview cruises added before the main inaugural voyage, giving guests a chance to experience the ship early. How many showcase sailings are there now? There are now four short showcase sailings before the August 31 cruise.
Travel Weekly
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Royal Caribbean reveals new dining and entertainment for Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean on Tuesday revealed details about new entertainment and dining aboard Star of the Seas, the line's second Icon-class ship debuting this August. Like sister Icon of the Seas, the Star will have a supper club concept. The upcoming one, Lincoln Park Supper Club, will have a Chicago theme (the Empire Supper Club on the Icon has an old New York theme). Royal Caribbean said the specialty restaurant "will serve up a multicourse dining journey inspired by 1930s Chicago." Royal Caribbean said live jazz music will be paired with "sophisticated cocktails and curated dishes that nod back to iconic dining spots in the Windy City, from the Chez Paree nightclub to the famed Pump Room." At the AquaDome Market, a food hall exclusive to the Icon class, there will be five food stands -- three of them new. One will serve smoked pulled pork and beef brisket. Another will feature Southeast Asian dishes like pad thai and beef panang, and another South American specialties like empanadas and arepas. The Star of the Seas will debut on Aug. 20, departing on a preview cruise from Port Canaveral. Photo Credit: Royal Caribbbean New AquaTheater shows Also in the AquaDome neighborhood, the AquaTheater will have a new show: "Torque." Royal Caribbean describes it as "a revved-up aqua show featuring athletic artists, synchronized swimmers, dancers and slackliners for an action-packed show of thrilling stunts, cutting-edge tech and immersive visuals." Also in the AquaTheater will be "Pirates & Mermaids," combining dance, artistic swimming and diving, all set to a "comedic vibe." Royal Caribbean said the pirates meet the mermaids, "culminating in a heartwarming lesson about the true treasure of life." At the Absolute Zero ice arena, "SOL" will star Royal Caribbean's largest ice-skating cast. The all-new ice show follows the sun's path, complete with "mind-blowing stunts and visuals," says Royal Caribbean. An all-new Royal Caribbean production, "Create" will be performed at the Royal Theater. Royal Caribbean said the show follows the "soul-searching journey of a curious robot, KRE-8 -- harnessing song, dance and visual arts." Royal Caribbean previously announced the the Star's headline show will be "Back to the Future: The Musical." The line said the shows songs will be played by the largest orchestra at sea, and that the audience can anticipate "surprise Royal Caribbean twists." The Star of the Seas will debut on Aug. 20, sailing a preview cruise from its homeport, Port Canaveral.
USA Today
18-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Icon Class in Europe: Royal Caribbean shares first Legend of the Seas itineraries, details
Icon Class in Europe: Royal Caribbean shares first Legend of the Seas itineraries, details Show Caption Hide Caption Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, world's biggest cruise ship Here's what guests can expect from Royal Caribbean's highly-anticipated new ship, Icon of the Seas. Royal Caribbean International's third Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, will debut in 2026. The ship will feature over 40 dining options, a water park, an adults-only area, and other attractions similar to its sister ships. Legend of the Seas will also continue the tradition of having a Chief Dog Officer onboard. Royal Caribbean International is bringing its Icon Class to Europe. Legend of the Seas, the third ship in the record-breaking series, will set sail from Barcelona, Spain, in 2026, the cruise line announced Tuesday. While the world's biggest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, debuted in the Caribbean – as will forthcoming sister vessel Star of the Seas – Legend will launch with seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises. 'Icon's been so successful, and we know all of our guests around the world, specifically in Europe, have been waiting and asking, when will they get their opportunity to see and try an Icon class ship,' the line's Chief Marketing Officer Kara Wallace told USA TODAY. Here's what guests can expect. The future of cruises: Are mega-ships here to stay? When will Legend of the Seas debut? The ship will launch in July 2026. What else can guests expect? After its summer cruises in the Mediterranean, the ship will head to the Caribbean. Starting in November 2026, Legend will offer six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While there will be some 'twists' onboard from previous Icon Class ships – to be announced later – Wallace said 'the biggest difference for Legend of the Seas will truly be in the places that it goes.' Following European destinations like Spain, France and Italy, the Caribbean itineraries will include stops in Oranjestad, Aruba; Falmouth, Jamaica; Willemstad, Curacao and more. The ship will also visit the line's private Bahamas destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean, Princess and more: 8 cruise ships debuting in 2025 Like previous Icon Class vessels, the ship will have more than 40 dining and beverage options, a Category 6 water park, an adults-only Hideaway area with a suspended infinity pool and other attractions. 'So, being able to offer more variety in the ports of call, while also having that variety in terms of all of the things that you can do on board, is really what will make this the ultimate family vacation,' Wallace said. Legend shares its name with a previous Royal Caribbean ship that stopped sailing for the line in 2017, partly because the innovations of the Icon Class were informed by those that preceded it. 'So it is an homage to all of the ships that came before it, but also fits really, really nicely with the Icon and Star series of names,' she said. One of those innovations will return for certain: Wallace confirmed that, like Icon and Star, Legend will feature a Chief Dog Officer onboard. 'It wouldn't be an Icon Class if there weren't a Chief Dog Officer and a dog to make the ship feel like a family and a home,' she said. Meet Icon of the Seas' Chief Dog Officer 'She makes such a difference in people's day' When will Legend of the Seas open for bookings? Members of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program can book beginning on Wednesday. Reservations will open to the general public on Thursday. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
