Star of the Seas Departs Finland: Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ship Begins Journey to Port Canaveral
Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s next Icon Class ship, has officially departed Finland. After her handover from Meyer Turku on 10 July 2025, she’s now en route to Spain for final outfitting before arriving in Port Canaveral. With preview cruises beginning mid-August and her maiden 7-night sailing set for 31 August, a new era of family cruising is about to begin.
A New Era Begins for Icon Class
Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Star of the Seas, has officially left the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The ship was handed over on 17 July 2025, marking the start of her delivery voyage ahead of her debut season in the Caribbean.
As the second vessel in the innovative Icon Class, Star of the Seas builds on the record-breaking success of Icon of the Seas, bringing even more next-generation features to family cruising.
👉🏽 Explore Icon of the Seas’ full itinerary and what sets her apart.
First Stop: Spain for Final Outfitting
Rather than heading directly to Florida, Star of the Seas is making a planned stop in Algeciras, Spain (originally Cádiz) for final outfitting and crew onboarding. This stage includes finishing interior details, loading supplies, and bringing crew members aboard ahead of her U.S. arrival.
Due to industrial strikes in Cádiz, Royal Caribbean shifted the outfitting location to Algeciras — a move that ensures her schedule remains on track.
Arrival in Port Canaveral and Preview Cruises
After completing preparations in Spain, Star of the Seas will cross the Atlantic to her new home port: Port Canaveral, Florida.
She’ll begin with a series of preview cruises starting 16 August 2025, giving early guests a first look at her new features and design. These include:
16 August: 3-night preview sailing
20 August: 3-night showcase cruise
23 & 27 August: Two 4-night cruises added due to high demand
First Official Cruise: 31 August 2025
Star of the Seas will officially begin regular guest sailings on 31 August 2025, offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral. Each itinerary includes a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island.
What to Expect Onboard
As an Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas is designed to push boundaries — with highlights including:
Category 6 Waterpark – the largest at sea
AquaDome – an enclosed, panoramic entertainment space
Surfside Neighbourhood – designed specifically for families
A wide range of new dining venues, bars, and live shows
LNG propulsion and sustainable technologies to reduce emissions
Looking Ahead
With her first sailing already underway, Star of the Seas is one step closer to welcoming thousands of guests onboard for unforgettable Caribbean adventures.
👉 Read about Royal Caribbean’s next generation: the upcoming Discovery-class ships.
The ship’s journey from Finland to Spain, then on to Florida, marks a major milestone in Royal Caribbean’s bold new era of cruising.