Royal Caribbean’s New Cruise Ship Has a Rooftop Bar, a Waterpark and the Largest Pool at Sea

You step into a glass dome floating high above the ocean. To your right, divers plunge from platforms. Above, aerialists twist through light. Somewhere behind you, a DJ is spinning beside a suspended infinity pool. This isn’t a dream — it’s Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship, and it’s about to change the way you think about cruising.

After nearly two years of construction in Finland, the cruise line has officially taken delivery of its most ambitious ship to date. Star of the Seas is now preparing for its Caribbean debut out of Port Canaveral this August, ready to whisk travelers on weeklong adventures to destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay and beyond, with a focus on shorter cruises.

Royal Caribbean has officially taken delivery of Star of the Seas, the second ship in its revolutionary Icon Class—and one of the most highly anticipated cruise launches in years. After nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the 1,198-foot floating resort is now just weeks away from its debut in Port Canaveral, Florida, where it will begin sailing seven-night Caribbean itineraries starting this August.

In a celebration that matched the scale of the ship itself, more than 1,250 crew members, engineers, and partners gathered at the AquaTheater for a ceremony that marked the transfer of ownership from the shipyard to Royal Caribbean. Company executives, including Royal Caribbean Group President Jason Liberty and Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley, called the ship a “bold step forward” in the company’s vision for the future of family vacations.

And if Star of the Seas looks familiar, it’s because it builds on the success of Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world. Star doesn’t just match that—it expands it, delivering even more thrills, more places to relax, and more options for families, couples, and adventurers alike.

What to Expect Onboard Star of the Seas

Star of the Seas is designed around eight “neighborhoods”—distinct areas of the ship that create experiences unlike anything else at sea:

Thrill Island features the largest waterpark at sea, complete with six record-breaking waterslides, including drop slides and raft rides. The high-flying Crown’s Edge skywalk—154 feet above the ocean—is part obstacle course, part adrenaline rush.

Chill Island spans three decks and includes Royal Bay, the biggest pool at sea, plus a swim-up bar, DJs, and tropical cocktails from The Lime & Coconut.

Surfside is tailor-made for families with young kids, offering splash zones like Baby Bay, a family pool with ocean views, and dining options that cater to all ages.

AquaDome, a wraparound glass sanctuary by day, transforms into a jaw-dropping nighttime venue for acrobatics, aerial shows, and even robots. Its food hall, seafood restaurant, and rooftop bar make it a destination in itself.

The Hideaway, perched 135 feet above the ocean, is a suspended adults-only retreat with an infinity pool, whirlpools, and a DJ-powered social scene.

The ship also introduces reimagined favorites: a two-level Coastal Kitchen, a real-plant Central Park with 30,000-plus plants, and the Pearl, the largest kinetic art installation at sea. The Lincoln Park Supper Club brings a dose of 1930s Chicago glam, while new quick-service windows offer everything from sushi to champagne.

A New Era of Sustainable Cruising

Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s third ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), with advanced environmental systems that include waste heat recovery and shore power connectivity. It’s part of the brand’s push toward a net-zero cruise ship by 2035—and a future where sustainability and scale go hand in hand.

After a short stop in Cadiz, Spain for final outfitting, Star will head to Port Canaveral to begin alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries that include stops at fan-favorite Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

It’s a ship built to redefine what a family vacation can be — one record-breaking thrill, sunset swim, and unforgettable meal at a time.

Discover More: Star’s arrival is just the beginning. Royal Caribbean’s expansion continues this December with the launch of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, followed by Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in 2027.

What Will Star of the Seas Cruises Cost?

Star of the Seas’ first cruises from Port Canaveral start at $839 per person on three-night cruises. That visits Perfect Day at CocoCay.