Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas Has Arrived in Port Canaveral — Here’s Where She’s Sailing Next
You see her before you hear her — a towering silhouette on the horizon, gliding past Jetty Park with a water cannon escort, the sound of ship horns mixing with cheers from the shoreline. Star of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, has made her first-ever arrival at Port Canaveral, docking at the recently renovated Cruise Terminal 1. It’s a milestone moment for both the port and Royal Caribbean’s next-generation Icon Class — and the start of a new chapter in Caribbean cruising.
A Floating City Built for Adventure
At 248,663 tons, Star of the Seas is more than a cruise ship — she’s a destination in her own right. Spanning 20 decks and packed with entertainment, dining, and recreation, she’s designed for weeklong escapes that feel like a blend of luxury resort, theme park, and tropical getaway. Before she begins her regular schedule later this month, she’ll sail a series of showcase voyages, culminating in a high-profile naming ceremony led by legendary music icon Diana Ross.
Once her inaugural celebrations are complete, Star of the Seas will officially begin sailing seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral. Every voyage includes a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, where guests can choose between relaxation on white-sand beaches and adrenaline-fueled water park thrills.
Where She’s Going
Eastern Caribbean sailings will feature marquee ports like St. Thomas and St. Maarten, along with select calls in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Labadee, Haiti. These itineraries combine the charm of historic towns with the allure of turquoise waters and vibrant local culture. Western Caribbean routes will call on Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico and Roatán in Honduras, offering a mix of coral reef diving, ancient Maya ruins, and lush tropical landscapes.
Both itineraries are designed to balance immersive days ashore with full days at sea, giving guests time to enjoy the ship’s record-setting attractions. These include six of the tallest water slides at sea, a multi-deck AquaDome with high-diving performances, the lush greenery of Central Park, and more than 40 dining and lounge venues ranging from fine dining to casual eats.
A Season of Sun and Celebration
The debut season will also include special holiday sailings over Christmas and New Year’s, with festive events both onboard and in port. Peak winter voyages will capitalize on the Caribbean’s best weather — daytime highs averaging 78-85°F — making them a welcome escape from colder climates. Early 2026 departures are already open for booking, giving travelers the chance to lock in warm-water getaways months in advance.
Royal Caribbean’s schedule for Star of the Seas runs well into 2027, providing a long runway for guests to experience the ship’s combination of new-to-the-world features and classic Caribbean ports.
Celebrating Her Arrival
Locals and visitors can join the festivities at the “Star”-Studded Sailabration at Jetty Park on Saturday, Aug. 16. Timed with the ship’s afternoon departure, the free wave-out event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. and will feature food trucks, themed giveaways, a live DJ, and up-close views of Star of the Seas heading out to sea. Parking passes for Jetty Park are required and should be purchased in advance at shop.portcanaveral.com.
When she begins her full Caribbean schedule, Star of the Seas will carry thousands of passengers each week to some of the region’s most iconic destinations — delivering a cruise experience that blends marquee ports, private island escapes, and one of the most ambitious ships ever built.
Karen Udler is the Deputy Travel Editor of Caribbean Journal. A graduate of Duke University, has been traveling across the Americas for three decades. First an expert on Latin American travel, Karen has been traveling with CJ for more than a decade. She likes to focus on wellness, luxury travel and food.
