Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is sailing on open waters this week for sea trials before she arrives to Port Canaveral for her debut sailing in August, 2025. As the newest Icon Class super-sequel ship, Star of the Sea has it all for the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers 22 years running.

This mega-ship is Royal Caribbean’s newest world’s best family cruise vacation leaving from Florida. More than 2,000 specialists and crew are sailing right now, covering approximately 2,400 nautical miles, to perform a series of assessments. They are ensuring that Star of the Seas is in ship shape ahead of her debut in August 2025.

Throughout the journey, experts will evaluate the ship’s propulsion, navigational systems, speed, and safety features. After sea trials are complete, the ship will cruise back to the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, for its final construction phase before her transatlantic sailing to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.

Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean is happy to announce that they have asked musical star, movie star and ‘Queen of Motown” Diana Ross as godmother of Star of the Seas. As “Star” godmother, Ms. Ross will assist with the official naming of the ship, a longstanding maritime tradition. She will also perform in the revolutionary outdoor AguaTheater for special guests, crew members, media and partners.

“I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family,” says Diana Ross. “Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey, as godmother of Star of the Seas.”

Itineraries on the star to the Caribbean include 3, 4 and 7 day Eastern and Western sailings with a visit to Royal Caribbean award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The long- awaited new Icon Class ship offers passengers to 8 different neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has different food and beverage venues, plus entertainment and “wow” experiences. Here’s how to secure an epic cruise vacation on Royal Caribbean’s newest Star of the Seas.