The Star of the Seas, the line’s second Icon Class ship, offers eight different neighborhoods and every imaginable amenity. There’s even a Chief Dog Officer.
Royal Caribbean International recently introduced the Star of the Seas in a naming ceremony that included her official christening. The event took place August 20 in Port Canaveral, Florida, from where the ship will be offering 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean executives, crew members and loyal guests gathered in the ship’s AquaTheater for the ceremony. Godmother Kellie Gerardi, research astronaut and payload specialist, christened the 5,610-passenger ship, which then sailed on a preview cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, before starting her Caribbean sailings.
More about the Christening Ceremony
Along with Gerardi, Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group; Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean; and Rod Hempstead, captain of Star of the Seas, hosted the ceremony.
Gerardi said, “I’m honored to celebrate Royal Caribbean’s new Star of the Seas in such a beautiful naming ceremony as godmother – a tradition that is close to my heart and a spirit that spans both sea and space. A vacation on Star is the perfect combination of two of my biggest passions in life, a spirit of exploration and quality time with family, and I can’t wait for this journey to begin.”
Liberty said, “Star of the Seas represents the next bold step in our journey to reimagine vacations. It brings together the best of our innovation, signature experiences, and the most sought-after destinations into one unforgettable vacation. With Star, we’re not just launching a ship, we’re advancing our mission to create the world’s best vacations responsibly for guests of all ages.”
Chief Dog Officers Rover and Sailor meet
Star of the Seas’ Chief Dog Officer
When Royal Caribbean introduced the Icon of the Seas in 2024, they decided to have a Chief Dog Officer onboard. She is a Golden Retriever named Rover. People immediately fell in love with her, and so Royal Caribbean decided to have a Chief Dog Officer on sister ship Star of the Seas. Her name is Sailor, and she’s also a Golden Retriever.
Eight Neighborhoods on Star of the Seas
The Star of the Seas has eight different neighborhoods. To name a few:
- Thrill Island Neighborhood, located on Deck 16
- Surfside Neighborhood, Deck 7
- Central Park, located on Deck 8, includes various amenities, along with specialty restaurants Chops Grille, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Trellis Bar, Park Cafe, Jazz ‘N Blues and the new Lincoln Park Supper Club
- AquaDome Neighborhood on Deck 15 has a soaring glass dome containing the AquaTheater, between the Rye & Bean Coffee Shop and The Overhead Pods. Restaurants include Hooked Seafood and the new AquaDome Market and Celebration Table.
Diverse Dining Options on Star of the Seas
Guests have diverse options when it comes to dining on Star of the Seas. Ther are more than 40 ways to dine and drink onboard. The AquaDome Market has three different food hall stalls serving pulled pork and beef brisket: Southeast Asian dishes, and South American favorites.
Crown’s Edge is for the brave.
A Bit More about Thrill Island Neighborhood
Located on Deck 16, the Thrill Island Neighborhood offers a variety of options. Guests can enjoy the Chill Island sundeck, Lime & Coconut Bar and swim-up bar Swim & Tonic. The FlowRider surf simulator is also located there, as are the Endurance waterslides, Adrenaline Peak rock climbing wall and Lost Dunes mini golf. For an extra fee, guests can do the Crown’s Edge for the skywalk and zipline.
Crown’s Edge is part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride. Strapped in a harness, guests walk around a giant Royal Caribbean logo on a deck-high path and then in front of the logo over the sea, ending at a breakaway platform. And without warning, the platform drops, leaving the guest dangling over the water as he or she zips back around the logo to the starting platform. This adrenaline-pumping experience culminates in a surprising moment where guests swing 154 feet above the ocean!
“Back to the Future: The Musical”
Entertainment on the New Cruise Ship
Star of the Seas’ Royal Theater hosts “Back to the Future: The Musical.” Guests can take a blast to the past with classic rock hits played by the largest orchestra at sea, captivating special effects and choreography, and surprise Royal Caribbean twists.
Also in the Royal Theater, “Create” follows the dreams of a curious robot named KRE-8 through song and dance numbers.
In the AquaTheater, “Pirates & Mermaids” is a watery action-comedy pitting two sets of characters against each other while showcasing synchronized dramatic diving and swimming. “Torque” engages AquaTheater audiences with even more kinetic skills, including slacklining. And taking place in Absolute Zero is “SOL,” where ice skaters follow “the sun’s path,” in a visual spectacular, featuring the brand’s largest-ever ice cast.
Returning entertainment includes Dueling Pianos, The Attic for comedy and karaoke, the New Orleans-style Lou’s and the classic Casino Royale.
Where the New Ship is Sailing
The Star of the Seas’ homeport, Port Canaveral, is conveniently located near Orlando. Her 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises include a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Reimagine your adventure at sea and set sail for unrivaled experiences—start charting your path with our Cruise Guide.
By Cindy Bertram
Photos Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
