Royal Caribbean cruise: Star of the Seas launch guide for 2025

TL;DR:

Star of the Seas began welcoming guests in Port Canaveral on Aug 16, 2025.
Kellie Gerardi is the ship’s godmother after a late change from Diana Ross.
Seven-night Caribbean runs start late August, with CocoCay in the mix.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opens in December 2025.
Labadee calls are paused into spring 2026, with rebooks coming.

Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, arrived at Port Canaveral and started welcoming guests on August 16, 2025. The line marked the debut with preview sailings ahead of weeklong Caribbean cruises.

The naming plans shifted in August. After Diana Ross pulled out, Royal Caribbean named research astronaut Kellie Gerardi as godmother. The press center confirms the naming celebration in Port Canaveral with Gerardi.

The ship is now the world’s largest, edging Icon of the Seas. It measures roughly 248,000 gross tons and spans 20 decks, according to port officials and recent reporting.

Where it sails and when

Preview cruises ran in mid-August. Regular seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries begin late August and continue year-round from Port Canaveral. Stops include Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.

If you sail to Nassau late this year, you can add the new Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island. Royal Caribbean says the 17-acre venue opens in December 2025, with day passes now available for future calls.

What’s on board

Icon Class ships are built for families and groups. Expect surf simulators, the Category 6 waterpark, multiple pools and the high-tech AquaDome theater. Axios highlighted a “Back to the Future” stage show and a flying DeLorean prop on Star’s debut run.

For adults, look for quiet spaces and new cocktail bars. Many sailings include a call at CocoCay’s adults-only Hideaway Beach, which opened in January 2024 and requires a separate pass.

Key policy updates cruisers need now

Labadee pause extended. Security issues in Haiti continue to disrupt calls at Labadee. Royal Caribbean has canceled visits into 2026. Updates this week indicate calls are off through April 2026, with some outlets reporting at least May 2026. Impacted guests will receive revised itineraries by September 11, 2025.

Gratuities. Royal Caribbean’s current daily service charge is $18.50 per person in standard cabins and $21.00 in suites. You can prepay or adjust at Guest Services. Extra percentage tips apply to many purchases, such as 18 percent for beverage packages and 20 percent for spa.

Wi-Fi. VOOM Surf + Stream is the line’s shipwide internet. Prices vary by ship and sailing, and Royal Caribbean advises pre-purchasing in Cruise Planner for the best rate.

Drink packages. Prices are dynamic. Recent 2025 ranges seen by industry trackers place the Deluxe Beverage Package around 55 to 115 dollars per person per day, and the Refreshment Package around 28 to 42 dollars. Your actual offer may differ.

How it affects travelers

If you want the newest hardware, 2025 and early 2026 Star of the Seas sailings give you the latest shows and waterpark features, with CocoCay on most runs. Book CocoCay extras early, like Hideaway Beach or Ocean Club cabanas, since capacity is limited.

Sailing to Nassau after December adds a new beach-day choice. Royal Beach Club admission is a separate purchase with pools, cabanas and a large swim-up bar. Think of it like an all-inclusive day resort layered onto a standard cruise call.

If your cruise listed Labadee, watch for email updates on replacement ports. Royal Caribbean is still finalizing port swaps and promises updated itineraries this week.

Money tips in one minute

Lock in add-ons early. Pre-buy Wi-Fi and packages in Cruise Planner, then reprice if you see a sale.
Do the drink math. Use your offer price and your habits. Trackers show wide price swings across ships and dates.
Budget for tips. Add $18.50 per person per day for most cabins, $21.00 for suites, plus package gratuities.
Build a CocoCay plan. Decide if you want Hideaway Beach or waterpark access before boarding.

Quick reference dates

Milestone	Date	Source
Star of the Seas begins welcoming guests in Florida	August 16, 2025	Royal Caribbean press center
Naming celebration in Port Canaveral with godmother Kellie Gerardi	August 20, 2025	Royal Caribbean press center, People
Weeklong Caribbean service ramps up	Late August 2025	Ships Monthly
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opening	December 2025	Royal Caribbean press release
Labadee pause window, latest guidance	Through April to at least May 2026	Cruise Radio, Royal Caribbean Blog

Background

Icon of the Seas debuted in 2024 and reset demand for big-ship family trips. Star of the Seas is the next step, keeping the same neighborhood layout with new shows and tweaks. Leading outlets last week again called it the largest cruise ship at sea.

CocoCay remains the line’s crown jewel in the Bahamas, with the adults-only expansion, Hideaway Beach, added in January 2024 to spread crowds and offer shade, pools and bars without kids.

Why it matters

Travelers want clear plans. These updates set expectations on where ships will go, what extras you can add, and what fees to budget. Knowing the dates helps you pick the right sailing and avoid surprises on port changes and add-on costs.

Booking checklist

Pick East or West Caribbean based on ports you care about.
Add CocoCay extras before they sell out.
Pre-purchase Wi-Fi and watch for sales.
Compare drink package price against your daily habits.
Add daily gratuities to your budget.
If Labadee was listed, watch your inbox for the revised plan.

[Related: Best time to book a Caribbean cruise → /guides/best-time-to-book]
[Related: Royal Caribbean cabin guide for families → /guides/rccl-cabin-guide]