Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas to Launch Earlier Than Planned: New Opportunities for Cruise Enth

Royal Caribbean International's new Icon class mega-ship, Star of the Seas, will now enter service earlier than expected, offering two ‘showcase sailings’ before its official inaugural cruise. This presents a fantastic opportunity for your clients to experience this groundbreaking vessel sooner than anticipated. Knowing about these changes enables you to provide the most current information and options to potential cruise passengers.

Unlike many newbuild vessels delayed due to post-COVID-19 supply chain constraints, the construction of Star of the Seas  has progressed faster than anticipated. This recovery in the shipbuilding industry is a positive sign for cruise operators and travelers alike. The second Icon class vessel will now be delivered in August instead of September, allowing for the addition of two 4-night ‘showcase’ voyages prior to its official inaugural cruise season.

According to a company statement, "Constructing such a large and amazing ship is challenging, and while delivery can be delayed, there are other times when we get to sail our new ship earlier.” This unexpected early delivery is a testament to the efficiency and hard work of those involved in the ship’s construction.

The new ‘showcase sailings’ will depart from Port Canaveral on August 23rd and 27th, 2025, and will include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island destination. These short voyages offer a tantalizing preview of what Star of the Seas has to offer, providing a glimpse into the innovative features and amenities onboard.

The original seven-night inaugural cruise will still take place as scheduled on August 31st, but guests booked on that voyage now have the option to change their bookings to either of the showcase sailings. Royal Caribbean is offering guests booked on the original inaugural cruise the opportunity to move to one of the new cruises.

“As you may have booked your Star of the Seas sailing to be the first onboard, you’ll have the opportunity to book either (or both) the showcase sailings or to move your existing booking to one of the inaugural four-night cruises,” the company said. For guests willing to book one of the new sailings, Royal Caribbean is offering like-for-like staterooms.

Suite passengers will have their same suites held for them until February 6th, 2025, as a courtesy. Guests who opt to change their bookings to one of the new 4-night cruises will be able to do so at no additional cost, and the cruise fare will be prorated for the change in sailing nights, meaning the cost of the cruise will be adjusted to reflect four nights instead of seven. However, the complimentary transfer covers only the cruise fare for the new date and does not include taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items.

Star of the Seas  is a sister ship to the 2023-built Icon of the Seas, the largest passenger ship ever built, at 248,663 gross tons and carrying upwards of 7,600 passengers. As such, Star of the Seas is a vessel that promises an unparalleled cruising experience. This makes it a highly desirable choice for a wide range of travellers. These changes have been brought about due to the easing of supply chain constraints after the pandemic.

For travel agents, these early showcase sailings provide a unique selling point and an opportunity to cater to clients eager to experience the latest in cruise innovation. Proactively communicating these options and the benefits to clients booked on the inaugural cruise can enhance customer satisfaction. The early launch of these sailings offers a range of benefits to both customers and travel professionals alike.