In an atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation, a spectacular naming ceremony for Royal Caribbean's newest marvel of technology and design, the ship Star of the Seas, was held today in the port of Port Canaveral, Florida, not far from Orlando. This magnificent cruise ship, the second in the revolutionary Icon class, has officially begun its journey, and the honor of being its godmother went to a person who symbolizes exploration and pushing boundaries, astronaut and scientist Kellie Gerardi. In the impressive setting of the AquaTheater on the ship itself, in front of numerous dignitaries, crew members, company executives, and loyal guests, Gerardi performed the traditional ceremony, wishing the ship, its crew, and millions of future passengers calm seas and safe voyages.

Kellie Gerardi, whose career is dedicated to space exploration, expressed her deep honor at being chosen as the godmother. "It is an extraordinary honor to celebrate the launch of Royal Caribbean's new ship, Star of the Seas, at such a beautiful naming ceremony. Godmothering is a tradition that is dear to my heart, and the spirit that connects the sea and space is particularly pronounced here," said Gerardi. "A vacation on this ship is the perfect combination of my two greatest life passions – the spirit of exploration and quality time spent with family. I can't wait for this journey to begin." Her selection as godmother is no coincidence; it symbolically links the endless expanses of the ocean with the infinity of space, suggesting that a vacation on this ship is an adventure that transcends the ordinary experience.

The Family Vacation Revolution Continues

The naming ceremony was the culmination of years of work and effort by thousands of people involved in the design and construction of this floating city. With its official naming, Star of the Seas is ready to welcome its first passengers and take them on unforgettable journeys. As the successor to its sister ship, Icon of the Seas, the new fleet member brings everything that made the Icon class a global phenomenon – a unique blend of adrenaline-pumping thrills, ultimate relaxation, and unprecedented entertainment, redefining the concept of the perfect family vacation. The starting point for all adventures is precisely Port Canaveral, a strategically positioned port that offers easy access to travelers from all over the world seeking accommodation in Orlando and the surrounding area.

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, emphasized the importance of the new ship for the company's strategy. "Star of the Seas represents the next bold step in our journey of redefining vacations," said Liberty. "It brings together the best of our innovations, iconic experiences, and most sought-after destinations into one unforgettable experience. With this ship, we are not just launching a vessel; we are advancing our mission to create the world's best vacations responsibly for guests of all ages."

Eight Neighborhoods – Each a Destination in Itself

What makes Star of the Seas special is its division into eight unique neighborhoods, each offering a completely different atmosphere and amenities. This allows passengers to experience eight different worlds during a single cruise, tailored to all generations and interests.

For adrenaline junkies, there's Thrill Island, home to the largest waterpark at sea, Category 6. With six record-breaking slides, including the tallest slide on a cruise ship and the first open free-fall slides, this waterpark guarantees unforgettable moments. In addition to the waterpark, there is also Crown's Edge, a unique attraction that combines an obstacle course, a skywalk, and a thrilling ride at a height of 47 meters above the ocean, offering a breathtaking view.

On the other hand, for those seeking relaxation, Chill Island is a true oasis of peace. This neighborhood offers four of the seven pools on the ship, including the Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea, and The Hideaway, the first suspended infinity pool on a cruise ship, located high above the ocean. Each pool offers a unique atmosphere, from lively music to complete tranquility, with plenty of sun loungers and bars with refreshing drinks.

Surfside: A Neighborhood Created for Young Families

Royal Caribbean has paid special attention to families with young children by creating Surfside – a neighborhood where kids and parents can spend the whole day together. Here you can find everything needed for a perfect family day: pools and water play areas adapted for the youngest, like Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, a colorful carousel, arcade games, and restaurants and cafes with offerings that suit children's palates. Parents can relax in the Water’s Edge pool with an ocean view, while their children are within reach, safe and entertained.

Unparalleled Dining and Entertainment

With more than 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, Star of the Seas is a true paradise for foodies. The culinary offerings cover everything from quick poolside snacks and casual family restaurants to exclusive fine dining experiences. Passengers can enjoy the flavors of Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisine, savor top-quality steaks or fresh seafood. Each neighborhood has its own signature dining spots, ensuring that everyone finds something to their taste.

When night falls, the ship transforms into a spectacular stage. The entertainment program surpasses anything seen at sea. The AquaTheater hosts incredible shows with water acrobatics, diving, and dancing. The ice rink, Absolute Zero, is home to mesmerizing ice shows, while the main Royal Theater features Broadway-quality productions. A special highlight is the hit musical "Back to the Future: The Musical", which is sure to delight audiences of all generations with its energy and visual effects.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, proudly highlighted the achievements. "Here we are, introducing the boldest family vacation ever! Star of the Seas provides everything families want on vacation, with more adventure and more ways to create unforgettable memories together," said Bayley. "We have once again created the world's best vacation for all ages, and it is truly a magical moment to celebrate this with our Royal Caribbean family who made it all possible."

Dream Vacations and the Future of Shoreside Experiences

Starting today, August 23, 2025, Star of the Seas will embark on its seven-night voyages from its homeport of Port Canaveral (Orlando). The itineraries are carefully designed to give passengers the opportunity to explore the most beautiful destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. An unmissable stop on almost every voyage is Royal Caribbean's award-winning private destination in the Bahamas – Perfect Day at CocoCay. This island offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, with a waterpark, beautiful beaches, an exclusive beach club, and various activities.

The company does not stop with innovations. In the coming years, Royal Caribbean plans to expand its offering of exclusive shoreside experiences. In December 2025, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas will open, followed by the Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico during 2026. The culmination of this expansion will be the opening of a new destination, Perfect Day Mexico, planned for the fall of 2027, providing passengers with even more opportunities to create lifelong memories.