Key Aspects:
- Star of the Seas has departed on her first guest sailing, a 4-night showcase cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
- Port Canaveral hosted a celebratory wave-out event to send the ship off with fun and flair.
- The new ship is offering four short showcase cruises before beginning 7-night sailings from August 31.
A new star has risen for Royal Caribbean as the massive 5,610-passenger Star of the Seas welcomed her first official guests on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
While the world’s largest cruise ship, along with Icon of the Seas, has already sailed short previews for travel agents and influencers, her first revenue guests are now onboard.
Port Canaveral hosted a wave out “sailabration” for the largest cruise ship ever to homeport from the Space Coast on Saturday afternoon. The port has done similar events for previous major new cruise ships too, such as Wonder of the Seas.
Local food trucks, a DJ, a bubble machine, games, and representatives from both Port Canaveral and Royal Caribbean were all part of the event held at Jetty Park on the south side of the port.
Another special guest, a DeLorean car inspired by Star of the Seas‘ exclusive “Back to the Future: The Musical” show was also on hand.
Hundreds of people gathered to see the ship off with cheers and the traditional fire brigade escort from Canaveral Fire Rescue. After a slight delay (reportedly a medical emergency), the second Icon-class ship departed just before 5:30 p.m.
Visitors weren’t bored as they waited, however, as it was a busy day for Port Canaveral. Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras and Carnival Freedom, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure also departed on various sailings.
Star of the Seas was the fourth ship to depart, leaving only Carnival Freedom to close out the busy afternoon.
In total, more than 23,000 cruise guests set sail from Port Canaveral on this historic day in the port’s history.
Guests Now Enjoying Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas‘ first cruise is a 4-night “showcase cruise” to Perfect Day at CocoCay on Sunday, August 17. Monday and Tuesday will be days at sea and the ship will return to Port Canaveral on Wednesday, August 20.
August 20 will also be the new ship’s official naming ceremony, a maritime tradition to bless new vessels and wish for safe voyages for all aboard.
The 248,700-gross-ton ship will be christened by astronaut, author, and social media personality Kellie Gerardi, who was named honorary godmother less than a week before the ceremony.
Motown superstar Diana Ross had been revealed as Star of the Seas‘ godmother in June, but unexpectedly withdrew from the honor a week before the naming.
In total, Star of the Seas will be sailing four short showcase cruises (one 3-night sailing and three 4-night sailings) before beginning her 7-night cruises from August 31.
These shorter sailings were gradually added to the ship’s overall schedule because her construction was completed ahead of schedule, allowing her to be delivered to Royal Caribbean earlier than expected.
The new ship is offering both Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean voyages, depending on sailing date.
Worth Checking: Check Cruise Prices for Star of the Seas
Her Eastern Caribbean itineraries will visit ports such as St. Thomas, San Juan, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten, while the Western Caribbean routes go to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.
Every sailing, both east and west, also visits Perfect Day at CocoCay, ensuring that all guests get the true star treatment at Royal Caribbean’s private island.
