Amid the excitement and fervor surrounding the impending launch of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas in January 2024, the cruise industry behemoth has now introduced the world to its latest maritime marvel: the Star of the Seas. If it garners even a fraction of the attention its predecessor has, this new floating paradise could truly be a star in the cruise world.
Collaborating with the renowned Meyer Turku shipyard, Royal Caribbean initiated the construction of the Star of the Seas in February 2023, just a brief four months after unveiling the grand plans for the Icon of the Seas.
Although specific details about the Star remain under wraps, as it won’t grace the open waters until the summer of 2025, there’s every indication that this sister ship to the soon-to-be largest cruise vessel on Earth will be another colossal cruise liner.
As a point of reference, the Icon of the Seas boasts a staggering gross tonnage of 250,800 and stretches an impressive 1,198 feet, encompassing a remarkable 20 decks. With an array of over 40 dining and drinking establishments, an exhilarating waterpark, and an impressive seven pools, the Icon is nothing short of a floating town, accommodating a population of 9,950 individuals, of 2,350 dedicated crew members and 7,600 delighted guests.
This extraordinary size far exceeds any preceding Oasis-class ship, once hailed as the world’s largest, and sets a formidable precedent for the forthcoming Icon Class.
These jaw-dropping statistics have already piqued the interest of avid cruise enthusiasts. Although the Icon of the Seas has yet to embark on its maiden voyage, it has already proven to be a game-changer for Royal Caribbean.
The company experienced its most significant booking day in history when reservations opened for the Icon in October 2022, a milestone that prompted Michael Bayley, the cruise line’s CEO, to dub it “the best-selling product in the history of our business.”
Given the overwhelming appeal of the Icon, there’s every reason to believe that the Star of the Seas will follow suit, promising to be another blockbuster for the cruise giant. This announcement is the culmination of a long-awaited journey for Royal Caribbean. In 2016, the cruise industry giant first announced its collaboration with Meyer Turku shipyard for the construction of two Icon-class vessels. Three years later, a third project of the same iconic class, although yet to be officially christened, was added to the prestigious roster.
Read Also:
