The new biggest cruise ship i the world wil be named today in Florida. The vessel, a colossal 248,663-tonne marvel of the Icon Class, arrived at its new homeport on 9 August, marking a significant milestone in the port’s nearly 30-year partnership with Royal Caribbean. The ceremony, set to take place in the ship’s innovative AquaTheater within the transformative AquaDome neighbourhood, promises to be a star-studded affair, drawing attention from cruise enthusiasts and the global travel community alike.
Originally, music legend Diana Ross was announced as the ship’s godmother, tasked with the maritime tradition of bestowing blessings upon the vessel, its crew, and its passengers. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the 81-year-old icon withdrew from the role just days ago, as confirmed by Royal Caribbean and reported by outlets such as PEOPLE magazine. In her place, the cruise line has appointed Kellie Gerardi, a 36-year-old American commercial astronaut and social media influencer, to serve as godmother. Gerardi, who made history in 2023 as one of the first female payload specialists to fly on a commercial spacecraft, will lead the ceremony, bringing a modern, adventurous spirit to the occasion. Her appointment has sparked intrigue, with many praising the choice for aligning with the ship’s theme of bold exploration.
The Star of the Seas, which takes the title of the world’s largest cruise ship from its sister vessel, Icon of the Seas, has already undertaken a pre-launch taster cruise for media and trade, including Travel Extra and its first revenue voyage from Port Canaveral on 16 August, following a series of celebratory events, including a traditional maritime plaque exchange on 12 August.
The port also hosted a “Star-Studded Sailabration” at Jetty Park on 16 August, where hundreds of locals and visitors gathered to wave off the ship’s inaugural sailing. The family-friendly event featured food trucks, a DJ, and a DeLorean car inspired by the ship’s new Back to the Future: The Musical, adding a nostalgic touch to the festivities.
The ship, constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, is a floating city with a capacity for 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, though estimates suggest it can accommodate over 7,000 at full capacity. It boasts eight distinct neighbourhoods, including Thrill Island with the largest waterpark at sea, featuring six waterslides, and Crown’s Edge, a thrilling skywalk experience 154 feet above the ocean. Other highlights include the Royal Promenade, AquaDome, and a reimagined Lincoln Park Supper Club inspired by Chicago. Powered by liquefied natural gas, the vessel is designed to reduce emissions, reflecting Royal Caribbean’s commitment to sustainable cruising.
Following today’s naming ceremony, the Star of the Seas will commence its regular schedule of seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, starting 31 August, with each itinerary including a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. Ports of call include St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Cozumel, and Roatán, offering passengers a blend of adventure and relaxation. Bookings for sailings through spring 2027 are already open, with prices starting at approximately €2,200 per person for an inside cabin and €3,050 for a balcony cabin, based on double occupancy, as reported by Royal Caribbean’s website.
Port Canaveral, the world’s second-busiest cruise port, continues to expand its infrastructure to accommodate such megaships, with recent enhancements to Cruise Terminal 1 ensuring seamless operations. The arrival of Star of the Seas cements the port’s status as a cruise hub, alongside other Royal Caribbean vessels like Utopia of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas.
