Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated Star of the Seas sets sail to the open ocean for the first time. The sea trials mark a key milestone in the construction of the ship and comes less than 100 days ahead of the new Icon Class vacation’s debut in Port Canaveral , Florida.

MIAMI, May 20, 2025 – Sailing one step closer to its debut, Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated Star of the Seas has taken to the open ocean for the first time. This week, the next combination of the best of every vacation embarked on a series of sea trials, marking a key construction milestone before the new Icon Class ship makes its way to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, for its August 2025 debut.

Over 11 days, more than 2,000 experts from the naval architecture, engineering, navigation and design spaces are putting Star to the test across a wide range of technical examinations to ensure it’s in ship shape. From testing how the ship moves through the open water to pushing its engine performance to the limits and more, Star’s journey will cover hundreds of miles before the ship enters its final phase of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.

Doubling the world’s best vacation count this summer, Star will deliver more of the revolutionary Icon Class combination introduced by Icon with new twists and signature favorites. Across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves, there are ways for families and vacationers of all ages to make memories with a lineup of thrills like the fastest and tallest waterslides, unrivaled chill at seven pools for every vibe and mood, and more than 40+ ways to dine, drink and be entertained. Plus, adventurers can island hop on 7-night vacations visiting Eastern or Western Caribbean destinations, including the vacation brand’s top-rated destination at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.