The world’s largest cruise ship is one step closer to making its Port Canaveral debut in just over a month. Royal Caribbean officially has the keys to its new Star of the Seas, the company’s second Icon-class ship.

The handoff took place at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, just a few weeks ahead of its August debut. The milestone follows more than two years of construction on the 248,663-gross-ton vessel, which can accommodate 5,610 passengers at double occupancy and more than 7,000 passengers at full capacity, plus 2,350 crew.

More than 1,250 crew members and partners gathered in the ship’s AquaTheater during a ceremony in Finland marking the official handoff of the ship to Royal Caribbean.

“The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reimagine the future of vacations. Star and the Icon Class are a symbol of what’s possible when innovation, imagination and our relentless focus on delivering exceptional experiences come together, ultimately creating unforgettable memories for millions of families and vacationers,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, in a news release. “We’re proud to bring this next-generation vacation experience to life with our valued partners at Meyer Turku.”

The ship’s construction began in February 2023 with steel cutting and then progressed with the keel laying in December 2023.  Meyer Turku completed lifting the Pearl, the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture, in February 2024 and lifted the 367-ton, 82-foot-tall, 164-foot-wide glass-and-metal AquaDome in July 2024. The vessel had its float out in September 2024 and completed sea trials in May 2025.

Star of the Seas features six waterslides in Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, Chill Island, a three-deck oasis with four pools (including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea), and more than 40 venues for dining, drinking and entertainment.

Royal Caribbean is now booking “Star Showcase” cruises for guests interested in being among the first onboard. Four-night cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas sail Aug. 16-20, Aug. 23-27 and Aug. 27-31 while a three-night itinerary sails Aug. 20-23.

The ship will sail seven-night alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, partnering alongside Royal’s Utopia of the Seas that debuted in summer 2024 at Port Canaveral. It will continue three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries.

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