RCI-Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Star of the Seas, the second vessel in the cruise line’s Icon Class, has commenced sea trials this week in the Baltic Sea, marking a significant phase in its construction timeline. The ship, which is currently being completed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, is preparing for its scheduled August 2025 debut from Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida).
The trials span an 11-day period and involve over 2,000 specialists in naval architecture, engineering, navigation, and design. The vessel is undergoing a battery of technical assessments intended to evaluate its performance in various operational conditions. These include propulsion tests, maneuverability trials, and engine stress evaluations, all essential to confirming the ship’s readiness for service.
During this extended voyage across open waters, Star of the Seas will cover several hundred nautical miles. Upon completion of sea trials, the ship will return to Turku for its final construction and outfitting phase.
When it enters service in mid-2025, Star of the Seas will build upon the framework introduced by its sister ship Icon of the Seas. The vessel will feature 8 distinct neighborhoods offering an array of recreational and hospitality options, including high-speed waterslides, multiple pools tailored to different passenger experiences, and over 40 venues dedicated to dining, beverages, and entertainment.
The ship is slated to operate a series of 7-night cruises through the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with scheduled calls at destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, a flagship private island experience that remains one of Royal Caribbean’s highest-rated ports of call.