Star of the Seas has cleared a major milestone on its way to becoming the world’s largest cruise ship. The Royal Caribbean megaship completed a critical series of sea trials off the coast of Turku, Finland, a rigorous step that signals the vessel is nearly ready for passenger service.
The 11-day evaluation put the 250,800-gross-ton ship through a demanding battery of tests, measuring propulsion, navigation systems, engineering performance, and onboard safety. Over 2,000 specialists in marine design and operations were onboard to monitor how the vessel performed under real-world conditions.
May 2025 – 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 (Orlando), Florida. (Courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
Stretching 1,198 feet in length and spanning 20 decks, Star of the Seas is more than just a floating city, it’s an all in one adventure platform. Designed to carry up to 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew, the ship features the largest waterpark at sea. Featuring six record-breaking slides, seven distinct pools, and more than 40 bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Among its headline attractions: the high-flying Crown’s Edge aerial adventure course, the FlowRider surf simulator, and the Grove Suite Sun Deck, an exclusive retreat for VIP travelers. The vessel is also designed with an eye toward versatility, offering everything from family-friendly thrills to high-end luxury escapes.
Now, en route to the Meyer Turku shipyard for a final outfitting, Star of the Seas is on track to debut with a 7-night maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, on August 31, 2025. Before that, Royal Caribbean will run three preview sailings on August 20, 23, and 27.
Once in service, the Star will rotate between Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, each including a stop at the cruise line’s private Bahamian destination, Perfect Day at Coco Cay.
Record-Breaking Cruise Ship Reaches Big Milestone first appeared on Men’s Journal on May 28, 2025
