Written by Chillie Falls, AccessAdventure.net, August 14, 2025
Author’s Note: While I have not been on Star of the Seas yet, I have sailed numerous Royal Caribbean ships and find them to provide top knotch wheelchair accessibility.
If you were anywhere near Florida’s Space Coast on August 9, you might have noticed an unforgettable sight on the horizon — the world’s largest cruise ship sailing into Port Canaveral for the very first time.
Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Star of the Seas made her grand entrance with a water cannon escort, gliding past Jetty Park before docking at the port’s recently renovated Cruise Terminal 3. At 248,663 gross tons, this Icon Class vessel is a true floating city, ready to welcome thousands of guests for Caribbean adventures.
Preview Sailings Before the Big Debut
Before her official naming ceremony — set to be led by the legendary “Queen of Motown” Diana Ross — Star of the Seas will offer a few short preview cruises. Guests can choose a 3-night sailing on August 20 or 4-night itineraries on August 23 and August 27. All include a stop at Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay in the Bahamas. NOTE: See updated information below.
First Full Caribbean Itinerary
The ship’s first “full” voyage begins August 31 with a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise visiting:
- Costa Maya, Mexico
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Roatan, Honduras
- Perfect Day at Coco Cay
Once Star of the Seas settles into her regular schedule, she’ll alternate between Western Caribbean sailings and Eastern Caribbean itineraries, which include stops in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
A New Era for Port Canaveral Cruising
The arrival of Star of the Seas marks a major milestone for Port Canaveral, already one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. Her presence is expected to draw thousands of travelers to the Space Coast and solidify the port as a premier departure point for both short getaways and week-long Caribbean adventures.
Whether you’re a cruise veteran or a first-time traveler, the debut of Star of the Seas is more than just a ship’s arrival — it’s the start of a new chapter in cruise vacations.
Diana Ross Steps Down as Star of the Seas Godmother
In a surprise announcement, Royal Caribbean International has confirmed that legendary music icon Diana Ross will no longer serve as godmother for Star of the Seas. The ship’s naming ceremony is still scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, August 20, at Port Canaveral, Florida, but Ross will not appear. The cruise line has not disclosed the reason for the change and has yet to reveal a replacement godmother. Plans for the high-profile event remain underway, and the naming will go ahead as scheduled. For Star of the Seas pricing, email chillie@bookalaska.net
Passenger Rescued After Pier Fall at CocoCay
Guests aboard Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Star of the Seas got an unexpected scare yesterday when the ship sounded its “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” man overboard alarm while docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
According to the cruise line, a passenger fell from the pier between Star of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas just after 8 a.m. while trying to capture footage of the massive new vessel. Crew members quickly threw a life ring into the water, which the guest grabbed before being pulled to safety.
No injuries have been confirmed. Star of the Seas was visiting CocoCay as part of a preview cruise from Port Canaveral and has since resumed its itinerary.