Star of the Seas Arriving Early – Another Sailing Added!
Just one day after completing her sea trials with flying (or sailing!) colors, Star of the Seas is even more eager to welcome her first guests – so eager that Royal Caribbean has added a fourth showcase cruise ahead of the ship’s official inaugural voyage.
The new sailing is a 4-night Perfect Day at CocoCay cruise that will depart Port Canaveral, Florida on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
“We’re excited to bring you even more great news about Star of the Seas,” the announcement read. “To officially kick off our inaugural season, we have added an additional 4-Night Star Showcase Cruise to Perfect Day on August 16, 2025 because we simply can’t wait to debut the world’s best family vacation.”
The new itinerary only visits CocoCay on Sunday, August 17, where Star of the Seas will be alongside Royal Caribbean’s newest ship (until that day!) – Utopia of the Seas.
Two full days at sea will follow as Star of the Seas makes her way back to Port Canaveral. This will give guests onboard the second Icon-class ship plenty of time to enjoy all her fabulous amenities, themed neighborhoods, outstanding eateries, seven pools, the Category 6 waterpark and more.
This is the fourth showcase cruise Star of the Seas has had added to her deployment schedule ahead of her “official” maiden voyage, a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary departing on August 31.
Guests already booked on the ship’s August 20 departure – what was, until today, the earliest possible sailing for Star of the Seas – have been given the opportunity to move up their voyage if they wish to be on the absolute first cruise.
This follows the completion of Star of the Seas’ sea trials, which were finished “in record time” and with excellent results. This means the ship is fully operational and all systems are very much full speed ahead, permitting the ship to debut earlier than expected.
Ironically, Star of the Seas was originally scheduled to debut with her inaugural voyage on August 17, 2025, but that sailing was cancelled more than a year ago when it appeared the ship’s construction would be delayed.
Since then, construction has progressed more smoothly and more quickly than expected, which has permitted these showcase cruises to be added. Star of the Seas is certainly eager to prove what a star she is destined to be!
Are Showcase Cruises Different Than Regular Sailings?
While these showcase cruises are nominally earlier than the inaugural voyage and will certainly give guests plenty of fun to enjoy, it is possible that every onboard experience may not be 100% ready for eager guests.
Read Also: Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships in the World
It is not unusual for the first few sailings of a new cruise ship to lack some entertainment options, or there may be kinks in normal operation that need to be ironed out.
It is also possible that the ship may not be completely staffed for the showcase cruises and therefore lines could be a bit longer than anticipated. Of course, the cutest crew member is already learning her duties!
These types of possible minor inconveniences are more than made up for by the excitement of being among the very first guests to experience a brand new ship.
To celebrate the occasion, all guests onboard will receive special gifts and swag to commemorate the debut of Star of the Seas, regardless of whether they are on one of the shorter showcase cruises or the official inaugural sailing.
The inaugural cruise, of course, will have the full ship experience, more ports of call (CocoCay, Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel), and even more time to explore and enjoy everything about the new ship.