Meet the World’s New Largest Cruise Ship—Featuring a DeLorean and a Pup

Royal Caribbean has once again raised the bar in the cruise industry with the launch of its newest mega-ship, the Star of the Seas. Officially the world’s largest cruise ship, Star of the Seas offers passengers an experience akin to a floating city, featuring unique entertainment, diverse dining, high-end amenities, and innovative attractions that redefine the boundaries of ocean travel.

A Floating City with Iconic Attractions

One standout feature aboard the Star of the Seas is a full-scale, flying DeLorean, a centerpiece of the ship’s exclusive Back to the Future musical. This theatrical production combined with the iconic vehicle exemplifies Royal Caribbean’s strategy to blend nostalgia, spectacle, and immersive entertainment.

Beyond that, the ship offers a dizzying array of activities and facilities, from 40 bars and restaurants to seven swimming pools, six waterslides, and 10 hot tubs. Passengers can enjoy continuous entertainment including water shows in the AquaDome and ice skating performances like the high-energy Sol ice skating show.

Adding a warm, furry touch to life onboard is Sailor, a six-month-old golden retriever who holds the affectionate title of the ship’s second Chief Dog Officer, capturing hearts with his playful presence.

Unmatched Scale and Capacity

The Star of the Seas is a giant on the waves, weighing nearly 249,000 gross tons with a length of 364.83 meters—just a few inches longer than its sister ship, Icon of the Seas. The vessel boasts 20 decks and accommodates up to 7,600 passengers alongside 2,350 crew members, making it a mini-metropolis sailing across the seas.

With 2,805 staterooms ranging from interior cabins to lavish suites, the ship caters to a wide spectrum of travelers seeking luxury, adventure, or relaxation.

A New Era of Vacation Cruises

Royal Caribbean’s CEO Michael Bayley describes the company’s evolution as a “vacation company” rather than just a cruise line. The focus is on offering a blend of onboard experiences and exclusive land-based destinations like Perfect Day at Coco Cay—the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas.

Star of the Seas embodies this vision, delivering experiences that extend beyond traditional cruising and rival those found at luxury resorts or theme parks.

Pricing and Itinerary

Seven-night sailings aboard Star of the Seas range in price depending on the season and room category, starting at approximately $1,272 per person for interior cabins and reaching near $6,000 for premium suites.

The ship sails its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, near Orlando, Florida, visiting hotspots such as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, and Basseterre on St. Kitts.

Cruise Industry Competition and Innovations

Star of the Seas enters a fiercely competitive market where cruise lines are pushing for innovation and scale. Norwegian’s Aqua boasts the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide, Disney’s Destiny will highlight Marvel-themed attractions, and MSC’s World America targets expanding the U.S. market.

Carnival recently opened its 65-acre Celebration Key private retreat, and other lines such as Princess and Celebrity are launching new ships this fall. Royal Caribbean is also preparing to debut Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, expanding its portfolio of private destinations.

Conclusion

With its record-breaking size, stunning entertainment, and unparalleled amenities, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is set to redefine luxury cruising for the modern traveler. This floating city offers a comprehensive vacation experience that harmonizes sea-bound adventure with land-based leisure, reflecting the cruise industry’s ambitious evolution.

As the ship sails from Port Canaveral starting August 31 for its maiden voyage, passengers can expect grand new adventures and unforgettable memories on the world's largest cruise ship.