Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Star of the Seas, has been officially named in a ceremony at Port Canaveral, Florida.
The event was attended by Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group; Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International; Captain Rob Hempstead; and Kellie Gerardi, who was chosen as the ship’s godmother.
Gerardi, a research astronaut and payload specialist, presided over the ceremony in the ship’s AquaTheater, where she bestowed safekeeping onto the vessel and its crew.
“I’m honoured to celebrate Royal Caribbean’s new Star of the Seas in such a beautiful naming ceremony as godmother – a tradition that is close to my heart and a spirit that spans both sea and space,” Gerardi said. “A vacation on Star is the perfect combination of two of my biggest passions in life, a spirit of exploration and quality time with family, and I can’t wait for this journey to begin.”
The celebration marked the official launch of the second vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class. The ship will now begin sailing week-long Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, including stops at the company’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
“Star of the Seas represents the next bold step in our journey to reimagine vacations,” Liberty said. “It brings together our innovation, signature experiences, and destinations into one vacation.”
Bayley added: “Here we are introducing the boldest family vacation ever. Star of the Seas delivers everything families want in a vacation with more adventure and more ways to make memories together.”
The 250,800-gross-tonne ship features eight themed neighbourhoods, including Surfside, designed for families with young children. Highlights include the Category 6 waterpark, Crown’s Edge skywalk at 154 feet above the sea, seven pools – among them a suspended infinity pool – and more than 40 dining and drinking venues. Entertainment ranges from live theatre and ice shows to the musical Back to the Future.
The ship follows Icon of the Seas, which debuted in Miami earlier this year. Future Royal Caribbean projects include the Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in Nassau (opening December 2025), Royal Beach Club Cozumel (2026), and Perfect Day Mexico (2027).
