Royal Caribbean Group recently held the official naming ceremony for its new ship, Star of the Seas, in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. The event, which took place in August 2025, was attended by important figures from the company, including Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean.
Astronaut Kellie Gerardi was named the ship’s official godmother, symbolically bestowing protection upon the vessel, its crew, and future passengers. During the ceremony, Gerardi expressed her honor in participating in this tradition that connects the sea and space, highlighting that “a journey on Star is the perfect combination of two of my greatest passions in life, a spirit of exploration and quality time with family.”
The Star of the Seas represents a significant advancement in Royal Caribbean’s mission to reimagine cruise vacations. According to Jason Liberty, this new ship “brings together the best of our innovation, exclusive experiences, and the most sought-after destinations in an unforgettable vacation,” reinforcing the company’s commitment to creating responsible experiences for passengers of all ages.
Jason Liberty (President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group), Kellie Gerardi (godmother of the Star of the Seas), Michael Bayley (President and CEO of Royal Caribbean) and Captain Rob Hempstead of the Star of the Seas
With an innovative architecture that includes eight themed neighborhoods, the Star of the Seas offers experiences for all tastes. Among its most notable facilities are the Category 6 water park, the Crown’s Edge experience located 46 meters above the ocean, and seven pools, including an infinity pool suspended over the sea. Additionally, the ship features the Surfside neighborhood specifically designed for families with young children, more than 40 dining options, and shows such as “Back to the Future: The Musical“.
The new cruise ship will offer seven-night adventures from its home port in Port Canaveral, visiting destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including the private island Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. This addition to the fleet follows in the wake of Icon of the Seas, which marked the beginning of a new era of vacations from Miami.
Royal Caribbean has also announced future plans to expand its exclusive destinations, with the opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island scheduled for December 2025, Royal Beach Club Cozumel for 2026, and Perfect Day Mexico in the fall of 2027, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation in the cruise sector.
